The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change management on Thursday launched climate change communication strategy.

Speaking during the launch, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Management, Catherine Gotani Hara said the strategy will help in dealing with environmental and climate change challenges.

“We in the ministry visualise a Malawi that is well-informed about environment and climate change. The strategy seeks to break barriers of communication by engaging people and transforming them from unclear understanding about causes of environmental degradation and climate change to a situation where they will make informed choices and decisions,” Hara said.

Speaking at the function, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Assistant Resident Representative, Samuel Chingondole, said if issues of climate change are not addressed, they will affect the country’s development.

“Environment and climate change have emerged as major development issues. We have been experiencing droughts, intense rainfall and floods, among others. If not adequately addressed, the challenges will affect the country’s economic growth,” Chingondole said.

At the function, there was also a briefing on the Atomic Energy Act of 2011.

Hara said the legislation will provide adequate protection for people and the environment against radiation.

“The legal instruments intend to guide regulation and management of the use of nuclear materials, radiation sources and utilisation of nuclear science and technology medical purposes, improved agricultural production, mining and other industrial processes,” she said.