Gendered Conditions, Women in Zimbabwe's Climate Crisis
In this episode of the African Climate Alliance Podcast, we focus on Zimbabwe, where young people, particularly women, are standing on the frontlines of the climate crisis.Across the country, the impacts of climate change are being felt in everyday life. Droughts are leaving families without food and water, while climate migration and menstrual health challenges are deepening existing inequalities. Through the voices of Christina, Wayne, and Anesu, young activists and students who are leading action in their communities, we explore how youth and gender come together to drive resilience, justice, and hope.In this episode, you’ll hear about:How rising temperatures and water scarcity are affecting young girls’ health and education.The experiences of women left behind as men migrate in search of work during worsening droughts.The creativity of rural communities that are developing local, low-cost climate solutions.The urgent need for inclusive decision-making and gender-responsive climate financing.Despite the challenges, these young Zimbabweans remind us that communities already hold many of the solutions to the climate crisis. What they need is recognition, support, and access to resources. Their message is clear: climate justice can only be achieved when everyone is included.Attributions This episode includes references to and excerpts from reporting by:Al Jazeera English France 24 English - 'Crying from hunger': Zimbabwe drought hits children (2024)ITV News - The evidence climate change is driving Zimbabwe into crisis (2025) Al Jazeera English - Cyclone Idai: Families hunt for missing relatives in Zimbabwe (2019) We acknowledge and thank these outlets for their important journalism, which provided context and insight for this conversation. These excerpts were used under fair use for commentary.About Season 3For Season 3 of the podcast, we interviewed young activists in our network across 5 African countries: Zimbabwe, South Africa, Malawi, Zambia, and Kenya. The lesson? Climate stories aren't always stories about the climate. They are stories about how a rapidly changing world affects our daily lives and decisions.
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TEASER: Gendered Conditions, Women in Zimbabwe's Climate Crisis
Episode 1In this episode of the African Climate Alliance Podcast, we focus on Zimbabwe, where young people, particularly women, are standing on the frontlines of the climate crisis.Across the country, the impacts of climate change are being felt in everyday life. Droughts are leaving families without food and water, while climate migration and menstrual health challenges are deepening existing inequalities. Through the voices of Christina, Wayne, and Anesu, young activists and students who are leading action in their communities, we explore how youth and gender come together to drive resilience, justice, and hope.In this episode, you’ll hear about:How rising temperatures and water scarcity are affecting young girls’ health and education.The experiences of women left behind as men migrate in search of work during worsening droughts.The creativity of rural communities that are developing local, low-cost climate solutions.The urgent need for inclusive decision-making and gender-responsive climate financing.Despite the challenges, these young Zimbabweans remind us that communities already hold many of the solutions to the climate crisis. What they need is recognition, support, and access to resources. Their message is clear: climate justice can only be achieved when everyone is included.About Season 3For Season 3 of the podcast, we interviewed young activists in our network across 5 African countries: Zimbabwe, South Africa, Malawi, Zambia, and Kenya. The lesson? Climate stories aren't always stories about the climate. They are stories about how a rapidly changing world affects our daily lives and decisions.
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Reconciling The Spiritual With The Political with Reverend Rachel Mash
In the final episode of our Cancel Coal season, we're in conversation with Reverend Rachel Mash. We unpack the fundamental role of spiritual leaders in activism, while exploring the intersections, physical, and spiritual worlds, and how it can inspire tangible change within society. Reverend Rachel is the Environmental Coordinator of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa (South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia and Eswatini). She is a member of the United Nations Environment Programme's ‘Faith for Earth’ task team on pollution. She also works with the Green Anglicans Movement which has spread from Southern Africa to 13 African countries.About Season 2:In this second season of the podcast, we are talking all things Cancel Coal. Over the course of five episodes, we will dive into the multifaceted impacts of coal mining and the way forward for our energy future. From frontline advocates in coal-affected communities, and legal experts discussing the environmental crisis, to the transformative power of spiritual leaders, each episode delves into diverse experiences and perspectives, encouraging us to engage with the urgent need to Cancel Coal for a just and sustainable future.Learn more about the Cancel Coal Court Case:Cancel Coal websiteSign the petition to Cancel CoalJoin the Cancel Coal Youth Task ForceLearn more about African Climate Alliance:Check out our websiteFollow ACA on Instagram
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Where The (Mine)y Resides with Zen Mathe and Michael Marchant
In the fourth episode of our Cancel Coal season, we’re in conversation with Zen Mathe and Michael Marchant from Open Secrets - an organisation holding powerful private actors to account for economic crimes. Together, we uncover the power and money dynamics within South Africa’s energy landscape as well as the lessons that can be learned for achieving an equitable and just energy transition. Zen Mathe holds a BA International Studies degree from Stellenbosch University and a PGDip in Sustainable Development from Stellenbosch University’s School of Public Leadership. She previously worked as a postgraduate researcher at the Centre for Complex Systems in Transition (CST), where she engaged in research around State Capture and governance issues. Zen is currently completing her MPhil in Sustainable Development.And Michael Marchant is the Head of Investigations at Open Secrets. He holds an MSc in International Development from the University of Edinburgh, a PPE (Hons) from the University of Cape Town (UCT), and an LLB from the University of South Africa (UNISA). Michael was the lead researcher on Apartheid Guns & Money: A Tale of ProfitAbout Season 2:In this second season of the podcast, we are talking all things Cancel Coal. Over the course of five episodes, we will dive into the multifaceted impacts of coal mining and the way forward for our energy future. From frontline advocates in coal-affected communities, and legal experts discussing the environmental crisis, to the transformative power of spiritual leaders, each episode delves into diverse experiences and perspectives, encouraging us to engage with the urgent need to Cancel Coal for a just and sustainable future.Learn more about the Cancel Coal Court Case:Cancel Coal websiteSign the petition to Cancel CoalJoin the Cancel Coal Youth Task ForceLearn more about African Climate Alliance:Check out our websiteFollow ACA on Instagram
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Speaking Truth to Power with Brandon Abdinor
In the third episode of our Cancel Coal season, we chat to climate advocacy lawyer, Brandon Abdinor, from the Centre for Environmental Rights, as we explore the legal aspects of the Cancel Coal court case, its constitutional basis, and the implications on South Africa's energy future.Brandon Abdinor joined the Centre for Environmental Rights as a Climate Advocacy Lawyer in 2021. In this role he engages with climate change related laws and policies with a view to helping ensure that these are effective and advance the needs of climate justice for all. The role includes liaising with a wide range of stakeholders to gather and share information and build consensus around legal advocacy in pursuit of an increasingly sound and just climate change response.About Season 2:In this second season of the podcast, we are talking all things Cancel Coal. Over the course of five episodes, we will dive into the multifaceted impacts of coal mining and the way forward for our energy future. From frontline advocates in coal-affected communities, and legal experts discussing the environmental crisis, to the transformative power of spiritual leaders, each episode delves into diverse experiences and perspectives, encouraging us to engage with the urgent need to Cancel Coal for a just and sustainable future.Learn more about the Cancel Coal Court Case:Cancel Coal websiteSign the petition to Cancel CoalJoin the Cancel Coal Youth Task ForceLearn more about African Climate Alliance:Check out our websiteFollow ACA on Instagram
Welcome to the African Climate Alliance podcast where we aim to answer the questions: What does climate justice look like in Africa? And what will it take to achieve it?
Each episode brings you insightful discussions, inspiring stories, and practical solutions to address the climate crisis with advocates, activists, and experts from across the continent.
Together, we'll explore how communities can come together to tackle climate change, build resilience, and create a sustainable future for generations to come. Whether you're an activist, a concerned citizen, or someone simply curious about how to create a positive impact, this podcast offers a platform for learning, dialogue, and action.
Tune into the African Climate Alliance Podcast and let’s create a more just world, for all.
Learn more at www.africanclimatealliance.org
South Africa