The State President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, has underscored the need for a multi- sectoral approach in the fight against climate change in the country.

Chakwera made the call during his Weekly Brief at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe on Monday which focused on the environment.

Chakwera said: “It is high time the country took drastic steps to reverse the adverse effects of the environment by fixing soil degradation, replenishing forests with trees and restoring life under water.”

He further said his administration will be investing in strategies that will help in mitigating the risks of natural disasters rather than spending money on relief activities after a disaster has occurred.

The president also highlighted that processes are already underway to establish a taskforce comprising of various experts from different fields to help address issues of climate change.

“Taking care of the environment is a civic duty so everyone has to take part in protecting the environment and I therefore, encourage chiefs to take a leading role in educating their subjects on the hazards of environmental degradation,” he said.

During the briefing it was revealed that the country is losing about 32, 000 hectares of forest cover every year.

The event was also graced by the Ministry of Forestry and Natural Resources officials, Presidential Advisers on environmental issues and environmental experts.