Eco-system changes due to climate changes impact on temperature and rainfall patterns across Tanzania, whether associated with human induced climate change and/or long-term natural variability, have numerous and extensive impacts on the varied agro-ecological systems across the country, as well as the built environment of towns and cities.

Some of these impacts are very direct; others are mediated through complex feedback systems. As mentioned above, many of the ecosystems are already in a degraded state due to human activity and this makes them more susceptible to the impacts of climate change, as are many of the infrastructure networks that constitute the built environment.

These impacts are in turn experienced very differently by the various sectors, communities and households across Tanzania. Currently, large portions of the population are particularly vulnerable to climate change because of their limited livelihood base, poor access to markets and services (notably water supply, energy, transport, healthcare and social welfare), and weaknesses in the institutions that govern them.

One of the biggest challenges of the 21st century is climate change. The accumulation of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) from different sources in the atmospheres promotes global warming (IPCC, 2007).

The major source of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is the burning of fossil fuels that is estimated to contribute about 80%. Land use and land cover change especially forest deforestation and degradation contribute the remaining percentage (Stern, 2007).

Among the major impacts of climate change in Tanzania is its influence on ecosystem services. Tanzania is endowed with different ecosystems and thus a variety of ecosystem services. While we are aware of the different ecosystem services that are provided by different ecosystems in Tanzania, knowledge on how these services are vulnerable to climate change and to what extent they will be impacted by climate change are not well known.

The impact of climate change poses serious challenges to sustainable livelihoods and economic development, particularly for least developed countries like Tanzania. The adverse impacts of climate change are already noticeable in many countries including Tanzania.

The ramifications of climate change are particularly evident on environment, human health, food security, human settlements, economic activities, natural resources and physical infrastructure.

In recognition of these challenges, the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania is committed to work hard to address these problems including adaptation and mitigation of climate change.

The key issues to be addressed here include adaptation, mitigation, technology transfer and financial mechanisms to support implementation particularly of mitigation and adaptation activities.

Specifically, Tanzania is committed to participate in the development and implementation of the REDD (Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation) initiatives as proposed in the Bali Conference to combat deforestation and the challenges of climate change.