The continuous argument about the causes, effects, and potential solutions to climate change, which frequently involves a variety of viewpoints, is referred to as the "climate change debate." There are differing opinions on certain parts of this complicated problem despite the fact that there is general scientific agreement that climate change is real, mostly caused by human activity, and poses serious threats. Key issues in the discussion of climate change include:
Existence of Climate Change: There is general agreement among scientists that the Earth's climate is changing and that rising greenhouse gas emissions are to blame for the increase in global temperatures. Some people and organizations disagree with this agreement, claiming that the observed changes are the result of natural forces or cyclical climatic patterns.
Role of Humans: Most climate scientists concur that burning fossil fuels and deforestation are the main causes of the current climate change. Sceptics might minimize human influence or contest its importance.
Climate Impacts: There is disagreement over how severe and immediate the effects of climate change are. Some think that the effects are being overblown, while others claim they are being understated, perhaps setting the stage for catastrophic occurrences.
Climate Impacts: There is disagreement over how severe and immediate the effects of climate change are. Some think that the effects are being overblown, while others claim they are being understated, perhaps setting the stage for catastrophic occurrences.
Different people have different ideas about what policies should be implemented in response to climate change. The pace and extent of carbon reductions, the function of government regulation, and the effects on job creation and economic growth are the main topics of discussion.
Kenya’s commitment to fighting climate change.
Kenya has demonstrated a commitment to combating climate change through a variety of laws, programs, and initiatives. Here are some significant facets of Kenya's commitment to combating climate change as of my most recent information update in September 2021:
Kenya created the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP), a thorough plan outlining the nation's strategy for combating climate change. It also contains plans for sustainable development as well as both adaptation and mitigation actions.
Kenya has ratified the Paris Agreement, an international agreement that aims to keep global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The nation has vowed to cut greenhouse gas emissions and improve climate impact resilience.
Renewable Energy: Kenya has been putting money into geothermal, wind, and solar energy in particular. With its dedication to renewable energy, the nation hopes to lessen its dependency on fossil fuels and cut emissions.
Kenya has undertaken programs for tree planting and reforestation to fight deforestation, boost carbon sequestration, and rehabilitate degraded regions. A good example is the "Green Belt Movement".
Climate-Resilient Agriculture: To assist farmers in adjusting to changing weather patterns, lowering emissions, and enhancing food security, Kenya has been encouraging climate-smart agricultural methods such as agroforestry, conservation tillage, the limited use of fire in agricultural areas, cultivation of drought-tolerant crops, water harvesting, and integrated soil fertility management.
Kenya produces more than 70% of its energy from renewable resources such geothermal, hydro, and wind energy, with the industrial and residential usage of solar energy growing.
In order to promote sales, the Kenyan government zero rates the importation of some components, such as solar panels and inverters.
Africa Climate Summit 2023
Kenya is committed to leading the fight against climate change in the global arena. The East Africa’s largest economy is the host country for the African Climate Summit 2023. Kenya’s president H.E Dr. William Ruto has called upon Africa’s leaders to embrace the youths and give them the platform to express their opinions on climate change.
With the help of Global Gateway, Europe's global investment strategy, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of Kenya Ruto unveiled the Green Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap for Kenya at the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi.
The EU will invest over €12 million in grants through Global Gateway to boost public and private investments in Kenya's green hydrogen sector. Global Gateway spends a total of €3.4 billion in Kenya's environment and climate, including strengthening sustainable agriculture value chains, enhancing climate resilience, and conserving the environment.
According to Kenya’s President Dr. William Samoei Ruto, the Green Hydrogen strategy charts a course for Kenya to harness the potential of green hydrogen as a key driver of energy transition. It prioritizes economic expansion, the creation of job opportunities, and the promotion of environmental stewardship. The increase of green production of Kenyan tea, coffee, horticulture, floriculture, and cereals are just a few examples of how a green hydrogen economy could improve food security. Additionally, it will make it easier for our sectors and the economy to go carbon-free.
The roadmap, created in collaboration with experts from the EU, outlines Kenya's goals for growing its green hydrogen economy from this year through 2032 and beyond. It emphasizes the expansion and development of the home market, exports, and has goals for reducing emissions, creating jobs, and direct investments.
Africa's potential for solar energy (10 TW), hydropower (350 GW), wind energy (110 GW), and geothermal energy (15 GW) is practically limitless. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Africa's renewable energy potential might reach 310 GW by 2030, placing the continent at the forefront of the world's production of renewable energy.
With appealing investment prospects in climate-resilient infrastructure, climate-smart agriculture, and the sustainable management of natural resources, Africa has a tremendous amount of potential to construct a climate-resilient and low-carbon continent. Africa needs a revolution in renewable energy since it has 15% of the world's population yet may be responsible for nearly 50% of the predicted costs of adaption to climate change. Not to mention that the majority of the 600 million people living in Sub-Saharan Africa are without access to electricity. It is believed that the continent's energy poverty costs it between 2% and 4% of GDP yearly and impedes African economic development.