Did you know that human activities have been the main drivers of climate change?
According to the United Nations, climate change is the long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns.
Burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas produces greenhouse gas emissions like methane and carbon dioxide. Increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap sun heat preventing the sun from reaching the earth thus raising the atmospheric temperatures.
The main source of greenhouse gas in Kenya is transport sector consisting of motor vehicles, motor cycles, aircrafts and trains that consume petroleum products and emit carbon dioxide.
The levels of greenhouse gas emissions differ, with some countries emitting more than the other though the effects of climate change are experienced globally.
The consequences of the climate changes we are experiencing in Kenya are intense drought, water scarcity, flooding and reduced biodiversity.
Kenya has in the recent months experienced severe droughts in the arid and semi-arid counties of Baringo, Garissa, Isiolo, Mandera, Marsabit, Samburu, Tana River, Turkana, Wajir. Kajiado, Kilifi, Kitui, Kwale, Laikipia, Lamu, Makueni, Taita Taveta, Tharaka Nithi and West Pokot. This has led to loss of livelihood because majority of the local communities in those counties depend on crop and livestock farming as their main source of livelihood.
Effects of recent drought has led to loss of livestock in arid and semi-arid areas
Low rainfall, delayed rainfall or lack of it has resulted to food crop failure and lack of forage for their livestock. The drought is a threat to livestock and human lives. Are the developing and industrialized countries fulfilling their commitment towards reduction and adaptation to climate change?