By Felix Kioko
A lot has been written, talked about and advertised about climate change. In the first series of edge of extinction we learnt on why it is important to limit global rise in average temperatures to below 1.5 degrees. We know climate change is happening but the biggest questions are what do we do about it? Who are responsible to take action? Many people think that it is the government’s role to stop climate change, the government on the other hand thinks it is the people who are to take the lead in the fight. This finger pointing and lack of responsibility is what has gotten us here.
People, communities then governments. That is how action against climate change should be set up. In this series we will look at home based solutions that can help you fight climate change right from what you do at home.
Let’s make one point clear before we continue, we can’t stop climate change. We are already past that threshold. Climate change will keep happening for as long as the earth exists. The climate we are experiencing today is not near what was there a thousand years ago. The planet is changing whether we like it or not we can only dictate the rate at which it changes at.
That’s where the words mitigation and adaptation come in.
Climate Change Mitigation refers to efforts to reduce or prevent emission of greenhouse gases. Mitigation can mean using new technologies and renewable energies, making older equipment more energy efficient, or changing management practices or consumer behavior. It can be as complex as a plan for a new city, or as a simple as improvements to a cook stove design. Efforts underway around the world range from high-tech subway systems to bicycling paths and walkways.
On the other hand,
Climate Change Adaptation means anticipating the adverse effects of climate change and taking appropriate action to prevent or minimize the damage they can cause, or taking advantage of opportunities that may arise
In a nut shell adaptation is knowing that something bad is going to happen so you try and reduce its effects. Almost like why cars have airbags or planes have life jackets.
Examples of adaptation measures include: using scarce water resources more efficiently; adapting building codes to future climate conditions and extreme weather events; building flood defenses and raising the levels of dykes; developing drought-tolerant crops; choosing tree species and forestry practices less vulnerable to storms and fires; and setting aside land corridors to help species migrate.
But before we get started.
This article in no way downplays the role of the government in taking action on climate change. Climate change is a planetary-scale threat and, as such, requires planetary-scale reforms that can only be implemented by the world’s governments. Individuals can at most be responsible for their own behaviour, but governments have the power to implement legislation that compels industries and individuals to act sustainably.
Although the power of consumers is strong, it pales in comparison to that of international corporations and only governments have the power to keep these interests in check.
Usually, we regard governments as having a duty to protect citizens. So why is it that we allow them to skirt these responsibilities just because it is more convenient to encourage individual action? Asking individuals to bear the burden of global warming shifts the responsibilities from those who are meant to protect to those who are meant to be protected. We need to hold governments to their responsibilities first and foremost. But before we do that, we must first check ourselves first.
Know that that’s out of the way, here are some solutions.
It may sound obvious, but powering your home with solar or wind is still one of the best ways to fight climate change. Depending on where you live, you may be able to switch to a power company that provides energy from renewables. Or you can consider getting solar installed on your home. Learn more about getting renewable energy here.
Let me hit you where it will hurt most, your stomach. You can fight climate change simply by changing what you eat. You can significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions by eating less meat. The global livestock industry produces more greenhouse gas emissions than all cars, planes, trains and ships combined. All you nyama choma people why not take a nice freshly made salad instead. Choosing local foods when possible and buying food with less packaging. Learn more about cutting down on animal products here.
Saving water at home is another way to fight climate change. Why? Because the less water you use the less water is drained from streams, rivers or boreholes.
You can make a sustainable choice every time you need to go somewhere: I won’t tell you to use an electric vehicle, no one owns one in Kenya, but rather take public transportation if it’s available, carpool to work, ride a bicycle or walk when possible. The last two methods are a perfect way to get your body in shape. These are all ways to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases entering the atmosphere and heating our planet.
There are carbon emissions embedded in all the things we use day-to-day. When you buy fewer new things, you shrink your carbon footprint. Learn more here.
Recycling. Yes, recycling really can help stop climate change! That’s because re-using materials usually uses less energy, and thus creates less pollution, than extracting raw materials. Learn more.
Last but not least. Plant a tree. I dare say it is an injustice to boast of the aesthetic beauty of Kenya when you have never planted a tree. Not just plant but make sure it grows. According to the U.N. FAO, 6.1% or about 3,467,000 ha of Kenya is forested, according to FAO. Of this 18.9% (654,000) is classified as primary forest, the most biodiverse and carbon-dense form of forest. Kenya had 197,000 ha of planted forest. The aim is to increase the forest cover to at least 10%, this will help to suck carbon out of the air and stabilize the climate.
Fighting climate change won’t be easy. The things we consider normal routine will have to be adjusted or done away with completely.
Now that you know. Spread the word about climate change. Help save the planet.
Watch the short film on climate change and be motivated.