Climate change is a pressing issue that has been affecting the whole world. Kenya, like many other countries, is experiencing the impacts of our own doing. The country is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including increased temperatures, droughts, floods, and unpredictable weather patterns. These challenges have had far-reaching consequences, including the loss of lives, destruction of property, and the disruption of economic activities. climate change has also affected the agricultural sector, which is the backbone of the Kenyan economy. Farmers have been grappling with the effects of change in rainfall patterns, which have led to reduced crop yields and food insecurity.
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| children using a solar lamp to read |
One of the most significant challenges in curbing climate change is the high cost of technology. Many Kenyans earn a minimum wage, and they may not afford expensive technologies to reduce their carbon footprint. Moreover, most of the population resides in rural areas, where they may not have access to reliable electricity, let alone advanced technology. However, there are still ways in which technology can be incorporated into everyday life to help reduce the effects of climate change in Kenya.
Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, can help reduce the country's dependence on fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While solar panels and wind turbines may be expensive, there are more affordable options available. For instance, the use of solar lamps or lanterns can be a cheaper alternative to traditional lighting sources like kerosene lamps, which emit harmful fumes and contribute to carbon emissions.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), over 2.7 million households in Kenya use solar lighting, which has improved their quality of life while also reducing carbon emissions. The Kenyan government has been promoting renewable energy as part of its development agenda. In 2019, the government launched the Kenya National Electrification Strategy, which aims to provide universal access to electricity by 2022. The strategy emphasizes the use of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal, which are abundant in the country. Moreover, the government has also introduced tax incentives and subsidies for renewable energy companies to encourage investment in the sector. ( though questions are stagnate here on matters to with over-taxing solar importation)
Transportation is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Electric vehicles may seem like an unaffordable luxury, but there are other ways to reduce carbon emissions from transportation. For example, walking or cycling instead of using a car can be an effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also promoting a healthy lifestyle. Our public transportation, such as buses, emit fewer greenhouse gases per passenger than private cars. The Kenyan government is also working towards a cleaner transportation system, with plans to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure and promote the use of electric vehicles.
Agriculture is a crucial sector in Kenya, and farmers face the challenges of climate change, such as droughts and unpredictable weather patterns. While high-tech solutions may be out of reach for small-scale farmers, there are still ways to incorporate technology into farming practices. For instance, using organic fertilizers and crop rotation techniques can help increase crop yields while reducing the use of harmful chemicals. Also using water-efficient irrigation techniques, such as drip irrigation, can help conserve water while also reducing costs for farmers.
The Kenyan government has also been promoting sustainable agriculture practices. In 2019, the government launched the National Climate Smart Agriculture Strategy, which aims to increase food security, improve incomes for farmers, and promote sustainable land use. The strategy emphasizes the use of climate-resilient crops, sustainable farming practices, and the adoption of technologies such as weather forecasting and crop insurance.
Technology can be a valuable tool in mitigating the effects of climate change in Kenya, even for those who earn a minimum wage or live
Some points.
ReplyDeleteWe definitely need to help the ordinary Kenyan out of poverty.
Europe came out of poverty with the discovery of fossil fuels.
Farmers and scientists know that CO2 has zero effect on climate. It is undisputed that CO2 FOLLOWS CLIMATE by an average of 800 years.
Without CO2, there is no life on Earth. As I am sure you know, plants, through photosynthesis, create food and Oxygen.
The addition of any CO2 is grabbed by plants. The Earth then begins to green. And that is what it is doing now. Politicians are lying. This is not unheard of!
I believe solar lamps would be good for individuals . But we need electricity or gas for cooking in the rural areas. It is smokeless .
But if there is not enough electricity from thermal gases in Naivasha , then to deny Kenya use of its coal is criminal.
The idea that we could provide electricity for vehicles is laughable . We, who do have electricity, have equal amount of outages as we do have actual power!
Rosy
Rosyinafrica@gmail.com
On the part of electricity I could agree more,that is why solar is an option but overtaxing is where the ice breaks
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