Kenya 🇰🇪
Climate idea
Climate idea
Edwin wangombe
31 w
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Transition to Clean Energy: A Necessity for Kenya’s Health and Environment
Respiratory diseases have been the most prevalent in Kenya for the past several years and are on the rise, according to government authorities, with 19.6 million reported cases last year. Burning biomass such as firewood is the largest contributor to those diseases, said Evans Amukoye, a scientist with the Kenya Medical Research Institute’s respiratory diseases research center.
Cooking and coughing: Respiratory diseases plague Kenya as more people burn wood to save money
In Kenya's capital, a woman cooking with firewood engulfs herself in smoke as she heats herself some tea.
https://apnews.com/article/kenya-fossil-fuels-clean-cooking-respiratory-disease-9491e922f5be8b60f2d37e651f986990
“One can have itchy eyes, coughs while inhaling the smoke, and for serious cases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, you find that you cannot walk as your lungs have become tight,” Amukoye said. The disease is caused by indoor or outdoor air pollution or smoking. Data from Kenya’s health ministry shows that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is responsible for 1.7% of deaths in the country.
People in low-income areas are diagnosed with respiratory diseases later in life compared to middle-class people in urban areas with better awareness and access to healthcare, Amukoye said. Families in informal neighborhoods and rural areas are the most affected as most people rely on firewood or fossil fuels for cooking. Women hunched over a smoking fire at stalls for tea or snacks is a common sight in the capital, Nairobi, and beyond.
The government’s 2022 Demographic and Health Survey showed a high dependence on traditional fuels for cooking in Kenya. The number of households relying on biomass like firewood increased from 4.7 million to 6.7 million between 2020 and 2022. Economist Abraham Muriu believes the increase in Kenyans using firewood is a result of economic shocks caused by reduced incomes during the COVID pandemic and ongoing high inflation.
The negative impacts of cooking with firewood and other biomass fuels extend beyond health issues. Deforestation, a significant environmental concern in Kenya, is driven by the demand for firewood and charcoal. The continuous cutting down of trees for domestic fuel contributes to habitat loss, soil erosion, and reduced biodiversity, ultimately exacerbating climate change.
To save its people from respiratory diseases and its forests from deforestation, the Kenyan government must prioritize transitioning to clean energy. By promoting affordable, sustainable alternatives to traditional biomass fuels, the government can improve public health, protect the environment, and support economic stability in both rural and urban areas. Investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, alongside initiatives to make clean cooking technologies accessible and affordable, is crucial for Kenya's future well-being and sustainability.
Combatting Climate Change and Environmental Degradation
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Burning biomass such as firewood releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. Transitioning to clean energy sources, such as solar, wind, and clean cookstoves, can drastically reduce these emissions.
Preventing Deforestation: The demand for firewood leads to deforestation, which not only destroys habitats but also reduces the number of trees that can absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. Protecting forests by reducing the reliance on firewood helps maintain these vital carbon sinks, crucial for mitigating climate change.
Protecting Soil and Water Resources: Deforestation leads to soil erosion, reducing agricultural productivity and leading to sedimentation in water bodies, which affects water quality and aquatic life. Maintaining forest cover ensures soil stability and preserves water resources.
Biodiversity Conservation: Forests are home to a vast array of plant and animal species. Deforestation threatens this biodiversity. By transitioning to clean energy, we can help protect these ecosystems and the services they provide, such as pollination and climate regulation.
Improving Air Quality: Burning firewood and charcoal produces smoke and pollutants that degrade air quality, contributing to respiratory illnesses and environmental pollution. Clean energy alternatives produce little to no emissions, leading to cleaner air and healthier living conditions.
Energy Efficiency and Economic Benefits: Clean energy technologies, such as induction cookers and solar panels, are more efficient and can reduce energy costs in the long run. This not only saves money for households but also reduces pressure on natural resources.
Government Role and Policy Recommendations
The Kenyan government must take decisive action to promote the transition to clean energy. This can be achieved through:
Subsidies and Incentives: Providing financial incentives and subsidies for the purchase and installation of clean energy technologies to make them more affordable for low-income households.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about the health and environmental benefits of clean energy to increase adoption and support for sustainable practices.
Infrastructure Development: Investing in the development of renewable energy infrastructure, such as solar and wind farms, to ensure widespread access to clean energy.
Regulation and Enforcement: Implementing and enforcing regulations that limit deforestation and promote the sustainable use of natural resources.
International Collaboration: Partnering with international organizations and governments to share knowledge, technology, and funding to support Kenya’s clean energy transition.
By prioritizing the transition to clean energy, the Kenyan government can protect its people from respiratory diseases, safeguard its forests from deforestation, and contribute significantly to the global fight against climate change and environmental degradation.
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28 w
Embracing renewable energy sources like solar and wind power will ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for all Kenyans.
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31 w
This is a great idea that will revolutionise the energy sector, protect the people from respiratory diseases and create a sustainable environment now and in the future.
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31 w
Accessibility of the innovative ways for cooking is a big issue for the poor marginalizes people in the villages.