There is something admirable about scientists dedicating their entire lives to prove a phenomenon. I for one can't wait for a solid conclusion as to what could have possibly wiped out an entire dinosaur species or if aliens actually do exist. But on this one there is virtually no debate about it, “Earth is not cool anymore!”. And we humans are the primary cause. Given that the world's most competitive enterprises on matters science; including but not limited to NASA and World Meteorological Organization agree on this, I'd say this is an astounding level on consensus. We may not have all the answers but we have enough to level the curve. Or rather cease borrowing from the future if not go back to how things were in the beginning.
Science can be very technical, so I'll leave out the scientific explanation as to how the Greenhouse effect works and make it a normal conversation, me to you. If your concern for growing climate crisis is genuine then you're definitely aware that our biggest threat is how big our Carbon footprint is. That's a good a good place to start.
Climate crisis is by far the most hyped and talked about global crisis and still the most ignored when it comes to action. Ironic, right? That poses the question. Are we really doing enough? I’d say NO. Someone else will ask; “What do you mean we aren’t doing enough? We are holding relentless campaigns on plastic bans, reduced carbon emissions, we're encouraging citizens to plant tress in their homes.” Truth is planting 2 or 3 trees at my backyards or at events just to leave a mark is not going to fix a melting glacier in New Zealand. While is say that, I appreciate all efforts no matter how small of everyone fighting the same battle as me; though on a different battlefield, the goal is still the same. Regain climate stability. However the board is uneven and a universal formula is less effective.
I called it a conversation more than an essay, so lets try something more practical. A butterfly has to undergo all 4 stages before it can fly. And just like a butterfly, the African continent is yet to grow some wings. Why do I call it an uneven board? To understand this concept you'd either have to visit Africa or live here. While climatic change is a global crisis an insight to that which we can actually identify with to know that the planet is changing; unfortunately not for the better, is key.
(Photo Credits BBC) Iceberg A-76 of Antarctica; World's largest Iceberg on the move.
As I write this, millions of others just like me may not be in a position to identify with alarming headlines of the West on climate crisis..... “World glaciers melting at a faster pace......The water is coming, millions at risk from rising sea levels.....California record-breaking wildfires consume nearly 1 million acres in a month....World's biggest iceberg on the move..”
(Photo Credits: Reuters) Serbia Wild Fires.
That does not mean it's not happening down here! Water levels have risen in all of RiftValley lakes. Most noticeable being Lakes Naivasha, Baringo and Turkana. While the Great RiftValley is subject to ongoing plate tectonics and crustal movements that could affect the lakes, the recent rises have been directly linked to above average rainfall- one of the many extreme weather events happening.
(Photo credits: The Star, Kenya) Aerial view of Lake Naivasha floods.
Studies have shown that Kenya has experienced above average rainfall annually in the last decade. Between 2019-2020 some areas experienced as high as 400% above normal rainfall. By May 2020, Lake Naivasha had already reached its highest water levels since 1932 forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes as well as flooding of nearby flower farms. It was no different for communities living along Lake Baringo. Over 5,000 people were displaced leaving behind submerged schools, hospitals, hotels and permanent closure of certain roads.
Land use changes, riparian zone encroachment, loss of wetlands and urban growth are all contributing to more flooding. The proportion of rain and sediment that runs off from the catchments is increasing. In return, changes in the catchment areas reduce rainfall recharging of underground aquifers and cause more sediment such as soil to run off into rivers. This sediment reaches and accumulates in lakes and reservoirs causing clogging of underground outlets. Over time, the sediments build up the lake beds displacing lake water lever upwards.
While this shows that the levels aren't unprecedented; today all of Kenya's lakes as well as those of the African Continent face modern challenges arising from growing Infrastructure development pressures. Unfortunately we can't stop growth! Given the disparity in industrialization and technological advancement between the West and Africa, a universal climatic response is not going to fix this. Lets face it; Africa is where the West was hundreds of years ago. We're all prone to the same crisis but on very different timelines. A common enemy on a different battlefield and so should the tactics; Different.
It’s time we personalise the crisis as per the region. So I speak for Kenya. Like I said earlier, planting of trees in backyards, street lanes or fences is not effective enough to fix global climatic crisis. We are a country currently experiencing rapid growth in industrialization, which is a good thing. But with this, our contribution to the carbon footprint is equally big. We can't deal with either separately as the two go hand in hand. But we can create a balance.
Our only hope is investing 100% in Carbon Capture and Sequestration Technology; a process of capturing carbon dioxide before it enters the atmosphere and storing it for centuries or millennia. This means going really huge on Afforestation and Re-Afforestation especially around areas with high industrial activity. We are already experiencing above average rainfall patterns and we can use that to our advantage. As WDHT community through the right channels we need to approach the National Land Commission as well as other relevant bodies within the National and County governments to identify public land that stands no chance of urbanization and convert them into carbon capture units. Our mission will be to oversee that the carbon capture units are implemented, well maintained and protected from human destruction. Trees are proven to outlive humans’ with a lifespan of more than 100 years . So long as the cycle never stops; continuous setting up of large carbon capture units, I'd call that a life time achievement for generations to come.
Some effects may still be unclear and beyond humans. However, our commitment to existing legislation and national vegetation cover goals as well as bio-diversity friendly land use gives us a chance to slow down climate crisis. We hurt the planet and it lost enough. Now it's at war with us and we stand to lose a lot more. It’s time we cut a deal to make Earth cool again!
Written By Eunice Elsa Wangeci.
WDHT- KENYA CHAPTER.
Writer/Photojournalist.
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146 w
Wow!! Different analogies have been brought out here but it's just to prove a phenomenon that we out reinstate the planet for it to be habitable for the future generations.
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146 w
Brilliant composure.
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146 w
Interesting piece🌱🌲. #netzeroemissions
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146 w
Thank you so much for this well written piece. We are all in this together.