Climate experts are calling on Kenya’s Parliament to urgently address the growing issue of methane emissions. They warn that if no action is taken, the consequences could include increased food insecurity, severe public health risks, and more climate-related disasters.
This plea was made during a recent event at Parliament, where a range of stakeholders—researchers, environmentalists, and development partners—pushed for stronger laws and better coordinated efforts to manage pollution and promote sustainability.
The discussions were timely, coinciding with the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Regional Seminar on Methane and Climate Action happening in Nairobi from May 14–18. The goal of the forum was to enhance public understanding and advocate for robust parliamentary action on tackling methane emissions.
Dr. Sheilla Aggarwal from the United Nations Environment Programme explained that methane pollution is already having a negative impact on Kenya’s agriculture and health systems. She urged lawmakers to create policies that address both emissions and environmental protection, highlighting the economic benefits of such actions.
“Reducing methane can lead to significant economic improvement,” Dr. Aggarwal said. She emphasized that addressing climate change can also be seen as an opportunity to improve livelihoods across the country.
The risks of inaction are clear. Dr. Aggarwal noted that worsening conditions could lead to greater food shortages and health issues, leaving millions vulnerable to climate extremes like droughts and floods. She pointed out that rising methane levels are intensifying these challenges.
Officials from the Centre for International Forestry Research indicated that the decisions made today will shape Kenya’s future resilience to climate change. They called for enhanced cooperation between Parliament, government agencies, and private partners to effectively tackle these pressing issues.
A sobering statistic was shared: in 2019, around 5,000 deaths in Kenya were attributed to pollution, while the global figure was approximately 1.1 million. Without prompt measures, this number could rise sharply by 2050. Michael Lwoyelo from Regen Organics discussed the difficulties in managing organic waste, while Dr. Claudia Arndt reinforced that methane has a much greater warming potential than carbon dioxide.
The collective message from stakeholders is clear: Parliament must improve environmental governance and expedite efforts to reduce methane emissions to safeguard not just the environment, but the livelihoods and health of all Kenyans.
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