Kenya is facing mounting challenges from climate change, leading to serious problems for communities, infrastructure, and livelihoods. Rising water levels in the Rift Valley Lakes and Lake Victoria are pressing issues requiring immediate attention.
To tackle this crisis, the Climate Change Directorate (CCD) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Kenya hosted a workshop focused on finding solutions. They discussed how to improve access to the new Fund to Respond to Loss and Damage (FRLD) under the Barbados Implementation Modalities.
The Barbados Implementation Modalities (BIM) focus on supporting countries affected by climate change. It prioritizes needs-based assistance for vulnerable nations like Kenya. This commitment comes after significant talks at COP30, where parties emphasized the need for swift implementation.
Over the past 30 years, Kenya’s water dynamics have changed dramatically. For instance, Lake Baringo has expanded by 12 meters, forcing communities to relocate and endangering local ecosystems. In 2024, flash floods worsened by an unprecedented El Niño claimed over 174 lives and displaced more than 500,000 people. Thousands of acres of farmland were also lost. These disasters are part of a larger pattern, as climate variability costs Kenya about 2.6% of its GDP annually.
James Thonjo from the Ministry of Environment stated, “The losses and damages from climate change can no longer be ignored.” He highlighted the immediate impact on livelihoods, particularly as rising water levels continue to threaten communities.
According to Thomas Lerenten, Deputy Director of Climate Change Adaptation, the journey toward a Loss and Damage Fund began in 2021. He pointed out that evidence is essential for addressing claims related to climate change damage.
Professor Simon Onywere from Kenyatta University echoed these concerns, calling climate change a major crisis in Kenya. He stressed the urgency for government action to fund recovery efforts for affected communities. Without timely support, these communities will remain vulnerable and struggle to rebuild.
The discussions following COP30 emphasized the importance of the BIM. This framework aims to provide clear, accessible, and timely support to those already suffering the impacts of climate change. However, it’s vital to note that there isn’t a set amount for what each country can receive under this initiative.
The situation is critical, and as communities in Kenya grapple with these challenges, it’s clear that collaborative efforts at the national and global levels are essential. Maintaining focus on the needs of affected communities is the first step toward a more sustainable future.
For further insights, you can explore the United Nations Population Fund’s initiatives or read about the Paris Agreement to understand global responses to climate change.
Source link
Adaptation,Climate Change,Kenya,loss and damage
