Queen Mary recently visited Nairobi for the UN Environment Assembly, where she expressed her deep love for nature and highlighted the urgent need for action against climate change. As the patron of the UN Environment Programme, she traveled with Danish ministers to emphasize the significance of environmental conservation.
During her trip, she visited Kilifi to see efforts aimed at improving biodiversity and adapting to climate change. She explored the Arabuko Sokoke Forest, the largest coastal forest in East Africa, and a mangrove forest, where she learned about their roles in capturing carbon dioxide and protecting coastlines.
On her second day, Queen Mary met female waste collectors at the Dandora landfill. These women are part of a Danish-funded entrepreneurship program designed to help them create alternative income sources.
At the UN Assembly, she delivered a compelling speech about her experiences with nature, drawing inspiration from both Australia, her homeland, and Denmark, her adopted country. She described Tasmania’s rugged mountains and dense rainforests, contrasting them with Denmark’s serene flat landscapes and changing seasons.
Queen Mary emphasized that tackling climate change requires a united effort, incorporating local knowledge and recognizing the private sector’s role. “Time is of the essence,” she declared, urging immediate action.
According to a recent UN report, over the past decade, climate-related disasters have doubled, underscoring the urgency of her message. The report highlights that vulnerable regions are already facing dire consequences, such as increased flooding and droughts.
For more about Queen Mary’s full speech, you can read it here.
