Environment
The National Research Fund (NRF) Chairperson Professor Ratemo Michieka has urged the public to take personal responsibility while addressing the effects of climate change in the country.
Speaking at a conference dubbed ‘Colloquium Climate Change Challenges; Mitigation, Adaptation, and our Responsibility’ at Kisii University on the outskirts of Kisii Town, Prof. Michieka noted that tackling climate change requires individuals to practice proper waste disposal system.
“Instead of engaging in the cleaning of rivers every other time, let us refrain from dumping waste material in the water bodies and hold to account those found culpable of the same,” he said.
The Chairperson urged the public to practice sustainable exploitation of natural resources and conserve indigenous knowledge for diversity since everyone is entitled to a clean environment. Further, Prof. Michieka challenged the government to educate those living along the riparian areas on the dangers of the same and relocate them to safer grounds even if it means compensating them.
Kenya National Commission for UNESCO’s Deputy Director of Social and Human Sciences Program Dr. Orpha Nyakundi said the public should utilize the available resources effectively as it will determine the lives of future generations. Dr. Nyakundi highlighted the critical role of research and integrity in decision-making when coming up with climate change mitigation strategies that will favour the next generation.
On his part, Kenya National Commission for UNESCO Director, Dr. George Eshiamwata indicated the adverse effects of climate change including species extinction, poverty and displacement of people, extreme drought and new emerging diseases among others.
“Floods have swept away crops leading to food shortage and destroyed houses causing people to be displaced,” said Dr. Eshiamwata. He urged the public to embrace a precautionary approach to minimize harm to the environment for the betterment of tomorrow.
