Kenyan Scientists Criticise Legislation On Climate
During the past weekend, Kenya played host to the 5th Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report held in Nairobi. The event attracted government officials and scientists who tabled various reports on the steps Kenya is taking to tackle climate change.
One thing that came out strongly at the event was the lack of proper legislation to address the effects of climate change. Government officials and scientists at the event agreed that the government is not doing enough to tackle the effects of climate change.
Kenyan scientists raised the alarm on the increasing pressure on natural resources and the problems lurking should proper legislation to address climate change not be put in place in time.
“A comprehensive action plan, as well as resource mobilisation plan, is in place, and we are currently developing a national climate change policy and a fully-budgeted national climate change response investment framework.”
He further said that climate change is no longer just a myth the phenomenon is real and is causing unprecedented havoc not only on human and animal health, but also on food security, water supply, energy supply and tourism.
The Member of Parliament for Emuhaya, Dr Wilbur Otichilo, who is also a member of the Parliamentary Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, said that his team are pushing the Climate Change Bill in parliament. Which has so far passed through its second reading, and the team hopes it will be enacted into law and better address the effects of climate change.
Dr Otichilo also said the tabled report gave all the facts needed in order for the government to enact more effective and climate-friendly policies leading up to economic growth in the long run. Dr James Kairo, an expert on mangroves, on a separate event said that the push for the enactment of environment friendly policies was very necessary, as pressure on natural resources and overexploitation of natural resources is reaching unprecedented levels.