Climate change has evolved into more than just an environmental crisis; it is now a significant social crisis. Key factors for social development, such as livelihood security, equality, and access to healthcare and social support, are increasingly threatened.
The World Bank Organization highlights how climate change is deeply connected to global inequality, exacerbating disparities between wealthy and poor countries, rich and poor individuals within nations, men and women, and across generations.
Despite contributing minimally to the crisis, millions of poor people endure its severe consequences, facing extreme weather events, health issues, food and water insecurity, migration, loss of cultural identity, and livelihood threats.
These overwhelming challenges hinder the social development of marginalized groups, including the poor, people with disabilities, gender minorities, and other vulnerable populations, depriving them of essential resources like food, clean water, and healthcare services.
Locally, in Kenya, floods, landslides, and cyclones between March and May 2024 resulted in at least 221 fatalities, 155 missing persons, over 63,000 affected households, and 36,137 displaced families. Additionally, 1,464 water sources were destroyed, 9,856 livestock perished, and 41,063 acres of crops were damaged, according to the Emergency Management Service, Copernicus Programme.
Photo courtesy: Some of the families displaced during floods in Kenya.
In Tanzania, Cyclones Hidaya and Laly affected 18,862 people, killed five, completely destroyed 678 houses, partially damaged 877, and submerged 543 homes, as reported by Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa. Kenya also lost two individuals to the cyclones.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) notes,
"The waning El Niño event, alongside a phenomenon known as the Indian Ocean Dipole and high sea surface temperatures, are playing a role. But the excess energy trapped in the atmosphere and ocean by human-induced greenhouse gases is also having a major influence by turbocharging the extreme weather."
If such events persist, countries will face further disasters, including droughts, limited health services, higher death rates, and increased displacement and migration.
To combat these issues, Kenya, aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 13 on Climate Action, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 32 percent from 30 percent as part of its strategy to address global warming.
Moreover, the Mombasa county government has introduced the Mombasa County Climate Change Bill 2024 to mitigate health, environmental, and safety risks associated with climate change, offering hope for a sustainable future.
To address the escalating climate crisis in Kenya, more advocacy and awareness are needed at both individual and national levels. Some impacts are irreversible, necessitating effective strategies and policies.
https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/social-dimensions-of-climate-change
https://global-flood.emergency.copernicus.eu/news/168-flooding-in-kenya-march-to-may-2024/
By: Mapenzi Kitsao
