BY AAMERA JIWAJI
The recently concluded Climate Adaptation Summit (CAS) 2021 was the first time that world leaders have gathered at a global event focused solely on adaptation and resilience.
It was hosted virtually by the Netherlands Government, and the outcome was the creation of an Adaptation Action Agenda to help realize the transitions required for a climate-resilient world.
While the political profile of the event was secured through the participation of 22 Heads of State and more than 50 ministers and leaders of international organizations, thousands more watched the sessions that were live streamed from time zones across the globe.
In some ways, however, the most compelling element of all was the inclusion of youth voices, highlighting how they are a group that has been disproportionately affected by climate impacts, and that ultimately will steward the development and implementation of solutions.
“Youth had a big part in the Climate Adaptation Summit. We really wanted to hear their voices, their opinions,” said Nathalie Nuiten from the CAS 2021 Communications Team.
One of the ways in which this was achieved was through the establishment of a Youth Newsroom with two editors and 18 climate journalists. Of the 13 countries represented, two were from Africa: Kenya and South Africa.
Nairobi Business Monthly spoke to the Kenyans, Kevin Lunzalu and Maurice Gathu, about their experiences at the Summit and what it might mean for Kenya and our country’s response to climate change.
Tell us something about yourself and why you are passionate about climate journalism.
Kevin: I am a freelance environmental journalist, researcher, and ecologist. I am passionate about reporting on climate issues in Kenya, and by extension Africa, because I believe that journalism is a powerful community empowerment tool. Additionally, the complexity of climate change requires accurate, well-researched, and objective communication that prompts stakeholders to make informed and sustainable action.
Maurice: I am the founder of Youth for Community Development, a youth led organization initiative that empowers, mentors and supports young people to be productive in their communities for sustainable development.
I am passionate about climate journalism because through it we educate our audiences enabling them to engage, learn and share effectively on how best we can address climate related problems such as climate change, climate emergency.
What was your favourite session at the Climate Adaptation Summit 2021?
Kevin: I enjoyed the session on “Accelerating African Adaptation” because it had insightful discussions on unlocking Africa’s ambition and action on climate adaptation. Particularly, I found the best practices shared on creating a climate-resilient future inspiring. I was one of the invited speakers at this session, and I was privileged to share the platform with Ms. Sigrid Kaag, the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of the Netherlands. We mainly talked about the role of youth in climate adaptation, on-the-ground action, and North-South cooperation.
Maurice: “Youth Leadership” was the best session. It was highly energized by youth leaders who demanded a call to action to world leaders. The session also voiced youth concerns on being included in key decision-making processes. However, youth leaders who were present felt that the innovativeness, creativity and diversified skills in young people should be harnessed and utilized so that it’s the integral part of driving climate resilience and adaptation solutions globally.
What was your greatest take away from the Summit as it relates to Kenya and our country’s efforts to combat climate change?
Kevin: I followed the speech of our President, H.E Uhuru Kenyatta, during the opening session of the Summit. The main takeaway for me was that he recognized agriculture as a top priority in the quest for climate adaptation. It’s crucial that farmers are equipped with the correct information that can help them embrace sustainable agricultural practices while maximizing yields. According to the President, Kenya has upscaled her climate ambitions by mainstreaming them into national development strategies.
Maurice: The summit outcomes suggested that there is a need for member states to provide practical climate solutions that will enable them to adapt to the effects of climate change. In relation to that, I can honestly say that Kenya has very good policies in place to fight climate change. However, as a country we need more skilled technical expertise to fully implement our climate related policies and strictly enforce all environmental laws in Kenya.
What was the greatest take away for you on a personal level as an aspiring climate journalist?
Kevin: The biggest takeaway was the need to tell climate stories from a personalized angle so that people could relate to them and draw inspiration from them. As part of the CAS 2021 reporters, I was trained by some of the best and seasoned journalists on multimedia reporting and storytelling, which provided me with the much-needed skills and insights on climate journalism. I also got an opportunity to interview Kenya’s ambassador to the Netherlands; an experience that was fulfilling and exciting.
Maurice: We need to act steadfast and provide better environmental governance skills to address climate change globally. Collective action is needed for practical solutions that will be impactful in remedying climate change.
