Researchers at the conference.
Researchers at the concluded 16th Multi-Disciplinary Conference have addressed the effects of Climate Change on Children and People With Disabilities. This was exhibited on the third day of the 16th Multi-Disciplinary International Virtual Conference.
Climate Change represents the most devastating crisis currently facing the entire global population. The development community needs to work together with persons with disabilities to build strong, sustainable, and innovative solutions and actions. The connection between ‘Disability and Climate Change’ requires more than an advocacy strategy. There is a need to work with persons with disabilities to create an action plan, to ensure their inclusion in the mainstreaming development process, as it adapts to the new paradigm brought forth by Climate Change.
One of the keynote presenters, Prof. Paavo Leppanen (Professor of Psychology), stated that climate change is the most devastating crisis currently facing the entire global population. In his presentation titled ‘Climate Change and Health for People with Disabilities’ Prof. Leppanen stated that in many countries, including Kenya, children suffer from the consequences of climate change. He explained that interaction with the environment plays a crucial role in the brain development of children.
“Around 10- 15% of all children suffer from one or more developmental disorders, such as psychological and mental problems. Extreme cases or conditions of poor environment makes these problems more severe,” he stated.
His sentiments were echoed by the Governor of Vihiga County, Hon Dr. Wilber Ottichilo who advised Universities to take climate change as a very serious matter and find a sustainable solution for it.
“Climate change is having the largest impact on the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people. Let us leverage mitigation measures to find a lasting solution to this crisis,” he urged.
A section of participants in the diaspora.
Additionally, Mr. Eric Naivasha from Equity Bank presented on ‘Financing Climate Change’ where he stated that Equity Bank is championing the transition to clean energy in learning institutions in order to conserve the environment and improve health outcomes. He said that they are committed to planting 35 million trees to conserve the environment and support the government's effort in increasing the forest cover to 30% by 2032.
Another presenter, Mr. George Taurus, from the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry tackled Carbon Credit Financing. He mentioned that Kenya was the first African country to enact a comprehensive law and policy to guide national and subnational climate action. He added that Kenya aims to achieve Vision 2030 through a low-carbon and climate-resilient development pathway.
With extreme weather effects and disasters set to increase in a warming climate, measures should be put in place to plan for and protect the most vulnerable in our societies.
“There are two types of carbon market; Compliance Carbon and Voluntary Carbon Markets. Compliance Carbon Markets are an important tool for governments to achieve their carbon reduction targets, while Voluntary Carbon Markets provide companies and organizations with a way to offset their carbon emissions on a voluntary basis,” he explained.
The conference was closed with final remarks from Vice Chancellor Prof. Solomon Shibairo, who applauded researchers for the transformative presentations made. He noted that MMUST is keen to support the Greening Initiative to mitigate the adverse effects of Climate Change.
By Melody Mutua and Gertrude Ajiambo
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
