The current devastating effects of climate change such persistent droughts, crop failures, drying of rivers, reduced water volumes, human-wildlife conflicts and loss of biodiversity can be attributed to poor management of the environment.
Admittedly, climate change continues to pose serious consequences for the environment, and many countries in Africa are in the grip of economic depression and recession due to climate change effects.
While it is a herculean task to calculate the vagaries of climate change damage in the continent in monetary terms with analytical precision, the inalienable truth is that the ravages of climate change are immeasurable and irreversible.
As we speak, more than four million Kenyans are facing hunger due to ravages of prostrated drought in arid and semi-arid lands; livestock has not been spared either.
Even worse, outbreaks of diseases like cholera and internal displacements have increased the humanitarian crisis. This can be termed Africa's environmental conundrum.
Truth be told, the effects of climate change are exacerbated by wanton deforestation and burning of fossil fuels hence negatively affecting ecosystems and biodiversity. Contrary to many people's expectations, wanton destruction of rainforests could have catastrophic consequences for both agriculture and industry.
Recently, deforestation of natural forests and invasion of water towers have been hitting the headlines in Kenya. On the other hand, pollution which continues to rear its ugly head has taken a heavy toll on the environment hence irremediable damage.
Understandably, toxic chemicals spilled into the river end up polluting the water and endangering the aquatic animals and plants. Hazardous chemicals from local factories that are detrimental to the environment have worsened the bad situation in this country.
Polluted water sources are not only hazardous to human beings but to plants and wildlife.
Pollution, for instance, affects many creatures lower down the food chain. Plastic materials, for instance, block sewerage and other drainage systems.
The plastic pollution menace is a deep-seated problem in our rivers, lakes, and oceans. According to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, plastic debris kills an estimated 100,000 marine mammals annually, as well as millions of birds and fishes. Plastic bags cause the death of many aquatic animals when they are mistaken for food.
In September 2015, the United Nations General Assembly in New York identified 17 goals popularly known as global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). And to be precise, SDG13 aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
However, environmental degradation continues to rear its ugly head in many parts of the world, Kenya included.
It is apparent that, over the years, aquaculture, marine tourism, marine ecosystem, and other aquatic resources have not been given the seriousness they deserve.
Apart from National government and county government partnerships, Public-Private partnerships can go a long way to create sustainable environmental conservation.
The Ministry of Environment and Forestry and the NEMA should ensure that National Sustainable Waste Management Bill, National Sustainable Waste Management Policy, and E-waste Strategy are implemented to the letter.
Measures to reduce levels of environmental pollution like hazardous air pollutants must be given the seriousness they deserve. More importantly, efficient waste management disposal, and conservation of resources through recycling must be given precedence by the new government to avert environmental disasters.
-The writer is a lecturer.
