Ease Africa’s environmental crisis by learning from China

As we observe Africa Environment Day and Wangari Maathai Day yearly on March 3, we must reflect on whether we have upheld the late Nobel laureate’s aspirations and ideals. Unfortunately, our actions suggest otherwise.

Conservation efforts remain weak, and our cities and rural areas continue to struggle with waste management. In Nairobi, litter is scattered across streets, while roadsides from Ruiru to Tala in Machakos are lined with uncollected garbage.

These are clear indicators that both our continent and our country have failed to take necessary action in ensuring a clean environment and combating global warming.

Travelling to countries like China, you notice the stark contrast in environmental responsibility. Environmental conservation is not solely a government function; it is a collective responsibility.

In China, citizens understand that maintaining a clean environment is their duty, and littering is not tolerated. While the government implements policies and regulations, individuals actively participate in keeping their surroundings clean.

Public dustbins in cities such as Beijing are consistently used for proper waste disposal, whereas in Kenya, littering continues unless the government conducts crackdowns.

This reflects a deeper moral crisis — one where environmental neglect is mistakenly perceived as a form of rebellion against the government.

Many Kenyans seem unaware that climate change poses an existential threat to humanity, it’s not just a political issue.

The devastating floods that swept through Kenya in April last year should have been a wake-up call. Instead of further degrading our environment, we should embrace a culture of discipline by planting trees, keeping our surroundings clean and instilling environmental responsibility in our children.

Education plays a crucial role in environmental conservation. The competency-based curriculum should integrate environmental studies, as was the case during the Moi era.

Those who studied during that time often exhibit greater environmental consciousness compared to later generations.

For Kenya to meet its conservation and climate goals, all sectors — government, private institutions and individuals — must work together to protect forests, national parks and coastlines.

Poaching, illegal logging and unregulated fishing have caused extensive environmental damage, and immediate action is required. Locally, all stakeholders must collaborate to fight this menace.

Blame games will not resolve the crisis; environmental conservation must not be left to the government alone. The private sector and the general public must also take responsibility.

When the government initiates tree-planting exercises, every Kenyan has a civic duty to ensure the programme’s success. However, such initiatives should not become avenues for corrupt officials to misuse funds.

A critical concern is whether the trees planted in widely publicised government programmes are properly maintained. Last year, we saw Cabinet Secretaries flying across the country in helicopters for tree-planting events.

But were those trees nurtured, or was the entire exercise a waste, including unnecessary use of fuel? A more effective approach would be for all state departments, parastatals, independent commissions, Parliament, the Judiciary and embassies in Kenya to adopt forests.

This would ensure the survival of planted trees and contribute to the goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032. Unlike current efforts, which often lack follow-up, such structured responsibility would yield long-term results. No country operates in isolation.

Kenya and other African nations should learn from global leaders in environmental conservation. China, for example, has embedded sustainability into corporate strategies.

Companies are required to outline their plans for reducing carbon emissions and their timelines for achieving net-zero emissions. African businesses must also adopt transparent environmental strategies and commit to meaningful climate action.

Currently, Africa contributes the least to global greenhouse gas emissions but remains the most vulnerable to climate change impacts.

Western countries have repeatedly failed to fulfill their financial commitments—such as the promised trillion-dollar climate fund—leaving Africa to seek alternative solutions.

To address this funding gap, African nations must diversify their approach to financing climate mitigation efforts. Strengthening partnerships with China, which has made significant strides in tackling global warming, presents a viable solution.

Through initiatives like the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the Belt and Road Initiative, China has developed strong ties with African countries and can provide valuable expertise.

China has successfully transformed arid regions like the Gobi and Kubuqi deserts into ecologically restored landscapes. These green technologies and conservation models could be adapted for African nations facing similar challenges.

Collaboration with China could help African nations develop green infrastructure, implement climate change mitigation strategies, and achieve sustainable economic growth.

Instead of waiting for another disappointing global climate summit, African leaders must take proactive steps toward securing practical solutions