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JULIUS MBATIA: Move climate conversation to the people

Climate change is no longer a far-off problem but an enemy within

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by JULIUS MBATIA

Coast21 June 2021 - 19:57
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In Summary


• The impacts of the climate crisis are evident. They are placing additional burden and stress on the economy, ecosystems, livelihoods, and people.

• Despite many communities being on the frontline of climate change impacts, a huge knowledge gap exists.

The world is continuously under threat due to climate change that has been occasioned by habitat loss and environmental degradation.

The climate conversation for the longest time has alienated most people in Africa. It is assured that the odds will remain against us in the fight against climate change, if the discourse is not diversified to involve everyone.

The impacts of the climate crisis are evident. They are placing additional burden and stress on the economy, ecosystems, livelihoods, and people.

Climate change is no longer a far-off problem but an enemy within. Its impacts have far-reaching consequences on infrastructure, agriculture, economic growth, and threaten to reverse hard-gained development progress.

Weather-related disasters are a driver of significant economic loss. Floods in Kenya cost an estimated 5.5 per cent of GDP every seven years, while droughts account for eight per cent of the GDP loss every five years.

Sadly, scientists warn of more dire impacts in the coming days.

Despite many communities being on the frontline of climate change impacts, a huge knowledge gap exists. According to BBC Trust, Africa is the "least responsible, most affected, least informed" region.

Many communities in Africa remain uninformed of climate change impacts and possible solutions to this challenge.

Whereas communities can attest to the changing weather patterns and have first-hand lived experience of this reality, many are not able to make of what is happening, why and what best action to take. However, these communities do bounce back from climate-induced hardship.

They overcome and forge ahead in spite of underlying challenges – limited finance, knowledge, and capacity to coherently deal with climate impacts. Unfortunately, the cycle repeats itself with severe implications.

A sustainable solution is needed. This necessitates a more people-focused partnership. One built on awareness of communities’ practices, natural response, and deepened understanding of the climate challenge.

Globally, climate change issues are largely discussed in mainstream development, decision making, and planning. Technocrats in this space delve deep into the various facets of the climate problem and the common citizen and local communities do not enjoy the same privilege. On many occasions, the discourse takes a complex shape that marginalises those on the frontline of its impacts. This ought to change.

If the affected citizen at the local level is not part of ideating what works for them best, actions generated from above cannot be transformational. Communities know just how climate change hurts their spheres of life. A crucial aspect determining effectiveness of citizen involvement is how the complexity of climate change information is handled in conversations to facilitate authentic dialogues that deliver helpful solutions.

The climate debate must move from closed doors and policy corridors to the streets and community spaces. We need to transition to meaningful citizen and community centred climate engagement.

It is time for a new paradigm in the climate debate that creates a level play field for communities and citizens to engage. People must be part and parcel of the solution. They need to happen in rural communities, urban and peri-urban areas, beyond the formal spaces dominated by technocrats.

A key enabler for this paradigm shift lies on impactful climate communication. There is a need to challenge ourselves to amplify biodiversity of stories and communication.

Efforts such as Climate Story lab Africa (CSL Africa) seek to bring together storytellers, community representatives at the forefront of climate change and the wider climate stakeholder community to spotlight, discuss and re-imagine a people centred climate action by storytelling and communication.

In addition to the potential storytellers have in creating public awareness, a general appreciation of their ability to elevate impactful stories of community and people-driven climate action, building and shaping public debate and policy on climate and inspiring behaviour change vital in advancing preparedness and resilience to climate impacts is required.

Storytelling as an effective means of climate communication is indisputable. It has the power to shift culture, drive social change, and build communities and movements.

Leveraging on its potential to build a society that understands the climate problem will go a long way in bridging the climate knowledge gap. The online space has revolutionised information sharing and holds promise for climate education. Embarking on simplified and innovative climate change communication - such as use of media, film, animation, art, music, cartoon, photography, and other creative ways) - has the power to on-board citizens’ perspectives into the climate change debate

Climate communication approach that prompts communities and citizens to amplify their voice and experiences offers a unique opportunity to enhance inclusion. Tackling the climate problem does demand that our planning, policies, and decision-making is rooted on lived climate realities and aspirations for a safe, resilient, and sustainable future.

Julius is a climate governance expert and the coordinator of ‘Youth for SDGs Kenya’.

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