At just nine years old, I watched Leonardo DiCaprio stand before the UN, passionately urging world leaders to unite against climate change. His call for immediate action echoed in my young ears, but the gravity of his message didn’t fully sink in at the time. Fast forward a decade, and those words haunt me with newfound clarity. Now, I've witnessed the stark realities of climate change firsthand—the devastating impacts that ripple through our planet, reminding us all that the time for action is now.

You can never really see the future, you only imagine it, then try to make sense of the new world when it arrives. Just a few years ago, climate projections for this century looked quite apocalyptic, with most scientists warning that continuing “business as usual” would bring the world four or even five degrees Celsius of warming, a change disruptive enough to call forth not only predictions of food crises and heat stress, state conflict and economic strife, but, from some corners, warnings of civilizational collapse and even a sort of human endgame. (Perhaps you’ve had nightmares about each of these and seen premonitions of them in your newsfeed.)Now, with the world already 1.2 degrees hotter, scientists believe that warming this century will most likely fall between two or three degrees. (A United Nations report )

I know you might be thinking that this is a problem for the global north only, well, I did too at some point. However, it's time we debunk some of this disinformation and understand that it affects us more than any other part of the world. Climate change in Kenya is increasingly impacting the lives of Kenya's citizens and the environment. It has led to more frequent extreme weather events like droughts which last longer than usual, irregular and unpredictable rainfall, flooding and increasing temperatures.

The effects of these climatic changes have made already existing challenges with water security, food security, and economic growth even more difficult. Harvests and agricultural production which account for about 33% of total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) are also at risk. The increased temperatures, rainfall variability in arid and semi-arid areas, and strong winds associated with tropical cyclones have combined to create favourable conditions for the breeding and migration of pests. An increase in temperature of up to 2.5 °C by 2050 is predicted to increase the frequency of extreme events such as floods and droughts.

Just about half a year ago, Kenya was beset by heavy rains that stamped their signature across the nation, from the sun-kissed coast into the teeming heart of Nairobi, further west into the fertile Western Highlands, the broad Rift Valley, and the thriving Lake Victoria Basin. The impact was indeed nationwide. With the onset of the March-to-May rains, counties across the country struggled with the devastating aftermath. Families were displaced from their homes, taken to temporary displacement camps as the waters submerged their lands and put businesses in strain. Unfortunately, livestock died due to the flooding, further burdening many others. Schools were turned into emergency shelters as the community joined together against misfortune. The effects of this unprecedented weather event still reverberate across affected regions, a grim reminder of nature's might.

This is just a glimpse of how we, as youth, can rise to the challenge and actively contribute to climate mitigation. Here are some sustainable and achievable solutions that I truly believe, if implemented, can make a significant difference in our fight for a healthier planet. As we harness our creativity and passion to create meaningful change together;

I start by calling upon all social media influencers and content creators to recognize the urgent threat of climate change. By leveraging your platforms, you can creatively incorporate climate-focused messages into your content, helping us reach a wide audience of young people across the country. Given that climate literacy in African nations ranges from 23% to 66%, your voices can play a crucial role in spreading awareness and educating others. Let’s work together to inspire action and foster a deeper understanding of climate issues in our communities.

It’s time to transform our startups and business loans into “green money”! By prioritizing environmentally friendly initiatives, we can tackle the growth of industries that contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Imagine setting a threshold for entrepreneurs that incentivizes sustainable practices—like using renewable resources, minimizing waste, or adopting energy-efficient technologies. This not only fosters innovation but also shifts the focus toward a green economy. Let’s empower our businesses to lead the charge in sustainability, creating a vibrant marketplace where eco-consciousness thrives and profits align with planetary health. Together, we can build a future where economic growth and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.

It wouldn’t be right for me to propose solutions without urging our leaders to take decisive action. It’s crucial for them to advocate for effective policies and their implementation. Our leaders must raise their voices at international forums, demanding that developed countries, who are the largest greenhouse gas emitters contribute more to the climate fund.

Moreover, they should ensure that these funds are allocated wisely and effectively, with the primary goal of addressing the severe impacts of climate change. This is not just about funding; it’s about prioritizing our planet’s health and supporting communities that are most affected. Together, we can push for a fair and just climate action strategy that truly makes a difference.

We must take bold steps to safeguard our vital carbon sinks, particularly our precious natural ecosystems. This means ramping up our tree-planting efforts and embracing initiatives like the one recently done by Aiducation Talents in coastal Kenya where, they organized a beach clean- up that not only beautified our shores but also played a crucial role in preserving our Blue Economy.

Finally, I want to reach out to each and every one of you: change starts with you. No action is too small or insignificant when it comes to making a difference. It all begins with something as simple as properly disposing of used plastic soda bottles, transitioning to metal cans, and embracing biodegradable options. Just as the carbon emissions from Europe affect the whole world, our local efforts toward sustainable living can create a ripple effect that impacts the world.

I hope this essay serves as a heartfelt reminder for those who grasp the realities of climate change, an eye-opener for those who might not yet be aware, and a beacon of inspiration for innovative, sustainable solutions. It carries a message of hope for all of us: despite the challenges we face, it’s never too late to make a meaningful change. Remember, it all begins with you. Together, we can turn the tide and create a brighter future for our planet.