Lack of climate change policy blamed for woes

By Francis Ngige and Maureen Mudi

Lack of a comprehensive policy to mitigate climate change is partly to blame for the current food crisis, Environment Minister John Michuki has said.

Mr Michuki said although the effects of climatic change had been witnessed, the country did not have policies and regulations responsive to the global crisis.

Michuki noted the country was at risk "since the economy is heavily reliant on climate vulnerable sectors such as agriculture, energy and tourism."

The minister said erratic climate patterns had affected agriculture, the main drive of the economy, as well as water supply and hydropower generation.

Wrecking havoc

He said to correct the scenario the ministry was developing a comprehensive policy to respond to the challenges.

Michuki said a national climate change response investment framework would be launched once the policy is formulated.

"Unlike 20 years ago, climate change is a reality and it is wrecking havoc," the minister said.

The minister’s sentiments were contained in a speech read on his behalf in Nyeri by Senior Programme Officer in the Ministry Reuben Chirchir at Greenhills Hotel in Nyeri during the official opening of a workshop on Climate Change Strategy.

"As a country, we have witnessed alarming upsurge in the severity of extreme climatic events caused by Climate Change. Floods, drought and landslides have ravaged all parts of the country," the minister said.

Michuki said apart from drought, climate change had led to receding snowcaps on Mt Kenya and death of coral reefs at the coast.

And the Institute for Law and Environmental Governance (Ileg) has blamed lack of proper legislation on environment for destructive environmental practices.

Ileg Director Maurice Markoloo Odhiambo called upon lawyers to work for the enactment of appropriate legislation that would prevent destruction of the environment.

The official said there were many instances that the existence of the law has saved the environment.

"We can recall instances where the absence of the law has meant destruction of the environment. In this respect, therefore, it will need no emphasis on why lawyers must work for the enactment of appropriate legislation," said Markoloo.

 

 

Read all about: Environment Minister John Michuki Institute for Law and Environmental Governance

 

 

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