In Africa, where the environment cruelly affects innumerable communities, climate change communication is crucial.
We must acknowledge that Western interests and perspectives have influenced this global crisis’s vocabulary and narratives. Climate communication must be decolonised to empower climate change in Kenya and Africa.
Indigenous knowledge, local perspectives, and community-led solutions representing our continent’s unique challenges and potential are
needed.
We can inspire soul-stirring action by publicising the stories of African environmental champions, rural farmers, and urban activists leading climate adaptation and mitigation.
Kenya and Africa must lead our climate story, explain the reality of our changing environment, and drive the dramatic change we need. Droughts, unpredictable rainfall, harsh weather, and rising sea levels plague the continent. Agriculture, water, food security, and public health changes raise susceptibility. Communicating these issues is morally required and possible. Effective climate communication promotes awareness, comprehension, and action.
Well-structured communication can help climate policies and initiatives make Africa resilient. Africa faces climate communication issues. Acute survival difficulties can be complicated for communities. Public climate change opinions are also hard to modify. These challenges allow for imaginative, tailored communication.
Keep Reading
- Amid climate change, mosquitoes migrate; will malaria follow?
- Kenyan scientist elected as vice chair of global Climate panel
- Health adversely hit by climate change, experts say
- US researchers push front lines of mosquito control as planet warms
African communities can convey climate change by recognising traditional adaptation and mitigation practices. Storytelling, conventional media, and social media encourage comprehension and action.
The meeting stressed climate communication collaboration. To harness resources, knowledge, and talents, Africa needs collaboration.
Climate communication can be integrated through government, non-governmental, educational, and commercial partnerships.
Effective climate communication can unite voices, inspire action, and enable change for our continent and future generations. Climate communication can empower change, unite voices, and make Africa more resilient. Our voices are our most effective tools for acting today.
— The author is the Founder & CEO, Let’s Create Africa and Africa-HUB Programs Advisor, GlobalGiving