Undoubtfully, despite some notorious public exponents declaring the contrary, climate change caused by human activities represent a threat at a global level. As reported by NASA[1], “the current warming trend is of particular significance because most of it is extremely likely (greater than 95% probability) to be the result of human activity since the mid-20th century, and proceeding at a rate that is unprecedented over decades to millennia”. The evidences of this crisis are several; global temperature rise, warming oceans and ocean acidification, shrinking ice sheets and glacial retreat, decreased snow cover, sea level rise, extreme events.

In 2010, the Kenyan Government under the Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources published the “National Climate Change Response Strategy” which “acknowledges that the change in the Earth’s climate and its adverse effects are a common concern of humankind” and it recognizes “the need to enhance coordination of climate change activities in the country, with a view to ensuring a climate-proof socioeconomic development anchored on a low-carbon path”[2].

Particularly in Kenya, since the early 1960s, temperatures have risen (by 0.7 – 2.0 °C on average) and rainfalls have become irregular and unpredictable. Consequently, aridity and desertification have affected many counties, above all in the northern region of the country. The desert locust invasion experienced lately along with the intermittent droughts and floods have been recognized by President Uhuru Kenyatta as harmful consequences of climate change, which in addition to the COVID-19 pandemic, have “devastated the livelihoods of farmers and poses an unprecedented threat to food security”[3].

In this context, both at a global and national level, resorting to the so called green-blue economy could represent a meaningful tool. UNEP defines the green economy as one which “results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks”. The blue economy has its origins in the green economy concept. While blue economy tends to focus on the sectors of energy, transport, sometimes agriculture and forestry, the green economy focuses on fisheries sectors, marine and Coastal resources. Both the green and blue economy incorporate strategies to address climate mitigation and adaptation or, more broadly speaking, the idea of sustainable development from both environmental and social points of view.

If we consider “development” only as “economic growth”, we will definitely encounter many obstacles, first of all the one represented by the limited natural resources. Besides, the uncontrolled Earth’s exploitation, in the long run, will affect (just like COVID pandemic) the whole humankind, regardless people’s social status or income. That’s why the SDG 17 which calls for a stronger Global Partnership is essential in counterbalancing these effects.

In this perspective, One World One Future Trust, as proved by its own name, has been founded on a solid political vision: if we want to prosper, other than survive, we have to adopt a global perspective even when acting locally. We share the same world and we will share the same destiny as well.

[1] Available at this link: https://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/
[2] Government of Kenya, “National Climate Change Response Strategy – Executive Brief”, April 2010, p. 3
[3] Available at the link: https://africa.cgtn.com/2020/09/16/kenya-urges-bold-action-to-tackle-climate-change-challenges-in-africa/

Helenia Molinaro
Irene De Angelis

PH Credit: Davide Lemmi

« Show all articles