Mitigating the Effects of Climate Change in Kenya: Anasssessment of the Paris Agreement

Abstract

The study largely focuses in analyzing the mitigating climate change effects in Kenya, an assessment of Paris Agreement. It examined the performance of Paris Agreement in mitigating the impacts brought upon by changes in climate, the opportunities as well as the challenges facing the implementation of Paris Agreement along with its prospects for climate mitigating change. The study also set out two hypotheses, firstly, the opportunities and Prospects Kenya has Paris agreement on mitigation of climate change and secondly, challenges that Kenya is facing regarding mitigating the impacts of changes in the climate as outlined in the Paris agreement. Both primary as well as secondary data were used in the study. In regards to primary data, a total of two hundred questionnaires were distributed for data collection, and one hundred and twenty one were filled and returned back. The data have been analysed on excel sheet and presented in form tables and bar graphs. Content analysis has used to interpret the data collected from the respondents. The study also used secondary data to analyse the information in the Paris agreement, data from other researches and journals. The study has established that while Kenya's primary focus is on adaptability and fostering resilience, it is imperative to also incorporate mitigation measures into the country's climate response. Kenya possesses considerable potential for mitigation owing to its immense land area, woodlands, and farming systems, and oceanic resources. Moreover, Kenya boasts unparalleled potential for renewable energy, particularly solar energy, which can be harnessed for its own developmental needs. By fully capitalizing on this mitigation potential, Kenya can draw in a sizable amount of funding to support efforts aimed at resilience-building and adaptation. The enormous supply of unexplored clean renewable energy in Kenya provides a distinct advantage for low-emission development and potentially enables the utilization and commercialization of carbon dioxide removal technology. Additionally, Kenya is in a good position to supply the increasing need for clean energy around the world, including for cutting-edge technologies like green hydrogen, that is anticipated to replace fossil fuels in the future as costs fall down and technology progresses. In a short amount of time, Kenya may go from being a food-insecure nation to a net food exporter through the application of climate-smart sustainable water and land-use practices, agricultural methods, and ecosystem management. The study further found that despite the challenges Kenya is facing climate change mitigation actions are frequently depicted as hindrances to economic growth or diversions from more pressing development objectives. Nevertheless, it is important to recognize that embracing proactive measures towards achieving clean, low-emission growth can actually serve as a strategic advantage for the continent. Such actions can foster the development of essential skills, technologies, and industries that will be crucial in the future. Consequently, they can contribute to the creation of employment opportunities, enhance global competitiveness, and facilitate sustainable growth and industrialization. Finally, the study recommends that mitigation measures should be implemented in accordance to Paris agreement, national policies as well as international targets. Climate change council and county climate change units should help coordinate initiatives on local technology transfers, climate finance and community driven capacity building.