KARA launched a comprehensive Citizen’s Handbook on Climate Change on July 8th at Serena Hotel, Nairobi. The handbook was developed in partnership with Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF), and aims at demystifying complex climate information, making it accessible and actionable for the general public.
Speakers who addressed the launch event were Ms. Collister Mwikali, Climate Change & Environmental Sustainability Lead, HSF, Mr. Jim Oduor, Executive Director, Climate Care Africa and Ms. Esther Lokwei, State Department for Environment & Climate Change.
Environment and Climate Principal Secretary Eng. Festus Ng’eno in his statement read by Ms. Esther Lokwei emphasized the critical need for public engagement in climate action in communities.
“We must acknowledge that communities including the ones we are part of are at the forefront of both adapting and mitigating adverse effects of climate change, “he said
KARA CEO Henry Ochieng highlighted the association’s commitment to environmental sustainability and community education. “To be impactful there is need for adequate awareness and sharing of information on climate change,” Ochieng stated.
To make the handbook more inclusive and accessible, the CEO said plans were underway for translation into different languages and also tailoring it to persons abled differently.
Climate Care CEO Jim Oduor gave a brief breakdown of the handbook covering a wide range of topics, from the basics of climate change and its impacts to practical steps individuals and communities can take to mitigate and adapt to these changes. He stated that findings from a survey carried out had led to the rise of the handbook saying that 75 per cent had heard about climate change through electronic media but only six out of ten perceived climate change as a serious matter.
“19 per cent believe that climate change efforts are a waste of time, and those focusing on it are making a big deal out of nothing,” he said. In addition, Oduor while explaining the reasons for launching the book said the intention was changing the social norm.
“We want to move from a scientific way to a social reality mode by making the issue more understandable by people,” he stated.
The launch of the Citizens Handbook on Climate Change marks a significant milestone in the efforts to educate and empower citizens on climate change issues. The handbook is designed to provide comprehensive information on climate change, its impacts, and practical steps individuals and communities can take to mitigate and adapt to its effects.
Soft copy version of the handbook can be accessed here: https://shorturl.at/USB7U.