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Insurance companies at the saving grace of climate change

by Brian Yatich
written by Brian Yatich

Let’s imagine that you’ve bought million dollar worth of property in one of the prestigious suburbs in the coastal region. The beach house looks exquisite and promises a haven of financial returns when leased.

You may choose to live there, rent out, leave it vacant, or sell it. You’re sitting pretty, and so you may ask yourself, “Why do I need property insurance?”

Then, all of a sudden, floods happen and causes severe damage. Now you have to cover the entire cost of repairing the house, and this eats into your finances. If you’d had property insurance, it would have paid, in part or in whole, for your home to be fixed or replaced, securing your peace of mind and saving you extra costs.

To prevent such ugly scenarios, home buyers are normally told to purchase an insurance cover. The chairman of real estate event, the Kenya Homes Expo, says that a home buyer should sample the options of covers available to suit the climatic risks involved when purchasing property.

Daniel Ojijo, says that insurance companies have advanced in undertaking climatic assessments to cater to the various needs of a home owner.

“The basic goal behind buying any insurance is to make you financially whole following a loss. You pay a small certain fee to an insurance company today in exchange for a guarantee from the company that it will bear the burden of uncertain loss in the property which really is a win for you,” he says

Real estate assets are at increased risk of damage from extreme weather hazards due to climate change. Property owners, investors, insurers, and asset managers are tasked to understand how climate change will impact current and future vulnerabilities of physical assets.

Insurance companies take various measures to mitigate climate risks in the real estate industry. Some strategies implemented includes risk assessment and underwriting by investing in advanced data analytics. Insurers are adjusting their premiums based on the level of risk a property faces due to climate change. Properties located in high-risk areas may see higher premiums to account for the potential for increased damages.

Overall, insurance companies are proactively taking steps to mitigate climate risks in real estate by incorporating climate data into their risk assessment processes, promoting sustainable practices, and collaborating with stakeholders to develop effective strategies.

The Kenya Homes Expo provides a platform for aspiring home owner to sample the insurance solutions suitable for their regional areas. The event is on its 34th edition which is scheduled to happen at the KICC on October 19th-22nd.

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Awards & RecognitionClimate Change

Elizabeth Wathuti honored with the Time100 Impact Award in Singapore

by Kwabe Ben
written by Kwabe Ben

Elizabeth Wathuti, a Kenyan environmentalist and climate leader, has been honored in Singapore with the Time100 Impact Award. She is the founder of the Green Generation Initiative and plays a crucial role in the Africa Youth Climate Assembly.

Wathuti’s advocacy has focused on youth issues, environmental issues, and the push for bringing youths on board as she embraces nature as her guide and sanctuary.

She draws her inspiration from Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wangari Maathai, whose tireless efforts in environmental conservation remain remarkably outstanding.

Wathuti’s award signifies a powerful affirmation of the incredible potential bestowed on Africa’s youth.

Her advocacy has shown a spotlight on the African continent, championing African Youth issues, and on the international stage, which has helped bring to the world’s attention the climate impacts already devastating her home country, Kenya, and other African countries, and the solutions that the African continent is providing to address global challenges.

Wathuti said that her award is not just about herself, but is a spotlight on the energy, innovation, and resilience of a younger generation determined to shape a brighter future for our communities and the planet.

She spoke at the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, which was organized under the leadership of Kenya’s President His Excellency President Dr. William Ruto and the African Union to shape Africa’s green growth agenda and narrative for global solutions.

“I would like to express my gratitude and admiration for the African Youth Climate Assembly secretariat, who collaborated with me to ensure that the perspectives and opinions of young Africans were included in the climate decision-making processes,” she noted.

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Climate ChangeEnergy

Citizens Decry Fuel Prices Hitting Above Ksh 200

by Kwabe Ben
written by Kwabe Ben

Kenyan citizens woke up decrying the highest recorded fuel prices in recent memory, as announced by Kenya’s regulator. This turned out to be quite infuriating for the citizens, who claim that their livelihoods have become increasingly expensive.

EPRA announced an increase in the prices of Super Petrol prices have now increased by Ksh.16.96, Diesel by Ksh.21.32, while Kerosene climbs the highest by Ksh.33.13 per litre.

The prices shot to the highest Overnight the cost of petrol rose to about 212 shillings ($1.40; £1.20) per liter in the capital Nairobi – with the prices of different types of fuel rising by about 9% to 20%.

CS Chirchir, speaking on Friday when he appeared before the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Energy, stated that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has cut down its global oil production by about 3.6 million barrels daily, thereby affecting the availability and pricing of the commodity.

Kenyans took to X formerly renowned as Twitter lamenting the issues of fuel prices growing further as they pointed out that this would in turn lead to tougher times for the local mwananchi.

Several Twitter fans have responded to the increase by lamenting how the government isn’t considerate of the living costs that the citizens have been decrying for a while now.

CS Chirchir’s remarks followed similar sentiments by his Investments, Trade and Industry counterpart Moses Kuria who asked the public to tighten their belts and be ready for even higher prices at the pump in the coming months.

According to Kuria, fuel prices in the country will continue to rise by Ksh 10 every month until February next year.

“Global Crude Prices are on an upward trajectory. For planning purposes expect pump prices to go up by Ksh 10  every month till February,” Kuria posted on his official X account

Due to the shift in prices, it now means Super Petrol in Nairobi will now be retailing at Ksh.211.64, Diesel at Ksh.200.99, and Kerosene will be Ksh.202.61 per litre.

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Rwanda
Climate Change

Rwanda Builds Meteorology Labs to Improve Weather Data Collection and Disaster Response

by Kwabe Ben
written by Kwabe Ben

Rwanda has constructed meteorology laboratories to improve efficiency in collecting and analyzing weather data.

The country aims to enhance its understanding of weather patterns, river flows, and air quality to better forecast extreme events and respond to natural disasters. By regulating and maintaining a network of weather stations, hydrological sensors, and air quality monitoring devices, Rwanda is working towards building a resilient and environmentally sustainable future.

Previously, calibration of sensors had to be done outside of Rwanda, resulting in potential damage and high transportation costs. The new laboratories feature state-of-the-art instruments and a team of skilled scientists and technicians.

According to Aimable Gahigi, Director General of Rwanda Meteorology Agency, these meteorology sensors will be essential in advancing knowledge and prediction in the field.

“In the past, we faced difficulties with calibrating sensors outside Rwanda, which made them prone to damage and incurred high transportation fees,” He explains.

 

Claudine Uwera, Minister of State for Environment, emphasizes the importance of accurately predicting and preparing for environmental challenges.

“This calibration center represents a giant leap forward in our ability to monitor, predict, and respond to meteorological, hydrological, and air quality phenomena.” She states.

Rwanda

Deputy Director General at REMA Faustin Munyazikwiye (L), State Minister at the ministry of environment (c) Claudine Uwera during a guided tour of the newly launched centre of calibration laboratories. Courtesy

She further adds, “In an era where climate change poses an existential threat to our planet, this calibration center is our commitment to understanding and mitigating its effects. By ensuring the accuracy of our monitoring instruments, we pave the way for more precise climate models, which are essential for informed climate policymaking.”

 

The Minister of Environment Rwanda stresses that accurate climate projections are crucial for the efficiency of proposed adaptation strategies and the reduction of losses and damages. She highlights the need for climate models to accurately represent local climate conditions.

 

Overall, the construction of these meteorology laboratories in Rwanda represents a significant step towards improving data accuracy, enhancing decision-making in various sectors, and addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

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Climate Change

Transforming Africa’s Climate Narrative: Time for Urgent Action

by Kwabe Ben
written by Kwabe Ben
As African leaders convene in Nairobi to address the escalating climate crises, the call for immediate action to mitigate their global impact reverberates loudly. The One Campaign is urging all leaders to seize this critical moment to unite behind a shared pan-African agenda, one that prioritizes justice and prosperity for the continent. The Africa Climate Summit, themed “Driving Green Growth and Climate Finance Solutions for Africa and the World,” offers African leaders a platform to challenge prevailing narratives that portray Africa as a passive recipient, and instead, to highlight the continent’s strength and capability to take a leading role in the fight against climate change and nature loss. This is a moment that demands active participation in the search for solutions. African nations are among the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change and possess significant natural assets that could offer global climate solutions. Despite this, the continent receives a disproportionately small share of global climate finance compared to other regions. The estimated annual cost of Africa’s climate adaptation by 2050 is a staggering US$50 billion, and the region boasts the world’s highest potential for renewable energy. Yet, Africa currently receives a mere US$19.5 billion per year in total climate finance, with only 3% of global investment in clean energy directed towards the continent. In light of these disparities, ONE is urging all leaders to leverage the Summit as a catalyst for implementing the following policy changes, marking the beginning of a journey towards a more balanced trade environment and a more resilient African economy:
  1. Commitment to Triple Funding: Call upon World Bank shareholders and donor governments to commit to tripling grants and loans from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA), potentially delivering an additional $1.2 trillion in finance by 2030.
  2. Double Adaptation Finance: Urge donor governments to fulfill their commitment to double adaptation finance and establish a needs-based framework for the Global Goal on Adaptation, complete with targets and indicators.
  3. Streamline Special Drawing Rights: Remove barriers hindering the recycling of Special Drawing Rights through multilateral development banks, with a particular focus on the African Development Bank.
Serah Makka, Director for Africa at The ONE Campaign, emphasized that unlocking the untapped potential of the continent does not require handouts or recycled solutions from wealthy nations.
What it demands is the removal of barriers obstructing our path. African countries possess the tools, talent, and renewable resources necessary to drive their own growth and lead the charge against climate change, poverty, and inequality globally.
“No nation should have to choose between improving the lives of its citizens and safeguarding the planet. If the world rallies behind Africa, it can ignite a green economic revolution that promotes growth and prosperity across the continent, addressing the most pressing global challenges.” Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko, Africa Union Commissioner in charge of Agriculture, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment, added that Africa accounts for a mere 3.8 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, a stark contrast to the 23 percent in China, 19 percent in the US, and 13 percent in the European Union. “The continent is the most vulnerable to climate change hazards. Ahead of COP28, Africa must negotiate not from a position of victimhood but as a source of solutions. As a continent, we possess all the necessary resources to mitigate the challenges posed by climate change. She calls upon development partners to honor their promise made in the Paris Agreement to invest $100 billion in mitigating Africa’s climate challenges.
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Africa Climate Summit
Climate Change

Africa Climate Summit Opens Financing Opportunities

by Kwabe Ben
written by Kwabe Ben

After three intense days full of problem sharing, search for solutions, and discussions, The Africa Climate Summit 2023 came to a close with the Nairobi Declaration that calls for a new financing architecture that responds to Africa’s needs including debt restructuring and relief.

The Nairobi Declaration also calls for rich carbon polluters to honor their climate pledges to poor nations, it also urges the leaders to back the proposed carbon tax on fossil fuel trade.

With the announcement of the adoption of the Nairobi Declaration, President Ruto announced that the summit had received funding pledges worth $23 billion for green growth and adaptation efforts in Africa.

The summit further struck several financial deals with wealthy financiers who are willing to invest in Africa’s dreams towards achieving their adaptation goal and their visions towards finding opportunities amidst climate change effects to foresee development.

During his visit to Kenya, the UK Minister for Development and Africa Mr. Andrew Mitchell unveiled the new UK funding worth £49 million that will fund green projects in Africa.

Africa Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina announced a $1 billion fund that will accelerate climate financing for African youth businesses during the talks held at Wangari Maathai Institute of Peace and Environment.

Addressing the delegates during the second day of the Africa Climate Week summit, Adesina also announced $25 million for climate financing. He called for global financial architecture that will prioritize Africa’s needs.

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, the COP 28 President Designate said the United Arab Emirates which will host this year’s COP 28 will provide a $4.5 billion investment in carbon credits through the Africa Carbon Markets Initiative.

The world is awaiting the climatic revolutions that will take place as Africa is now determined to attract global funding and support that will steer their climate change adaptation solutions.

The first African Climate Summit has created a stronger unified voice for all the states towards charting new courses to address the effects of climate change and development agendas that will see to it that Africa thrives.

The delegates called for the implementation of all the proposals made during the COP27 on the Loss and Damage Fund before the next United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai.

During Climate Week, the leaders also called for faster acceleration in the reduction of emissions in order to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement to meet the commitment to provide $100 billion for annual climate finance as pledged 14 years ago at the Copenhagen conference.

During the three-day summit, the African heads also expressed their concerns about the challenges Africa faces every year including weather events and disproportionate patterns associated with climate change like prolonged drought, devastating floods, and wildfires which pose social and economic risks in the continent.

Being the first-of-a-kind summit for African nations, a united voice has been developed, a voice that will foresee eligible funding and development in Africa, a voice that will dominate the African Agenda during the United Nations Climate Change Conference and even during the next COP28 in Dubai.

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Climate Change

It is time to change the Africa’s climate narrative, One Campaign urges

by Kwabe Ben
written by Kwabe Ben

It is time As African leaders gather in Nairobi to discuss the escalating climate crises, urgent action is mandatory to mitigate its effect on the whole world. The One Campaign is urging all leaders to use this pivotal moment to unite around a shared pan-African agenda – one that brings justice and prosperity.

The Africa Climate Summit themed “Driving Green Growth and Climate Finance Solutions for Africa and the World” will also provide African leaders the platform to challenge narratives and perceptions of Africa being the constant docile recipient and showcase the continent’s strength and aptitude to take a leading role in the fight against climate change and nature loss. This moment calls for active participants in the pursuit of solutions.

African nations are among the most vulnerable to climate change effects and have significant natural assets that could provide global climate solutions. Despite this, the continent receives a disproportionately small amount of global climate finance compared to other regions. The estimated annual cost of Africa’s climate adaptation by 2050 is US$50 billion and the region has the world’s highest potential for renewable energy.  Yet the continent currently receives US$19.5 billion per year in total climate finance and only 3% of global investment in clean energy.

One is therefore calling on all leaders to use the Summit as a tool to elevate the following policy changes to start the journey of building a more balanced trade and more resilient African economy:

·  For World Bank shareholders and donor governments to commit to tripling grants and loans from the IBRD and IDA, which could deliver an additional $1.2 trillion in finance by 2030.

·  For donor governments to deliver on their commitment to double adaptation finance and commit to a framework for the Global Goal on Adaptation that is needs-based and includes targets and/or indicators.

·  Unblock the barriers so Special Drawing Rights can be recycled through multilateral development banks and the African Development Bank in particular.

According to Serah Makka, Director for Africa at The ONE Campaign, the key to unlocking the untapped potential of this continent isn’t handouts or second-hand solutions from rich nations. It’s removing the barriers standing in our way.

“African countries possess the tools, talent, and renewable resources to fuel their own growth and be at the vanguard of efforts to tackle climate change, poverty, and inequality everywhere. But they are being blocked by a broken global financial system that denies them access to the affordable finance needed to unleash this potential,” he added

Emphasizing that no country must choose between improving the lives of their people and protecting the planet. If the rest of the world truly gets behind Africa they can help unleash a green economic revolution that will drive growth and prosperity across the continent and help the whole world to rise to the biggest shared challenges we face.

Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko, Africa Union Commissioner in charge of Agriculture, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment,  said: ”Africa accounts for the smallest share of global greenhouse gas emissions, at just 3.8 percent, in contrast to 23 percent in China, 19 percent in the US, and 13 percent in the European Union. Yet, the continent is the most vulnerable to climate change hazards.

Further adding that ahead of COP28, Africa needs to negotiate not from a victim perspective, but from a solutions perspective. We need to work together as a continent. We have all the resources needed to mitigate climate change challenges.

“Development partners need to also honor their promise made in the  Paris Agreement of investing $100 billion in mitigating Africa’s climate challenges. We have not seen the investment yet,” she said.

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Kenya Introduces Robust Legal Framework to Drive Climate Action
Climate Change

Kenya Introduces Robust Legal Framework to Drive Climate Action

by Brian Yatich
written by Brian Yatich

The President of Kenya, H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, C.G.H, has launched Kenya’s National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) 2023-2027, Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) 2022-2050, and Climate Change Act (Amendment 2023).

By showcasing African leadership, Kenya demonstrates readiness to implement the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) through the third NCCAP aligned with the LT-LEDS. The NCCAP serves as the key planning document to mainstream and implement climate change actions.

Kenya joined the NDC Partnership in 2017 and updated its second NCCAP with Partnership support. The updated NCCAP aligns existing national plans with the country’s five-year Medium-Term Plan development cycle and updated NDC targets.

The NCCAP outlines seven priority climate action areas, covering policy and regulatory environments, capacity building, knowledge management, technology and innovation, climate finance, and monitoring, reporting, and verification.

The Partnership supported Kenya’s first NDC revision with funding from the German government (BMZ) and through GIZ. Now, the Partnership continues to support Kenya with the elaboration of the third NCCAP 2023-2027.

This support includes technical mitigation and adaptation analyses, setting ambitious targets, nationwide consultations, development of sectoral plans, and institutionalizing reporting. Supporting Partnership members include EIB, EU, FAO, UK, UNDP, USAID, World Bank, and WRI.

At the launch, NDC Partnership Global Director Dr. Pablo Vieira congratulated Kenya for its leadership and commitment in driving ambitious climate and development action. He highlighted Kenya’s strong framework for implementing climate commitments and effectively mobilizing climate finance, which improves the livelihoods of all Kenyans.

The Partnership remains committed to supporting Kenya in coordinating, implementing, tracking, and reporting NDC actions through the revised NCCAP. Additionally, the Partnership will provide technical assistance to develop an Investment Plan for Kenya’s LT-LEDS and NDC.

The NDC Partnership is a global coalition that brings together over 200 members to deliver ambitious climate action in line with the Paris Agreement and drive sustainable development. Currently, the Partnership supports over 40 countries across Africa.

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Youth
Climate Change

Empowering African Youth: A Bold Step Towards Climate Change Leadership

by Kwabe Ben
written by Kwabe Ben

The Africa Youth Climate Assembly (AYCA) has crafted a declaration in line with the thematic areas of the Africa Climate Summit. This declaration was developed through extensive engagement and discussions among African youths during the last two days of the Youth Summit.

Alphonce Muia, the lead coordinator for AYCA, highlighted that Africa is abundant in proposals and policy documents. However, there is an urgent requirement to convert them into actionable plans for efficient implementation and to safeguard the younger generation. Muia stressed the significance of transitioning from mere words to concrete actions.

The quest to change the norm is what inspired me more to come up with the Africa Youth Climate Assembly as I envision a future where young people don’t have to struggle in getting access to these platforms and the support

Alphonce Muia

The Youth’s Declaration encompasses 75% of the population in the African continent, facing a range of challenges from social to economic issues. The declaration calls for improvements in the circumstances faced by young people, including capacity building, financing, and provision of resources.

Lumumba, the chairman of AYCA, emphasized the need to support young African scientists in their research endeavors, particularly in the field of climate change. This research would provide valuable data on green job creation, impacts, and shifts, ultimately empowering the youth in this area.

The declaration has various agendas like;

  • Adapting jobs to empower young people, enabling them to overcome daily challenges and utilize their potential for innovation and solutions in the face of climate change issues.
  • Setting up youth offices in Africa considering that the continent houses more than 75% of young people in the world
  • Establishing frameworks under the African carbon markets initiative focused on mapping and incentivizing youth efforts under an AU-approved youth carbon markets consortium that supports youth organizations protecting carbon sinks.
  • Empowerment of the young through facilitating a green bank for youth contributions, and participation in decision-making tables.

The youth from various African countries coming together for the Youth Summit is a significant step, as young people take on decision-making responsibilities in the field of climate change.

This role represents a major advancement in the African continent, ensuring a secure future for the younger generation, whose leaders are the leaders of today.

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Climate ChangeEducation

Eco Nurtures Young Minds with Environmental Book Reading, School Gardening Sensitization

by Kwabe Ben
written by Kwabe Ben

The Rotary Club of Lavington, a dedicated advocate for environmental consciousness, recently hosted its inaugural book reading session in collaboration with the environmental club students at Gatina Primary School in Kawangware. The event, a significant step in fostering environmental education, saw the participation of 92 enthusiastic children.

At the heart of the session was the book “Wangari Maathai: The Woman Who Planted a Million Trees,” a biographical masterpiece that introduces young readers to the remarkable life and work of Wangari Maathai, the renowned Kenyan environmentalist and founder of the Green Belt Movement. The choice of this book aligns perfectly with the Rotary Club of Lavington, Eco’s mission to raise awareness about environmental issues and inspire the next generation to become stewards of the Earth.

Annyta Gitonga, the President of the Rotary Club of Lavington, Eco, expressed her enthusiasm about the event, stating, “We are thrilled to have initiated our first book reading session with the young minds at Gatina Primary School. Educating children about environmental responsibility is essential in shaping a sustainable future. Through the story of Wangari Maathai, we hope to instill values of conservation, activism, and empathy within these students.”

The engagement was not only educational but also interactive and entertaining, as the students eagerly absorbed the life story of Wangari Maathai and her unwavering dedication to the environment. The event sparked discussions on various environmental topics, from tree planting to waste management, demonstrating the potential of young minds to contribute to positive change.

The Rotary Club of Lavington, Eco aspires to expand the reach of eco-conscious conversations by organizing similar book reading sessions in schools across the region. By leveraging the power of literature, the club aims to kindle a passion for environmental preservation in the hearts of young learners, creating a ripple effect that extends into communities and homes.

Continuing its commitment to environmental education, the Club organized an additional session that focused on the significance of school gardening and its multitude of benefits. During this workshop, students actively participated in collecting used plastic milk packets, demonstrating a practical approach to recycling and repurposing materials. These plastic milk packets will be ingeniously transformed into seed beds for fruit trees within the school compound, showcasing a creative way to promote sustainability.

The engagement of the students in such hands-on activities not only imparts practical skills but also teaches them the importance of resourcefulness and waste reduction. This initiative aligns perfectly with the Rotary Club’s mission to drive impactful change through community involvement and education.

The Rotary Club of Lavington, Eco is unwavering in its dedication to promoting environmental consciousness among the youth. Through innovative initiatives like the book reading session and school gardening sensitization, the club continues to nurture the seeds of environmental awareness, ensuring a greener and more sustainable future for generations to come.

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