The Young African Karen Kimani and the Climate Struggle.
The young Kenyan Karen Kimani, African ambassador for the environment, aged just 10, called for the adoption of policies that encourage young people to participate in protecting the planet, namely through the mitigation of climate change and conveyed a message to the leaders and participants of the Meeting 2023 Annual Report of the African Development Bank (BAD).
"As future generations, it is important that we are not forgotten in some of the programs or activities related to protecting the planet."
"Our leaders have to catch us young."
“After all, it will be us who win or suffer tomorrow as a result of the policies and actions that are being implemented today”, he said.
The Call of Karen Kimani
Karen Wanjiru Kimani, African Youth Ambassador for the Environment, urges the creation of policies that enable and encourage young people to be part of the global movement to protect our planet, especially with regard to mitigating climate change.
Karen Kimani, who has received numerous awards for her environmental efforts and advocates for greater inclusion of young people in programs and activities aimed at protecting the environment, namely through the planting of trees, spoke, ahead of the 2023 Annual Meetings of the AfDB Group that will take place in the Egyptian resort of Sharm El Sheikh, from the 22nd to the 26th of May.
The event, with the theme “Mobilizing Private Finance for Climate and Green Growth in Africa“, will seek solutions to bridge the climate finance gap and move towards green growth on the continent.
The AfDB Annual Meeting
The meetings will provide Bank Group Governors and global businesspeople and investors with an opportunity to share experiences in mobilizing funds from the domestic and international private sector, including harnessing Africa's natural capital, to close the climate finance gap and advance the transition to green growth in Africa.
The Summits also provide African governments with a forum to discuss the nature and level of support they need from development partners such as the AfDB to realize their climate ambitions.
Karen Kimani, hopes that the discussions and decisions of this meeting will produce “tangible results” and states:
"Africa's contribution to global climate change is very small, but the continent suffers the most."
"Our countries need a lot more money to fight climate change and protect the planet."
“So I want to hear about more action when they get together; We've heard enough already."
Who is Karen Kimani?
Karen Wanjiru Kimani has been called the African Greta Thunberg. She was born in Kenya and, at just 10 years old, she has been doing her part to protect the environment and has planted over 10.000 trees to date.
She has been the recipient of numerous local and international awards including the MTM Environmental Excellence Award, Bristol, UK and won Kenya's 2022 Green Kid Awards for children who have impacted nature through climate change and environmental protection actions.
She was also recognized as an environmentalist of recognized value for Africa by the AfDB and the Global Center for Adaptation, jointly, during the COP27 that took place in Egypt in 2022.
“Protecting the natural environment is a good thing. It has beautiful trees and flowers that give us life,” she said.
Karen Kimani started planting trees at the age of four and plans to open a factory that will produce biodegradable bottles.
Impact of Climate Change in Africa
According to estimates, Africa lost between 5% and 15% of GDP per capita growth from 1986 to 2015 due to climate change related impacts.
The AfDB predicts that without strong climate change policies, Africa could lose up to 12% of GDP by 2100, depending on different scenarios. This figure is not comparable with the losses of less than 1% for the USA and the European Union, nor the 5% for China.
About BAD
The African Development Bank Group is Africa's leading development finance institution. It is made up of three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF).
With a presence in 41 African countries and external representation in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 Member States.
Conclusion
Karen Kimani's message is clear: it is necessary to involve young people in the fight against climate change and it is essential to act now to guarantee a sustainable future. Youth, who will be most affected by current decisions, must be included and heard in climate change mitigation efforts.
It is crucial that young people's voices are amplified in discussions on climate change and sustainable development. With their passion, energy and innovative ideas, they are a powerful force for change and have an essential role to play in building our common future. Let's support them in their fight to preserve our planet.
What do you think of this theme? Did you know the young African environmentalist Karen Kimani? We want to know your opinion, do not hesitate to comment and if you liked the article, share and give a “like/like”.
See also:
Africa is a key region for sustainability
Oil is killing the Okavango Delta
Africa: Nuclear Power. Clean, Green, Reliable
The world may enter a circle of destruction
Climate: Have we passed the point of no return?
Picture: © 2022 AfDB
