Author: Caroline Kibii
The democratization of climate action may not be achieved soon. Until the day environment and climate change agencies are independent of political control, it remains a nightmare for conservationists and legal entities to push for ratification and implementation of regulations.
Climate and Politics
Climate change has in the recent past orchestrated debates, misunderstandings, and misinformation. As it stands now, climate change is a human problem that has found itself at the center of political discussions.
Politics of climate change are hard to ignore owing to the weight it carries. Decisions surrounding the topic lies squarely with government agencies globally.
In as much as the private sector, citizens, and civil societies play an important role in developing strategies, influencing the adoption and implementation of those strategies and funding, they must operate within specified regulations. Governments bear the sole authority to the development of governing rules and regulations.
Who are the lawmakers? Politicians!
In almost all countries, laws, policies, and regulations are developed based on political agendas. Such agendas tend to favour a few individuals without considering the needs of the larger population.
It is tougher when it comes to climate action. The mitigation measures to climate change effects target mega operations where politicians and powerful business entities hold the largest share.
Based on that, most viable policies required to advance climate action fail to attain the required threshold for passage into law or for gazettement.
The transport sector, energy, oil, and gas industries are ranked among the leading greenhouse gas generators. The largest percentage of them are controlled by cartels with the power to influence decisions concerning their restrictions.
It becomes hard to establish and successfully implement a policy that ousts polluting companies or have them pay for their pollution in equal measures to the amount of levels exceeded.
Look at Lamu coal power plant, for instance, that was a source of conflict among the community members, supposed developers, and investors. Similarly, South Africa’s energy minister in December 2019, according to Reuters vowed to continue burning coal to generate energy despite the known social and environmental implications.
Advocates of clean energy, conservationists, and the public may have little to do if those in authority stamp their power to overturn the desires and interest for sustainable development.
Land controversy and deforestation
Land is another controversial aspect that has been politicized, leading to the destruction of forests. Encroachment into forested areas for the sake of human settlement, agricultural production, and establishment of commercial enterprises is evident- the case of Amazon, Congo, and Mau forest complex.
Forests are scientifically known as carbon sinks because they absorb large quantities of carbon, reducing their accumulation in their atmosphere.
Mau Forest, a vital water tower in Kenya, has hit news headlines for decades because of destruction from illegal logging, the establishment of tea and timber processing industries, resettlement, and agriculture.
Polite and forceful eviction approaches of illegal settlers in Mau forest have been employed; however, all attempts have been faced with hostile political rivalry.
Because of the political pressure surrounding the conservation of Mau forest complex, more trees and vegetation will continue to be destroyed. The country’s target to plant some billions of trees by 2022 and achieve the 10% forest cover might be impossible.
Reforestation is considered the most straightforward climate action approaches that countries and individuals can engage in with minimal financial stress.
Trump’s administration also demonstrated how politics is a huge barrier to achieving climate action goals. Being a leader of a supposed superpower nation, what Trump says has considerable influence. His hesitation in acknowledging the reality of climate change and the decision to withdraw the US from the Paris Climate Agreement is in itself a curtailment.
The democratization of climate action may not be achieved soon. Until the day environment and climate change agencies are independent of political control, it remains a nightmare for conservationists and legal entities to push for ratification and implementation of regulations.
Until the day politicians are not on the negotiating table during climate summits, brace for more denials, disputes, and withdrawals from accords.
Suggested reads
TOO MUCH POLITICS; SAVE MAU FOREST COMPLEX
UNTAPPED POTENTIAL IN AFRICA- RURAL COMMUNITIES GENERATE ENERGY FROM RENEWABLE SOURCES
INVEST IN & EMPOWER LOCAL COMMUNITIES, GATEKEEPERS OF PRESERVED AREAS
