Governor Nyong'o: Effects of climate change are real, disturbing

By Peter Ochieng

Kisumu governor Peter Anyang' Nyong'o says no one can be exempted from effects of climate change.

Speaking during the official opening of climate action workshop overview organised by the Swedish International Centre for Local Democracy in Kisumu, Nyong'o added that the effects real and disturbing.

"Action is required now not later because the green house emissions are increasing daily," said Nyong'o.

He added that local authorities play key socio-economic roles, and are centres of economic hubs insisting that they must be financially empowered to scale down effects of climate change.

"In Africa, local authorities lack climate financing for effective climate change mitigation measures. There is an urgent need for strong political leadership and high level decision making to make these centres or local authorities effective in climate resilience," added the second term county boss.

He said industries and high traffic cause green house emissions to increase, hence the need for strong policies to enhance climate change actions.

His sentiments came as President William Ruto in his maiden address to the European Union (EU) Parliament in Strasbourg, France on Tuesday called for strategic actions aimed at tackling climate change crisis.

"The world must take bold and strategic action to tackle the climate crisis. We must act decisively to implement the structural shifts required to achieve the 2030 agenda for sustainable development and cap global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius," the Head of State.

"This is the time for Africa, Europe, and all regions of the world to work together to drive sharp cuts in greenhouse gas emissions for our combined survival," he added.

He said one of the biggest contributions the EU can make to both addressing poverty in Africa and achieving global climate goals is through its demand for green products and services, including for carbon credits.