Effects of Prolonged Climate Change (20-30 Years): Employing GESI and Other Resilience Measures

Abstract

The effects of prolonged climate change in arid and semi-arid regions (ASAL) of Kenya are of significant concern at both national and global levels. Over the span of 20-30 years, these changes present profound challenges to ecosystems, societies, and economies, including rising temperatures, environmental shifts, biodiversity loss, extreme weather events, sea level rise, food and water insecurity, natural disasters, health risks, displacement, economic disruptions, geopolitical instability, and cultural loss. Despite these challenges, many population groups lack the adaptive capacity to cope effectively with climate-related impacts. This paper employs a literature review methodology to underscore the challenges posed by prolonged climate change effects in Kenya's ASAL regions and proposes resilience measures that communities can adopt to mitigate these effects. Urgent and ambitious action is essential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance resilience, and adapt to climate change, thereby minimizing its severity and safeguarding the well-being of present and future generations. The authors advocate for the implementation of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) measures as a crucial step in addressing climate change. GESI-responsive climate interventions aim to meet the specific needs of community members in a contextual manner. These considerations are vital for ensuring that climate policies, programs, and projects are equitable, effective, and sustainable. Discriminatory practices in climate governance often marginalize women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and other marginalized communities, despite their heightened vulnerability to climate impacts due to existing gender disparities and social inequalities.