Addressing Climate Disparities in Kenya: An Environmental Justice Approach

6th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON NEW HORIZONS IN SCIENCE, Al-Qahira, Mısır, 26 Eylül - 29 Ekim 2024, ss.122-133

The geographic location of Kenya renders it highly susceptible to the impacts of climate

change, particularly due to its reliance on rain-fed agriculture and natural resources. The

effects of climate change, including prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall, and rising

temperatures, have direct implications for food security, water availability, and livelihoods,

especially for rural and pastoralist communities. The phenomenon of climate injustice is

exemplified by the fact that Kenya contributes only a minimal amount to global greenhouse

gas emissions, yet it suffers from the effects of these emissions to a disproportionate extent.

According to the Global Carbon Atlas, Kenya’s per capita CO2 emissions are among the

lowest in the world, yet its agricultural sector, which employs about 80% of the rural

population, is significantly affected by climate variability. This creates a situation where those

least responsible for climate change endure the harshest consequences, further deepening

existing socio-economic inequalities. The unequal impacts of climate change in Kenya

highlight the urgent need for an environmental justice approach to climate policy. Those most

vulnerable to climate-related challenges, including rural communities, indigenous peoples,

and women, are disproportionately affected by climate-related challenges, exacerbating

existing social and economic inequalities. In order to address these disparities, it is not

sufficient to implement national policy reforms; international solidarity and financial support

are also required. By embracing a justice-oriented approach to climate adaptation and

mitigation, Kenya can build a more resilient and equitable future in the face of the climate

crisis.

The available empirical evidence supports the proposition that marginalised groups, including

rural communities, women and indigenous populations, are the most severely affected by

these impacts as a result of the pre-existing social and economic inequalities that they

experience. In this analysis, data and case studies are incorporated to provide a clearer picture

of how these disparities are exacerbated by climate change and what pathways might be

identified to address them.

Keywords : Climate Change, Environmental Justice, Kenya, Vulnerable Groups