Date Posted: 6/24/2014 10:33:43 AM
Posted By: warira Membership Level: Gold Total Points: 1095
There have been speculations that Mombasa will sink in 20 years. To think that in twenty years Mombasa will be part our history with only photos to prove of its existence is unbelievable. If you have watched the series ‘Atlantis’ then you clearly relate with what I am talking about. Sad thing is, Mombasa is not a fictional story it is a reality. It is not just Mombasa we are talking about but many other islands in developing states. These islands risk being submerged due to the rising sea- levels.The ministry of environment has stated that the rising sea levels are causing increased magnitude and frequency of tropical cyclones and wave action. It has caused coastal erosion, loss of land for human settlements and agriculture; intrusion of saline water into the aquifers causing scarcity of fresh drinking water;increased wind and rainfall intensity; loss of biodiversity, destruction of infrastructure and roads;weakening of natural soil erosion barriers and loss of livelihoods dependent on the tourism industry.Research conducted by Kenya Marine Fisheries Research Institute (KEMFRI) has confirmed that there is a rise of sea-level by about 2.00mm per year. This rise may lead to the submergence of Mombasa City and lead to coastal flooding in other towns. Coastal town at risk include Malindi, Kilifi, Lamu, kwale and Tana River. It is also important to note that that the coastal area is not the only one affected but also the Rift Valley region. The expansion of inland lakes in this region is worrisome as it is submerging the adjacent areas. This has been observed in Lake Nakuru, Lake Baringo, lake Bogoria, Lake Naivasha and Lake Elementaita.Climate change is real and we must act now to stop activities that increase emissions of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere thus increasing global warming. For instance, we can plant mangroves at the coastal arrears as they control wave erosion which consequently reduces the risk of submerging the area.The Ministry of Environment, Water and Natural resources has heeded to the call by taking action to respond to climate change towards all sectors. For instance the Ministry has formulated the National Climate Change Response Strategy 2010 which will come up with interventions for coping with climate change. There is also National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) which implements the policies and regulations. In as much the government has the expertise and technical resources, every individual has a role to play in this fight. One simple way of doing this by planting trees. Trees act as carbon sinks which help in reducing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere . In addition, tree planting can earn economic benefits to the country through the Carbon Credits based on the enhanced forest cover. If you are in school you can join the Greening Schools Programme, wildlife and environmental clubs that promote tree planting.Lets save Kenya by planting just one tree every month. If we all plant one tree every month that is around 40 million trees every month which will go a long way in increasing the forest cover.
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