Leverage on the World Habitat Day 4th October 2021 celebrations for more action on climate change

The theme for this year’s World Habitat Day celebrations to be held on Monday, 4^th October 2021 is “Accelerating urban action for a carbon free world”. Increases in carbon globally has been responsible for global warming, adverse weather conditions & climate change, which poses a major challenge for sustainable development. As a country, we should pursue development routes that leads to reduced carbon emissions because unlike others that industrialized by relying on increased carbon production, we have the opportunity to leverage on technology and innovation to cut down on such emissions.

Stakeholders must act collectively to ensure a carbon free world that guarantees sustainable and clean human settlements which are bound to keep increasing. The call for action is compounded by the fact that climate change is a serious threat to sustainable development and growth and it is estimated that about ninety percent of all global calamities & epidemics can be moderated by managing effects of climate change. Nevertheless, climate change has opportunities too, for example tapping into carbon markets and carbon credits, through planting of trees and other clean development mechanisms that reduces Green House Gases (GHGs) and also tapping into the emerging Equator principles of financing that addresses sustainable development and compliance with environmental provisions.

We should move towards comprehensive low carbon emission regime for all our activities, but particularly focusing on five major areas: first ensure that we have effective and efficient land uses; secondly, have pro- poor planning and development management because the poor are more affected by climate change. We must have effective mass transportation systems. Thirdly, reduction in environmental pollution, including adaptation measures; fourthly, ensure nature and resource conservation, by developing without destroying our heritage and culture, in addition to urbanization without slums. Where slums exist, let invest in social and physical infrastructure to avoid their degradation. Fifthly, ensure a culture of clean energy production and consumption by tapping into our geothermal and wind energy potential. Climate change increases the rate for disasters, hence urban areas must be safe, secure & with adequate disaster management and preparedness for increased investments.