TUNZA ECO – GENERATION,

THE 28^TH ECO – GENERATION REGIONAL AMBASSADOR TO KENYA.

KENYA, AFRICA.

THURSDAY, 28^TH JULY 2022.

PROF. GERHARD ADRIAN,

PRESIDENT OF THE WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANIZATION,

7 BIS, AVENUE DE LA PAIX,

CASE POSTALE 2300,

CH – 1211 GENEVA 2.

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND.

Dear Prof. Gerhard,

RE: WHY AND HOW TO TAKE ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE

Concerning the above-mentioned topic, and as The Regional Ambassador of Tunza Eco – Generation in Kenya, I am writing to engage you on the issue of climate change and its devastating effects, moreover, I would like to share with you the need to why and how to take action on climate change. It has been a problem that has stagnated and if not looked into, future generations shall not have a place to call home. The increase in heat, aridity, and semi-aridity encroaching, the decrease in water level, fresh water, and seas, the acidity of rains that lead to corrosion of iron sheets and different skin conditions, the extinction of plant species, and the increase in health issues and terminal illnesses are part of the devastating effects caused by the climate change and will continue to bring about grave issues if action is not taken to curb the effects of climate change.

I decided to write to you on the issue of action on climate change because you are the president of the renowned organization that deals with the study of weather patterns and how climate change takes place drastically in the world. World Meteorological Organization is a well-known specialized agency of the United Nations that has the mandate and responsibility for promoting international cooperation in atmospheric science, climatology, hydrology, and geophysics. With this mandate, I saw you were the right fit to engage on this issue as you have a vast experience in climate matters, and data research, it engages its partners and other international organizations on matters that are related to the protection of the environment, natural resources and how they are managed, climate changes, and socioeconomic development. Concerning climate change, it refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, which may be naturally occurring from variations in the solar cycle, and stemming from the 1800s, different human activities and industrialization has led to the major effects brought about by climate change, which include burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. From the scientific perspective, the burning of these fossil fuels generates poisonous gas emissions that destroy the ozone layer. These gases act like a blanket cover around the earth which eventually traps and retains heat which leads to a rise in temperatures, consequently, causing climate change. Such gases that destroy the ozone layer include carbon dioxide and methane being emitted from energy, industries, transport systems, and agriculture.

There are several reasons why there should be action taken on the increasing climate change. There is an increase in global warming, which is the gradual increase in the average temperature as heat is not radiated out into space. Several land areas are experiencing more hot days and increased heat waves as it was recorded in the year 2020, as it was the hottest years, and consequently will lead to increased hotter years with time, if no drastic action is taken. The drought in much of Europe as experienced over time is critical as the winter-spring precipitation deficit was brought about by early heatwaves. Rivers and water bodies in many countries have dried up and depleted the water storage. This has consequently led to soil water reduction in central Germany and eastern Hungary, Portugal, and northern Spain. The number of heatwaves has led to the melting of roads such as in Manchester where a busy street was virtually liquefied as reported by Manchester Evening News. Droughts can be destructive and can lead to dust storms which cause massive soil erosion leading to infertility in different places eventually affecting agriculture and food production. This eventually leads to the expansion of deserts and reduction of land for cultivation and poses a threat of not having enough water regularly. These are some of the many reasons why drastic action on climate change should be taken to mitigate the already existing effects.

There are different ways in which the effects can be mitigated. The Sustainable Development Goals can be used in driving the sense as to why inhabitants of the earth can care for Mother Nature and natural resources to care for the environment in a better way. There exist three extensive ways of action on climate change which are; cutting emissions, adapting to climate impacts, and financing required adjustments. This calls for the need to uphold climate justice to help create a sustainable world for future generations to come. These solutions tend to improve our lives on earth and protect the environment altogether. By cutting emissions, energy systems can be switched from fossil fuels to renewables like solar or wind hence reducing the emissions that bring about climate change. Different countries can embrace the net-zero emissions policy and by 2050, there would be warmth below 1.5 Degrees Celsius. For this to be achieved the production of fossil fuels must decline by roughly 6 percent per year between 2020 and 2030. We can also adapt to climate impacts in different states in the world by reducing their vulnerability to its impacts. Such actions include moving to higher ground to avoid rising sea levels, planting new types of crops that will grow well under the existing climate conditions, and implementing new building technologies that represent adaptation strategies, these adjustments can be financed by different governments to achieve the expected targets. When all this is done, there shall exist better earth to live in, therefore these actions should be taken drastically.

Indeed, clocks are ticking, and the only planet we have to live on is changing right before our eyes. What are we going to do about it? I hope this letter has highlighted several reasons on why and how to take action on climate change and I look forward to a positive response from you in regards to the same matter.

Yours faithfully,

Kiilu Immanuel Mwendwa,

The 28^th Eco – Generation Regional Ambassador To Kenya.