24 February 2015, 00:00
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) presented the findings of its latest report on Monday to policymakers, civil society, scientists and students from Kenya and other East African countries.
Written by over 800 scientists from 80 countries, and assessing over 30,000 scientific papers, the Fifth Assessment Report tells policymakers what the scientific community knows about the scientific basis of climate change, its impacts and future risks, and options for adaptation and mitigation.
The key findings of AR5, as expressed in the Synthesis Report released on 2 November, are: ·Human influence on the climate system is clear;
· The more we disrupt our climate, the more we risk severe, pervasive and irreversible impacts; and · We have the means to limit climate change and build a more prosperous, sustainable future.
For East Africa, the IPCC AR5 highlights risks from climate change including those related to food and water security, changing patterns of disease, and extreme weather events. Addressing current vulnerabilities can reduce today's climate risks and contribute to climate-resilient development over the coming decades.
“The longer we wait, the harder it will be to deal with climate change,” said Youba Sokona, Co-Chair of Working Group III, who presented the Synthesis Report as well as IPCC Working Group III’s findings to the meeting.
Around 300 people from Kenya, both from Nairobi and the rest of the country, registered for the event, and delegates from East Africa and other countries to a Session of the IPCC starting the following day were also invited.