Edition: English | 中文简体 | 中文繁体 Монгол
Homepage > Sci Tech Video

The impact of the Paris Agreement at grass-roots level

Reporter: Kathryn Omwandho 丨 CCTV.com

11-08-2016 14:47 BJT

Securing any deal on climate change is notoriously difficult. But the bigger challenge is making it count at a grass-roots level. Even in countries where the impact of climate change is clear for all to see, getting the population on board is a struggle.

13-year-old Harriet Wanjira - doing her bit to save the planet

"I will name her…mmmh think precious I'm going to take care of it and make sure it grows tall," she said.

Like much of Africa, Kenya has a problem with deforestation. Years of uncontrolled development and poor farming have taken their toll. Tree-planting is a simple way to make a difference.

The United Nations Convention on Climate Change suggests that each country should have 10-30% forest cover. Kenya has 6.6% with this tree harriet Is taking the country one step closer to reaching the benchmark.

Experts say Kenya is in fact a front-runner in Africa on climate change policy. But there seems to be a disconnect between what's on paper - and what's done in practice.

"I believe the Paris agreement gives...we will definitely reduce our emissions," said Jackson Kiplagat, Programme Manager, WWF Kenya.

Proper waste management and recycling also remain a wish - rather than a policy.

So planting trees is a step in the right direction.

But if the grand ideals of Marrakech are to benefit cities like Nairobi, then it's ordinary people who must be educated, encouraged and empowered to make them a reality.

Follow us on

  • Please scan the QR Code to follow us on Instagram

  • Please scan the QR Code to follow us on Wechat