Diplomatic Interventions in Mitigating adverse effects of climate change;The case of Kenya

Abstract

Kenya has been experiencing climate change in recent years. Rainfall in this case has also been seen to vary with time therefore skillful monitoring, prediction and early warning of the extreme weather events is crucial in the planning and management of all rain dependent socio-economic activities. They are also vital for the development of effective disaster preparedness strategies. The main objective of this paper is therefore to investigate measures that are needed to curb and mitigate adverse climate change effects. The concept of vulnerability in climate change literature is underpinned by various theoretical contributions across different disciplines leading to differing understandings of what climate change effects entails. Several contributors and actors have helped not only to frame and shape different understanding of the adverse effects of climate change but also to define the conceptual and analytical elements considered as critical in any climate change vulnerability assessment. The purpose of this thesis is to review the literature on climate change adverse effects and vulnerability and explore and synthesize those conceptual and analytical aspects considered fundamental in a vulnerable assessment and adverse climate change effects. The design, methodology and approach that has been used in this research is based on the existing literature on adverse effects of climate change. The paper provides a review of the conceptual elements regarded as critical in integrated assessments of the adverse effects of climate change. The findings that this paper has come up with includes: - a review of the existing literature review on issues to do with human environment interaction and interference,key components of adverse climate change effects, appropriate solutions, data analysis, comparative study, causal structures, engaging stakeholders, historical and prospective analysis and dealing with uncertainty. The paper presents a clear knowledge on existing literature on climate change as well as the legal framework that are in place to address adverse effects of climate change. The principal conclusion and recommendation that this paper has made is that Kenya should put in place proper legal framework on measures that mitigates climate change by ratifying both National and International legal instruments.