GREENING KENYA: HARNESSING CARBON HARVESTING FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
1.? Introduction
Global warming is a term most are familiar with but whose far-reaching effects are not as appreciated. Kenya is no stranger to these effects, such as the scorching heat waves and unpredictable weather patterns, which come hand in hand with climate change. From Nairobi City to the rural heartlands, the impacts of global warming are increasingly palpable.
Late last month, the Kenya Meteorological Department released a stern advisory, alerting Kenyans to brace themselves for soaring temperatures looming over various regions of the country. In true testament to their forecast spanning from 20th to 26th February, significant portions of Kenya including Turkana, Samburu, and Marsabit, among others, endured scorching daytime temperatures exceeding 35oC. Additionally, coastal areas as well as parts of Nairobi and its environs experienced elevated temperatures surpassing the 30oC mark.[1] This experience is not a preserve of Kenya only; the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has warned of warmer conditions in 2024 than recorded in 2023.[2]
Climate change is thus a defining issue of our time and we are at a defining moment. The impacts are global in scope and unprecedented in scale. Without drastic action today, adapting to these impacts in the future will prove more difficult and costly. Change is therefore inevitable.
Therein lies a beacon of hope – carbon harvesting. This is not just a solution; it arguably is our lifeline to a greener, more resilient future.
2.? Understanding Carbon Harvesting
Carbon harvesting (alternatively, carbon sequestration) is essentially the ingenious process of capturing carbon dioxide emissions, whether from industrial sources like power plants or directly from the open atmosphere by plants and vegetation, effectively neutralizing its harmful effects. In Kenya, where agricultural and industrial activities contribute significantly to carbon emissions, carbon harvesting presents an opportunity to mitigate these impacts. By capturing carbon from large sources like power plants and industrial processes, as well as from the open atmosphere through vegetation, we can take meaningful steps towards reducing our carbon footprint and safeguarding our environment.
The cheapest and most effective way of transporting captures of carbon dioxide is by pumping it through pipelines. There are two main ways of carbon sequestration: biological and geological. Biological carbon sequestration involves storage of carbon in vegetation, grasslands and forests, and in soils. Through biological carbon capture, working lands, including grazing land and crop land, can capture and utilise carbon through photosynthesis and store it in plant biomass and root systems and in the soil in a manner that is compatible with economic production. Grasslands also store carbon in native plants and root systems deep into the soil, preventing it from being released into the atmosphere.
Geological carbon sequestration (or geo-sequestration), on the other hand, entails storage of carbon in geological formations or rocks. Carbon is captured at production and converted into a high-pressure running liquid known as superficial CO2 and transported and injected into porous rocks.
After capturing carbon through any of the above-explained methods, the next step is to find sustainable and economically viable ways to manage the harvested carbon. While carbon harvesting effectively reduces CO2 emissions, there arises the need for mechanisms to incentivize and facilitate the utilisation or storage of the captured carbon in order to achieve meaningful climate change mitigation goals.
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One effective mechanism is carbon trading, which enables the trading of carbon credits, representing the reduction, avoidance or removal of CO2 emissions. A carbon credit is a tradable unit (equivalent of one metric tonne of CO2 or its equivalent in other greenhouse gases, as measured in carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e)) representing the reduction, sequestration or avoidance of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly CO2, from the atmosphere.[3] These credits are generated through activities or projects that result in quantifiable emission reductions or carbon sequestration, such as renewable energy projects, afforestation, reforestation, or energy efficiency initiatives.
Carbon credits serve as a form of currency in carbon trading markets, allowing entities to buy or sell them as a means of meeting regulatory requirements or voluntary commitments to reduce their carbon footprint.
Carbon trading therefore provides a mechanism to the stakeholders for monetizing carbon harvesting efforts, driving climate-friendly practices and contributing to global climate change mitigation objectives. Through carbon trading, Kenya can harness the economic potential of carbon sequestration while advancing its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
3.??Kenya's Rich Potential: Tapping Into Nature's Bank
Our lush forests and sprawling grasslands hold the key to unlocking Kenya's carbon-neutral destiny. With approximately 7% of the country covered by forests and vast expanses of grasslands, we possess a natural treasure trove for carbon sequestration. Through strategic investments in reforestation, afforestation, and sustainable land management practices, we can maximise the carbon storage capacity of these ecosystems while promoting biodiversity and preserving our natural heritage.
Moreover, by integrating carbon harvesting initiatives into our national development agenda, we can stimulate economic growth and create new opportunities for rural communities. Whether through ecotourism ventures centered around our rich biodiversity or carbon offset projects that incentivize sustainable farming practices, Kenya stands poised to harness the full potential of carbon harvesting for the benefit of both people and planet.
4.??Kenya’s Legal Framework: Laying the Foundation for Climate Solutions
Kenya has in place various laws and regulations aimed to encourage carbon harvesting in Kenya by providing a regulatory framework that addresses environmental degradation and climate adaptation strategies, thus incentivizing and facilitating participation in carbon markets and carbon projects. This framework includes the Environmental Management and Coordination Act, 1999 (EMCA) and the Climate Change Act 2016 (the Act), as amended by the Climate Change (Amendment) Act 2023 (the Amendment Act). The Amendment Act has amended the Act to address various aspects related to carbon markets, carbon projects and community involvement in climate change initiatives. Additionally, Kenya is committed to international agreements such as the Paris Agreement on Climate Change 2015, demonstrating its dedication to global climate action.
Below are among the benefits brought about by the Act and its amendments to stakeholders:
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4.1.??Regulatory Clarity and Incentives
The Act provides clear definitions and regulations for carbon markets, carbon projects and carbon credits, creating a conducive environment for investment and participation in carbon harvesting activities.
By setting policy directions and standards for carbon reduction credits and technologies eligible for carbon offset projects, the Act incentivizes stakeholders to engage in activities that contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
4.2.?Community Involvement and Benefits
The Act emphasizes the importance of community involvement in carbon projects through the negotiation of community development agreements. These agreements ensure that local communities benefit economically, socially and environmentally from carbon harvesting activities, thereby incentivizing their participation and support for such initiatives.
4.3.? Transparent and Accountable Mechanisms
The establishment of the National Carbon Registry enhances transparency and accountability by recording and managing carbon credit projects, authorisations and carbon budgets. Additionally, access to carbon-related data through the Registry enables stakeholders to make informed decisions and monitor the progress and impact of carbon harvesting activities.
4.4.?? Dispute Resolution and Oversight
The Act provides mechanisms for resolving disputes related to carbon projects, ensuring that conflicts are addressed promptly and fairly, thereby reducing barriers to participation. ?Oversight by the National Climate Change Council and the Designated National Authority ensures effective implementation of carbon harvesting initiatives and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Overall, the Act and its amendments serve the purpose of promoting climate change resilience and low-carbon development in Kenya by encouraging carbon harvesting as a means to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. By providing regulatory clarity, incentives, and mechanisms for community involvement and oversight, the Act creates opportunities for stakeholders to contribute to sustainable development while addressing the challenges of climate change.
5.?? Conclusion
The legal framework for carbon harvesting and trading in Kenya represents a pivotal opportunity to address the existential threat of climate change and safeguard the nation’s heritage for future generations. Rooted in the principles of environmental protection and community engagement, this framework provides a fertile ground for stakeholders and investors interested in carbon capture and storage initiatives as it creates an environment conducive to innovation and investment in climate-friendly solutions.
Authors: Esther Omulele , Melissa Wango Were and Brenda Gichangi
[1] Citizen Digital, ‘Expect high daytime temperatures across Kenya this week’ (20th February 2024)
[2] The Japan Times , ‘El Nino could make 2024 hotter than? record-setting 2023, NASA Says’ (13th January 2024) https://www.japantimes.co.jp/environment/2024/01/13/climate-change/2024-even-hotter/
[3] Section 2 of the Climate Change (Amendment) Act, 2023