Exploring Nature- and Human-Based Solutions in the Mitigation of Climate Change: A Case for Stakeholder Initiatives in the Coastal Lowlands of Kenya
摘要
World over, climate scientists have observed the changing nature of our environment specifically in terms of weather and climate patterns. This trend depicts a gloomy picture for the future of humanity. Climate change is a result of climate forcings that could be associated with natural or anthropogenic factors. Anthropogenic climate change is associated with the emission of heat trapping greenhouse gases that results in the continuous increase in temper conditions and general global warming. There is great concern on the impacts of increasing temperatures on natural ecosystems that support life. Global and local interventions are in place to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases for a more sustainable and healthier environment. One such intervention that this chapter is addressing is the use of nature-based solutions in the mitigation of climate change. The objectives of the study include to establish the changing climatic conditions and their manifestations, to explore nature-based and associated man-made solutions to the impacts of climatic conditions, and to establish the challenges associated with application of nature-based solutions. The study uses exploratory research design. The study area is a subcounty in Kenya, and the target population included the smallholder farming households. Both primary and secondary sources of data were used to generate respective data sets. Tools for data collection included the interview and focus group discussion guides. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, and results were presented in the form of statistical summaries, narratives, and themes.