Africa Climate Summit; only one earth.
It is said that ‘We don’t inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children’, this statement is profound in regards to the historic inaugural ‘African Climate Summit that will be held in Nairobi in the first week of September.
This event will be graced by H.E Dr. William Samoe Ruto, President of Republic of Kenya, H.E. Azali Assoumani Chairperson of the African Union, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat Chairperson the African Union Commission among other dignitaries from Africa and beyond who will gather to discuss climate change adaptation, resilience and solution strategies for Africa and the World. The youngest continent in pursuit of its economic agenda continues to face a myriad of issues stemming from the challenge of climate change like drought, floods, extreme heat, among others hence the conversation could not come at a better time.
At the backdrop of this important conversation, the continent also stares at issues like poor governance, violence, poverty, unemployment, pollution and so on. Data indicates that the world population will surpass 9 Billion people by 2050; this unprecedented population explosion means dwindling of the limited natural resources, urbanization, expansion of infrastructure, pollution, land fragmentation etc.
Climate change and the environment remains one of the biggest conversations of the 21st Century. African Climate Summit’s objective is to hold a detailed, targeted and inclusive discussions around climate financing and green economic growth. This united platform is key since climate risks are transboundary and indiscriminate by their nature and will affect countries irrespective of their location or economic status.
In addition, the current financing is inadequate. Africa on the other hand has abundant natural resources including renewable energy that can be harnessed with intent to positively contribute to the global goals.
Femto Industries and other hundreds of climate innovation start-ups will be following the Nairobi Climate Summit. Femto a Uasin Gishu based Jua Kali climate innovation startup whose vision is ‘a zero waste society in Africa’ has products that have been tested, proven, patented and ready for commercialization.
The start-up uses sustainable circular economy model to turn waste material to building profiles; consequently offering cheaper housing solutions, creates employment to the jobless youths and marginalised communities and more importantly .
We have produced and patented three prototypes; Femto Nguzo (A walling profile produced from waste plastic), Femto Eupe (a wash basin produced from waste bottles), Femto Zulia (A cladding profile produced from water hyacinth). Our products reduce the cost of construction by 40%, ease pressure on the limited virgin material and protect the environment. Our machines are locally fabricated and products are manufactured under eco-controlled conditions.
As the rest of the climate innovators we are hopeful that the final “Pledging and Commitment Framework” will address the challenges that we currently face. Lack of legal framework to address the whole space of climate innovators from innovation hubs to scaling up and lack of capital to finance these startups being key.
These has hindered many an idea from seeing the light of the day. We believe that it’s time for Africa to fully embrace its own innovations, since it is the best way to solve the continents’ problems, create opportunities, improve quality of life and narrow the income gap.
Lastly, the Kenyan Government must be commended for her role in mobilizing the continent under the leadership of the African Union. It is refreshing to see the African nations uniting and discussing such a crucial issue affecting the continent and speaking as one people with one voice. This truly speaks to our shared aspiration as espoused in Agenda 2063 especially Aspiration1: A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development and Aspiration 7: Africa as a strong, united, resilient and influential global player and partner. While we support the Nairobi Climate Summit, we should also ask ourselves “what can I do for Africa?’
By
Janet Jeruto
Chief Operation Officer.
Email:femtoindustries@gmail.com
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