LECTURE NOTES: CLIMATE CHANGE
AND DEVELOPMENT
1. Introduction
Climate change is one of the greatest global challenges of the 21st century, with far-
reaching implications for economic growth, social development, and environmental
sustainability. It directly affects agriculture, water resources, health, energy,
infrastructure, and livelihoods, particularly in developing countries.
2. Meaning and Definition of Climate Change
Climate change refers to long-term alterations in temperature, precipitation,
wind patterns, and other aspects of the Earth's climate system due to both natural
variability and human activity.
Key Definitions:
UNFCCC (1992):
Climate change refers to a change in the climate that is attributed directly or
indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global
atmosphere and is in addition to natural climate variability observed over
comparable time periods.
IPCC (2021):
Climate change refers to a persistent shift in the state of the climate, identified
by changes in the mean and/or variability of its properties, lasting for decades
or longer.
In simpler terms:
Climate change means the gradual warming or alteration of global weather patterns
caused mainly by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and
industrialization.
3. Causes of Climate Change
A. Natural Causes
1.
Volcanic Eruptions – Release of gases and ash can influence atmospheric
temperature.
2.
3.
Solar Radiation Variations – Changes in sunspot activity affect the Earth’s
temperature.
4.
5.
Ocean Currents and El Niño Phenomena – Redistribute heat globally.
6.
7.
Earth’s Orbital Changes – Milankovitch cycles influence long-term climate
patterns.
8.
B. Human-Induced Causes (Anthropogenic Factors)
1.
Burning of Fossil Fuels (coal, oil, gas) – Produces CO₂ and other greenhouse
gases.
2.
3.
Deforestation – Reduces carbon absorption and increases atmospheric CO₂.
4.
5.
Agricultural Activities – Emit methane (CH₄) from livestock and nitrous
oxide (N₂O) from fertilizers.
6.
7.
Industrialization – Release of industrial gases like CFCs and SF₆.
8.
9.
Urbanization and Waste Management – Landfills produce methane and
reduce green cover.
10.
4. Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming
Greenhouse Effect:
A natural process where greenhouse gases (GHGs) trap heat in the Earth’s
atmosphere, keeping it warm enough to support life.
Major Greenhouse Gases:
Contributi
Gas Source
on
Carbon dioxide
Fossil fuels, deforestation 76%
(CO₂)
Methane (CH₄) Agriculture, waste, livestock 16%
Nitrous oxide
Fertilizers, biomass burning 6%
(N₂O)
Fluorinated gases Industry, refrigeration 2%
Global Warming:
The enhanced greenhouse effect caused by excessive human emissions, leading to the
rise in global average temperatures.
5. Evidence and Indicators of Climate Change
1.
Rising global temperatures (global warming).
2.
3.
Melting glaciers and polar ice caps.
4.
5.
Rising sea levels and coastal flooding.
6.
7.
Changing rainfall patterns (floods and droughts).
8.
9.
Increased frequency of extreme weather events (storms, cyclones, heatwaves).
10.
11.
Shifts in ecosystems and species distribution.
12.
13.
Ocean acidification and coral bleaching.
14.
6. Climate Change and Development: The Link
Climate change and development are interdependent:
Climate change affects development by damaging infrastructure, reducing
agricultural productivity, and increasing poverty.
Development influences climate through industrialization, urbanization, and
energy consumption.
Key Concept:
Climate change is not just an environmental issue — it is a development challenge
that threatens economic growth, food security, health, and social stability.
7. Impacts of Climate Change on Development
Impacts of Climate Development
Sector
Change Implications
Droughts, floods, Food insecurity,
Agriculture
unpredictable rainfall income loss
Water Reduced availability,
Water scarcity, conflict
Resources contamination
Spread of diseases (malaria, Increased mortality,
Health
cholera, heat stress) healthcare burden
Infrastructur Flooding, storms damage Economic losses,
e roads and housing displacement
Reduced hydropower due to
Energy Energy shortages
low rainfall
Loss of species, habitat Reduced ecosystem
Biodiversity
destruction services
Reduced productivity, Stagnated growth,
Economy
poverty inequality
8. Climate Change in Africa and Kenya
Africa contributes the least to global greenhouse gas emissions (<4%) but is most
vulnerable due to limited adaptive capacity.
Impacts in Kenya:
Droughts affecting pastoral communities (e.g., in ASAL regions).
Flooding in western and coastal Kenya.
Decreased agricultural yields (maize, coffee, tea).
Deforestation in Mau Forest and Aberdares affecting water catchments.
Increased spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria.
Case Study:
Kenya’s 2023 drought — the worst in 40 years — affected over 4 million people and
livestock, leading to food shortages and displacement.
9. Climate Change and Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs)
Climate change affects the achievement of multiple SDGs:
SDG Impact of Climate Change
Increases vulnerability and loss of
SDG 1 – No Poverty
livelihoods.
SDG 2 – Zero Hunger Reduces food production and nutrition.
SDG 3 – Good Health Causes heat stress and disease outbreaks.
SDG 6 – Clean Water Affects water availability and quality.
SDG 7 – Affordable
Impacts hydropower generation.
Energy
SDG 13 – Climate
Calls for mitigation and adaptation efforts.
Action
10. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies
A. Mitigation (Reducing Emissions)
1.
Transition to renewable energy (solar, wind, geothermal).
2.
3.
Energy efficiency and conservation.
4.
5.
Reforestation and afforestation.
6.
7.
Sustainable agriculture and low-carbon transport.
8.
9.
Waste management and recycling.
10.
11.
Carbon pricing and green technologies.
12.
B. Adaptation (Coping with Impacts)
1.
Climate-smart agriculture (CSA).
2.
3.
Early warning systems for disasters.
4.
5.
Improved water harvesting and irrigation.
6.
7.
Diversified livelihoods and resilient infrastructure.
8.
9.
Community-based adaptation (CBA).
10.
11.
Health preparedness and awareness campaigns.
12.
11. Global and Regional Policy Frameworks
Kenya’s
Framework Description
Engagement
UNFCCC (1992) Global treaty to stabilize Kenya is a signatory
Kenya’s
Framework Description
Engagement
GHGs
Kyoto Protocol Binding emission targets Kenya participates
(1997) for developed nations via CDM projects
Paris Agreement Aims to limit warming to Kenya ratified in
(2015) below 2°C 2016
Agenda 2030 & Calls for urgent climate Integrated in Vision
SDG 13 action 2030
Africa Climate
Regional adaptation Supports AU Agenda
Change Strategy
framework 2063
(2020–2030)
Kenya Climate Operationalizes
Provides legal framework
Change Act NDCs and national
for mitigation/adaptation
(2016) planning
12. National Climate Change Responses (Kenya)
1.
Kenya Climate Change Act (2016) – Framework for climate governance.
2.
3.
National Climate Change Response Strategy (NCCRS, 2010) – Initial
policy direction.
4.
5.
National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP 2018–2022) – Integrates
adaptation into development sectors.
6.
7.
Kenya Vision 2030 – Recognizes environmental sustainability as a key pillar.
8.
9.
County Climate Change Funds (CCCFs) – Support local adaptation
initiatives.
10.
13. Role of Development Actors
Actor Contribution
Policy formulation, enforcement, and
Government
funding.
Advocacy, awareness, and community
NGOs and Civil Society
mobilization.
Green technologies, renewable energy
Private Sector
investment.
Academia and Research Innovation, climate modeling, and
Institutions capacity building.
Technical and financial support (UNDP,
International Partners
World Bank, GCF).
14. Challenges in Addressing Climate Change and
Development
1.
Limited financial and technological capacity.
2.
3.
Inadequate data and research on local impacts.
4.
5.
Weak institutional coordination.
6.
7.
Public ignorance and low awareness.
8.
9.
Political instability and policy inconsistency.
10.
11.
Overreliance on donor funding.
12.
13.
Competing development priorities (poverty, unemployment).
14.
15. Opportunities for Climate-Resilient Development
Green economy and renewable energy investments.
Sustainable agriculture and water management.
Eco-tourism and conservation enterprises.
Youth innovation and climate entrepreneurship.
Climate education and public awareness.
Strengthening indigenous knowledge systems.
