HerDithy: Carbon GOLD #8

 Happy new Month!

Just like that, the year is over; and today`s read is on climate change.. the result of the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels for energy and other human activities. Approximately, Kenya has a forest cover of 7.4%, mostly pushed by commercial value addition that resulted to that nice seat you are cozy on. The consumption of wood generally does not reflect the same effort to plant more trees for the same. Ways to mitigate the climate change situation have been drawn from all measures, some extending to the synergy between agriculture and technology.

The whole point of having this conversation about carbon credits is because in most towns like Nairobi, there is a huge problem of sewage, sanitation. There needs to be a permanent solution to reduce pollution by charging polluters. Industries that do not have proper mechanisms to dispose waste from the factories enhance the deterioration of the Nairobi River because you know, they do what they do. In simplified terms, a carbon credit is a permit that allows the company holding it to emit a certain amount of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases. One credit permits the emission of a mass equal to one ton.

The current price of a carbon credit is approximately 34.99$. The price is not constant due to its exposure to the global trade and stocks market. Things such as inflation, war, natural disasters have a direct effect on the carbon credits and the market at large. In this series about carbon credits, we shall demystify all about incentives to cut on emissions, carbon leakages, markets, regulations and policies on carbon credits.

Farmers, are also high carbon polluters. You know, the methane from cow dung, using fertilizers, even tilling the land are all activities that increase the level of carbon emissions in the atmosphere. Carbon credits have created a revenue stream that enhances the extension services provided to farmers, which are critical to the adoption of these practices and add to the farmer`s income beyond their field yields.

 Maybe you would think, what works then? We must eat, but not at the expense of our planet. The synergy between climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies in agriculture will improve the quality of food we eat and air we breathe. Engaging agricultural practices that improve the productivity and livelihoods of smallholder, subsistence farmers can also become climate- smart. This also improves food security, which is now more important than anything. Plug in.

 

Mwihaki Karanja




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