Kenya National Academy of Sciences (KNAS) Hosts Scientific Revival Day of Africa (SRDA) 2024: NRF Among Sponsors Addressing Climate Change, Environment, and Health
The Kenya National Academy of Sciences (KNAS) hosted the 2024 Scientific Revival Day of Africa (SRDA) on November 14-15 at the Nairobi Safari Club. Under the theme “Climate Change, Environment, and Health,” the event brought together policymakers, scientists, health professionals and stakeholders to explore solutions to the interconnected health and environmental challenges posed by climate change.
As part of the event, KNAS launched its Strategic Plan 2024–2028 and inducted new fellows and members into the academy, reinforcing its role in advancing scientific excellence and innovation.
Key Discussions
1. Climate Change and Public Health
The discussions highlighted the profound impact of climate change on public health. Drawing inspiration from the late Wangari Maathai, Dr. Gikonyo, Founder and Chief Cardiologist at The Karen Hospital, remarked, “Nature is unforgiving; if you do not take care of it, it will not take care of you.”
Key health risks identified included:
- Deterioration of clean air, water, and food security.
- Rising cases of malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat-related illnesses.
- Biodiversity loss affecting ecosystems and food supply.
- Ozone layer depletion, increasing the risk of skin cancer.
2. Mental Health and Climate Change
Mr. Wycliffe Mayaka, Senior Meteorologist at the Kenya Meteorological Department, shed light on the mental health impacts of climate change, such as:
- Psychological effects: eco-anxiety, ecological grief, and solastalgia.
- Behavioral consequences: substance abuse, social strain, and heightened suicide rates.
He emphasized the need to integrate mental health considerations into climate adaptation policies as an essential aspect of building resilience.
Proposed Solutions
Participants outlined strategies to address the health and environmental challenges of climate change:
- Elevating health considerations in climate change policies.
- Strengthening public health systems to manage climate-related health crises.
- Raising public awareness about the health impacts of climate change.
- Integrating mental health frameworks into climate adaptation strategies.
- Encouraging collaborative, interdisciplinary research to inform evidence-based solutions.
NRF’s Commitment
As a sponsor of the event, NRF demonstrated its dedication to addressing climate change and health challenges by:
- Supporting platforms for dialogue and stakeholder collaboration.
- Promoting research-driven solutions to complex societal issues.
- Building partnerships to achieve sustainable development goals.
Through initiatives like these, NRF continues to promote innovation and evidence-based policymaking in tackling climate change, health challenges, and other pressing issues.
Looking Ahead
The Scientific Revival Day of Africa 2024 underscored the urgent need for collaborative action at the intersection of climate change, environment, and health. The launch of the KNAS Strategic Plan 2024-2028 and the induction of new fellows and members reflect a strengthened commitment to scientific advancement and innovation. NRF’s sponsorship reaffirms its pivotal role in supporting research and initiatives that drive sustainable development and build resilience in the face of global challenges.
