Living Climate Change Africa Episode 2: Adaptation

11/14/22 • 24 min

(Content warning: this episode contains mentions of suicide)

Human beings are some of the most adaptable species on Earth – building structures to last centuries, domesticating plants and animals and creating technology to connect us around the world. But we all face a new challenge: adapting to and surviving extreme weather caused by climate change. And this is a huge challenge for poor communities who are most at risk.

This episode, presented by Diana Njeru, explores how people in East Africa are trying to adapt to the rapidly changing climate, and how they are coping when they cannot.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(Content warning: this episode contains mentions of suicide)

This episode, presented by Diana Njeru, explores how people in East Africa are trying to adapt to the rapidly changing climate, and how they are coping when they cannot.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Previous Episode

Living Climate Change Africa Episode 1: Forecasting

In Eastern Africa, fishers and herders have mostly relied on indigenous knowledge and traditional weather forecasters to predict the weather. This can include methods like reading goat intestines, and reading the dust clouds from beating shoes together.

As the climate changes, traditional communities need to understand what is happening to weather patterns to survive and adapt. Scientific forecasting can help – but it must be presented in ways that are understandable and have meaning for the communities.

In this episode, presenter Diana Njeru takes us on a journey to meet pastoralist herders and farmers, as well as representatives from Kenya’s Meteorological Office. She examines traditional beliefs around weather and climate, how these communities are experiencing the impacts of climate change, and how scientists are beginning to work alongside traditional forecasters to build trust and understanding.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Next Episode

Living Climate Change Africa Episode 3: Decision-making

How do you make critical decisions about your livelihood without trusted information?

The increasingly unpredictable climate in East Africa is making it harder to make decisions – about whether to follow age-old migration patterns, which crops to grow, or when to go out on the water to fish.

These decisions affect people’s lives and their very identities – so trusted information is critical. In this episode, our host, Diana Njeru, explores how people in East Africa are making these tough decisions, and what that means for their livelihoods and their traditions.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.