Joyce Kimutai, a Kenyan climate scientist, expressed frustration over the lack of global action at COP29 in Azerbaijan.
“If the world was listening to science, we wouldn’t need these COPs,” said Kimutai, highlighting the disconnect between political discussions and urgent scientific warnings.
Kimutai, a lead author for the UN’s IPCC, criticized the slow pace of climate action.
She noted that developing nations, particularly in Africa, are struggling to secure financial support for clean energy and climate adaptation.
In Kenya, Kimutai sees the impact firsthand. After severe droughts, the country faced deadly floods this year.
“Climate change is hitting hard, and it’s not just Kenya,” she said, pointing to the broader challenges faced by vulnerable nations.
At COP29, Kimutai is advising the Kenyan government, which is pushing wealthy nations to provide financial support without burdening poor nations with debt.
“Haggling over money is humiliating when time is running out,” she added.
Kimutai emphasized the need for science to drive policy decisions.
“Only then can we secure a better future for our planet,” she concluded.
