Youth climate ambassadors seek Gov't backing as PS Ng'eno champions tree planting

Representatives of the Little Mister and Miss Environment (LMME) organisation held a meeting with the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Environment and Natural Resources, Eng. Festus K. Ng'eno, on Monday, July 6, to discuss youth participation in environmental conservation and potential areas of partnership with the ministry.

The delegation, led by franchise director Joan Musumba, communications lead Rashid Wanyonyi and Meru County franchise director Leah, included five youth climate champions: Alana Chelangat, Jerusa Beatrice, Roy Graham, Kelcy Wanjiru and Zahra Wanjiku.

During the meeting, the organisation outlined its programmes aimed at promoting environmental stewardship among young people and briefed the Principal Secretary on its annual flagship event scheduled for August, where Ng'eno accepted an invitation to attend as the chief guest.

Addressing the delegation, Ng'eno said young people have a critical role to play in advancing climate action, noting that the increasing frequency of extreme weather events underscores the need for sustained environmental conservation efforts.

He cited recent heatwaves in the United States, flooding in India and Kenya's current El Niño advisory as examples of the growing impacts of climate change.

The Principal Secretary urged young environmental advocates to champion tree planting and proper waste management, saying the measures would help improve air quality and reduce the risk of urban flooding, particularly in Nairobi.

He also highlighted Kenya's 15 billion Tree Growing Initiative as a key component of the country's climate resilience strategy, arguing that expanding forest cover is essential in mitigating the effects of climate change.

Ng'eno concluded by urging greater public commitment to protecting natural resources, describing environmental conservation as a responsibility that extends to future generations.