By Grace Eshiwani

Climate change is not a distant threat; it's a present reality that continues to reshape our world. In East Africa, communities grapple with increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, prolonged droughts, and intensified flooding. As climate change's effects loom, building resilience in East Africa becomes imperative.

East Africa has been a microcosm of the global climate crisis in recent years. The region has felt the brunt of climate change's wrath, from severe droughts affecting agricultural productivity to devastating floods displacing populations. According to the World Bank, East Africa is highly vulnerable due to its dependence on rain-fed agriculture, which constitutes a significant portion of its GDP and employment. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) underscores that climate change exacerbates vulnerabilities, leading to food insecurity, water scarcity, and compromised livelihoods for millions.

The resilience of East African communities in the face of such challenges is crucial. As Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai once said, "The little grassroots people can change this world." When equipped with the right tools, local communities can play a pivotal role in adapting to climate change and mitigating its impacts. Collaborative efforts involving governments, NGOs, and international organizations are essential in facilitating knowledge transfer, technology sharing, and resource allocation to bolster these communities.

Furthermore, former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan reminds us, "Climate change knows no borders; it does not respect sovereignty." Thus, regional cooperation is paramount. East African nations must come together to develop and implement shared strategies for climate adaptation and disaster response. Initiatives like the East African Community's Climate Change Policy Framework and the African Adaptation Initiative can serve as foundations for such collaboration, fostering a united front against the climate crisis.

Investing in renewable energy sources is another vital aspect of building resilience. If harnessed, East Africa has abundant solar and wind resources that could reduce reliance on fossil fuels and enhance energy security. The African Development Bank's commitment to funding renewable energy projects in the region and the private sector's involvement can drive the transition to a more sustainable energy landscape.

However, while local and regional efforts are critical, global solidarity is equally indispensable. African leaders have consistently called for developed nations to fulfil their climate finance commitments and transfer climate-adaptive technologies to vulnerable regions. These voices echo former Malawi President Joyce Banda: "We cannot solve global problems unless we work together."

East Africa stands at a crossroads, facing the daunting challenges posed by climate change. Yet, amid adversity, there is an opportunity to build resilience to safeguard the region's people and resources. By empowering local communities, fostering regional cooperation, embracing renewable energy, and demanding international solidarity, East Africa can pave the way for a climate-resilient future. As we heed the wisdom of African leaders and activists like Wangari Maathai, Kofi Annan, and Joyce Banda, let us remember that the pursuit of resilience is not just a response to climate change—it is an affirmation of our shared humanity and a commitment to securing a sustainable world for generations to come.

Ms. Eshiwani is a Strategic Communications and Advocacy Consultant at Africa Practice.