For our October webinar, we had experts on Mental Health, Climate Change, and Public Health from Kenya share with us the shape of climate-related emotions experienced in Kenya. On the panel were Professor Lukoye Atwoli, a Professor of Psychiatry and the Dean of the Aga Khan University Medical College, East Africa, Dr. Mercy Wanjala an experienced primary care physician with a demonstrated history of working in health systems management and clinical care, Joy Muhia Joy a Medical psychologist and Global Mental health graduate from KCL & LSHTM, and the moderator, Damian Juma a young mental health professional and a Global Mental Health Advocate based in Kenya.
Prof. Lukoye gave definition of eco-anxiety as the fear of environmental damage or ecological disaster; He however stated, to define eco-anxiety in African terms, we must consider the manifestations of eco-anxiety in our communities as well as how we manage our resources for mitigation and adaptation. The definition has not changed; the only difference is how it manifests in countries and indigenous communities. Further, he paints a picture of solastalgia as someone in their indigenous and natural environment who begins to feel homesick as their environment changes over time, a sort of longing for their previous environment, feeling like a stranger at home. Solastalgia manifests as people searching for places that feel like home but are unable to find them, leading to feelings of hopelessness, worry, and anxiety about their place in society and their future. Solastalgia is felt more acutely by young people who must deal with current climate change projections and bleak future predictions.
Dr. Mercy provided an overview of Kenya’s climate change situation stating the country’s economy is heavily reliant on rain-fed agriculture and tourism, both of which depend on environmental stability and are highly vulnerable to climate variability and change. and as a result of rising climatic temperatures, semi-arid regions in Kenya are experiencing flooding which has destroyed large expanses of farmland, crops and has displaced thousands of homes, leading to food shortages, migration, and poverty.
The impact of climate change on Kenyans has grown over the past five years, not only in terms of how it affects the environment and ecological ecosystems but also in terms of how it affects people’s mental health and emotional resilience. For instance, a study on the effects of climate change on the mental health of smallholder farmers in the Nembu region of Kenya found that heavy drinking and drug use are among their coping mechanisms for the increased uncertainty of their livelihoods.
She also emphasized the value of qualitative research, which incorporates community voices and journalistic independent news stories, as crucial information sources for assisting in the development of resilient communities.
Joy Muhia shared some climate solutions and advice that we can incorporate into our daily lives to help us adapt to these changes. For instance, climate-smart agriculture involving growing seeds that can withstand drought, sustainable land management, and water conservation. Individuals should also maintain practices that cultivate a sense of meaning that connects to community and culture, increase awareness of their emotions and self-regulation, and care for themselves through healthy habits to help build personal attributes and social support to enable them to prepare and adapt to climate-related trauma.
In conclusion, Kenya has been a leading voice at the UN on the issue of climate change in Africa and has indicated that they will be promoting measures to restore ecosystems where human encroachment has contributed to the climate crisis, as well as vowing to support innovative mitigation solutions. It is now up to citizens to hold the government and international organizations accountable for their promises on climate action and environmental protection. While also taking individual action to reduce plastic use, plant trees, and protect communal water sources.