Peter Salasya, Member of Parliament for Mumias East, publicly talks about climate change or what he believes it entails.
Salasya was interviewed on the YouTube channel SPM Buzz on the sidelines of the Africa Climate Summit, which began on Monday at the Kenyatta International Gathering Centre in Nairobi. He was asked to explain what the gathering was all about.
He begins with, "As we are all aware, it's that, it's climate change because you find that, by the way, climate change is real because of global warming."
The legislator decides to try again, with an account of a recent encounter he claims to have had in Mombasa.
Did you read this?
Hon. Peter Salasya Speaking about Climate Change during this interview with SPMBUZZ at the Africa Climate Summit 2023 will leave you confused and speechless.pic.twitter.com/Bse1s7Ja2R
— BRAVIN YURI (@BravinYuri) September 4, 2023
"I was in Mombasa last week and it was freezing." I inquired as to what was going on. "They told me the sun has gotten too hot and the ice is melting, and when it melts, that thing gets cold," he explained.
"The global climate is real, and whatever people are told here, if they implement it, it's for the sake of the country."
A man standing near Salasya, who appears to be one of his aides, giggles. Nonetheless, the interview continues, and the MP is asked how he promotes climate action.
"We represent rural constituencies that primarily use firewood (for cooking), and we are now advocating for the use of Koko Jiko and other types of gas, but the people do not have the money." "We're hoping the government will come up with measures, such as lowering cooking gas prices," he says while the man beside him softly laughs.
Salasya is then questioned if he has a plan to assist African governments in combating climate change.
This will ensure that the continent’s focus on climate change is not pursued at the expense of lifting its people out of poverty. pic.twitter.com/Dp3OFD47LK
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) September 4, 2023
"We have a plan that we are going to submit and see how they can be funded and implemented," the congressman says, adding that he is also seeking an electric car similar to the one the president has been driving to the summit.
The inaugural Africa Climate Summit continues through Wednesday with the theme "Driving Green Growth and Climate Finance Solutions for Africa and the World."
The African Union Commission, in collaboration with Kenya, organized the convention to provide African nations with the opportunity to develop specific plans, design corresponding resources and investments, advocate for changes in the global financial system, share knowledge and workable solutions, and update Africa's development and climate vision.
So… What is climate change?
The United Nations defines climate change as long-term variations in temperatures and weather patterns caused by natural sources, such as changes in sun activity and significant volcanic eruptions or human actions.
According to the UN, human activities have been the primary driver of climate change since the 1800s, mainly due to fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas.
The combustion of fossil fuels produces greenhouse gas emissions, which behave like a blanket wrapped over the Earth, trapping heat from the sun and raising temperatures.
Met the United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate @JohnKerry, Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Nairobi; agreed to amplify our voice and extend our reach in efforts to combating the global climate change. pic.twitter.com/CSQtXnGhL5
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) September 4, 2023
Carbon dioxide and methane are the principal greenhouse gases affecting climate change, and they are produced by gasoline-powered automobiles or coal, for example.