The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) yesterday presented the findings of it's latest report to policy makers, civil society and academia from Kenya and other East African countries.

The Fifth Assessment Report written by over 800 scientists from 80 countries, and assessing over 30,000 scientific papers, highlights the scientific basis of climate change, its impacts and future risks, as well as options for adaptation and mitigation. “The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) is researching on the impact of climate change on trees and crops, as well as the best species to grow,” said Cheikh Mbow, a senior scientist at ICRAF’s climate change unit, and lead author for the chapter on agriculture, forestry and other land use in the IPCC report.

The report outlines three key messages:

• Human influence on the climate system is clear;
• The more we disrupt out climate, the more we risk severe, pervasive and irreversible impacts; and
• We have the means to limit climate change and build a more prosperous, sustainable future.

East Africa particularly faces risks related to food and water security, altering patterns of disease and extreme weather events that are largely attributed to climate change. Addressing vulnerabilities can reduce climate risks and contribute to climate-resilient development in the coming years.

Read the full story: UN scientists say climate change dims Africa's progress