Credit: Wollwerth Imagery/Big Stock Photo

Kenyan farmer leads climate change denial movement

Kenyan farmer Jusper Machogu has gained notoriety online for his stance against man-made climate change, attracting donations and support from Western fossil fuel advocates.

Marco Silva reports for BBC.

In short:

Jusper Machogu, a 29-year-old Kenyan farmer, has gained a large online following by promoting climate change denial and fossil fuel use in Africa.
Despite receiving donations from Western fossil fuel interests, Machogu claims his views are independently formed.
Climate experts warn that Machogu's misinformation could undermine climate action in Africa, a continent highly vulnerable to climate impacts.

Key quote:

“Because we still have low climate literacy levels in Africa and in Kenya, and if that conspiracy theory spreads to communities or to people, it could just really undermine climate action.”

— Dr. Joyce Kimutai, climate scientist

Why this matters:

Africa is one of the most vulnerable continents to climate change. Spreading misinformation about climate science can hinder essential climate action, worsening the continent's susceptibility to severe weather events.

www.bbc.com

Senator Whitehouse puts climate change on budget committee’s agenda

For more than a decade, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse gave daily warnings about the mounting threat of climate change. Now he has a powerful new perch.

Kenyan farmer leads climate change denial movement

Earth's worsening climate crisis demands immediate action

Wildlife populations drop sharply as habitat loss continues

Florida’s homelessness crackdown complicates hurricane recovery

Insurance costs squeeze commercial real estate as climate risks rise

Contamination from flooded industrial sites during major hurricanes is a growing concern

Midwest eyed as safer business spot amid rising climate risks

Western states could see significant carbon cuts with new energy transmission projects

Houston area has more than 100 unauthorized air pollution events already this year

An EHN analysis finds nearly half were related to flaring.

LISTEN: Mokshda Kaul on making the clean energy transition work for all

“Coalitions become this interesting way to create buy-in.”

Op-ed: Is plastic the biggest climate threat?

A plastics treaty for the climate and health must address overproduction of plastics and head off the petrochemical and plastic industry’s planned expansion.

Residents say Pennsylvania has failed communities after state studies linked fracking to child cancer

Last year Pennsylvania Department of Health studies showed increased risk of childhood cancer, asthma and low birth weights for people living near fracking. Advocates say not enough has been done since.

The fossil fuel industry is disproportionately harming low-income and minority women: Report

“Women, in all of their diversity, must be at the center of climate and energy decision-making.”

Op-ed: People need shelter from climate change — their health hangs in the balance

The discourse on climate resilience must include affordable housing policy solutions.