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Frontlines
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Laurie Goering
Climate editor
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Could efforts to cope with climate change losses help battle other shocks as well?

That seems to be the case in Kenya, where some farmers who are trying to find reliable, lower-carbon ways to grow more food are turning away from expensive mineral-based fertilizers just as global supplies are running short due to the Russia-Ukraine war.

Others are trying to better harness limited rainfall and protect soils, moves that could shore up food security no matter what crisis comes next - a climate shock, natural disaster, pandemic or war, agricultural experts say.

"It is not much, but it helps in reducing the risk of losses," noted James Mugambi, who as part of a farmers' group trying to adapt to climate change now plants his corn, beans and other crops sooner, to take advantage of early rainfall.

James Mugambi waters avocado saplings at his farm where he practices intercropping, in Muiru village, Kenya, March 20, 2022. Thomson Reuters Foundation/Kagondu Njagi

In South Africa, the need for to prepare more effectively for climate threats is clear after deluge-driven floods roared through the eastern city of Durban last week, claiming at least 440 lives.

"This is a teachable moment," said Christopher Trisos, a South African lead author of a sobering report on climate risks and adaptation, released in February by the world's top climate scientists.

That Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) analysis found 90% of African cities don't yet have substantial adaptation plans, something Trisos called "extremely concerning".

Durban in 2020 released a new climate action plan that aims to cut the city's flood risk, among other changes - but activists have complained there is little evidence so far it is being implemented.

Ndumiso Mkhwanazi, Siya Sumede and Simanga Shandu stand outside their home without a roof after a church wall collapsed on it during rains in Durban's Shakaskraal township, April 14, 2022. Thomson Reuters Foundation/Kim Harrisberg

The United States is also battling worsening climate change impacts - though many residents of Tangier Island in Chesapeake Bay, who are losing their homes to encroaching seawater, don't see it that way.

Backers of former U.S. President Donald Trump, they don't regard warming temperatures as a problem - but are irritated more money and effort are going into protecting a wildlife reserve in neighbouring Maryland than strengthening defenses for their Virginia island, home to about 400 people.

The battle over how the limited funds available to protect land threatened by higher sea levels are spent is one sure to be played out over and over around the world as oceans - and the climate-changing emissions driving the problem - continue to rise, scientists warn.

See you next week!

Laurie

THE WEEK'S TOP PICKS

As Kenyans farm in forests, incomes rise and deforestation falls
Forest authorities say Kenya's scheme to let farmers grow crops in forests has slashed illegal logging, as the country aims for 10% of its land in trees by the end of the year

In 'world's most polluted city', Indian workers unaware of toxic air
From sweepers to security guards, outdoor workers in Bhiwadi face a 'slow poison' from air pollution, but many are unaware

South Africa's floods a 'teachable moment' for climate adaptation
A deluge of rain that has claimed hundreds of lives in South Africa shows why more preparedness for climate extremes is necessary, experts say

Green farming gets a boost as Kenyans confront climate and war shocks
Efforts by farmers to prepare for climate change impacts may also help deal with other crises, from COVID-19 to the Ukraine-Russia war

As climate change floods U.S. coast, islands fight for public money
As Virginia's Chesapeake Bay islands disappear under rising seas, public money allocated for natural habitats in Maryland breeds frustration among Tangier Island residents

OPINION: Ukraine's post-war green recovery is essential for Europe's security
Ukraine needs an urgent plan for energy independence, focused on renewables not nuclear - and international help to execute it

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