TEDxKisumu

Are you ready to join the countdown to a zero-carbon world? Do you want to be part of a global movement that is championing and accelerating solutions to the climate crisis? Climate change is the biggest challenge facing humanity today. It threatens our health, economy, environment, and future. But we can do something about it. The Kenya Climate Change Act seeks to create a precedent for climate action in Kenya, providing guidelines for climate action ranging from mitigation to prevention. Kenya is currently transitioning into a manufacturing and service-based economy. Kisumu, an intermediary city, provides a unique opportunity to understand how these changes and development would affect the relationship between the city and its natural phenomenon. As the city planning and growth process is underway, this provides a unique lens into Kenya's urban cities' growth and whether sustainable development is still a reachable goal for developing African nations. This countdown event seeks to answer the question: Can we steer urban development while protecting our environment? TEDxKisumu Countdown is a first-of-its-kind event in Kenya, held in Kisumu City on August 26, 2023. It is part of Countdown, a TED and Leaders’ Quest collaboration that aims to champion and amplify the bold ideas and underinvested solutions that can bring us closer to achieving a zero-carbon world. We aim to showcase innovative ideas and projects to help Kisumu and other cities achieve net-zero emissions, adapt to climate impacts, and empower communities to act. The theme of the event is "How can we make a difference? - Innovating for Climate-Conscious Cities," and it will feature inspiring speakers, performers, and exhibitors who will share their stories, insights, and actions on how we can tackle the climate crisis at the individual, community, organizational, and systemic levels. The event will also showcase the Countdown Challenge Competition, which invites innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers from Kisumu and beyond to pitch their ideas for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing resilience to climate impacts. The winners will receive mentorship, funding, and exposure to scaling up their solutions.