As the world rushes against time to address the impact of climate change, everyone aims to flow with the strong wave rather than swim against the current, all in an effort to build a positive reputation.

However, lurking in this pursuit is the danger of Organised Hypocrisy — an incongruence between words and actions. This concept, whether explicit or implicit, needs understanding to enhance effective climate action and the achievement of development goals.

In her thesis, Samantha Sommaggio explores “States’ non-fulfilment of international environmental commitments,” examining the United States’ positions on the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement.

Notably, the failure to ratify the Kyoto Protocol disrupted its implementation, setting the foundation for the concept of Organized Hypocrisy. Sommaggio’s analysis points to issues of reputation and alignment in the fight against climate change, evidenced by the US’ critical role in the Paris Agreement. However, this commitment was contradicted by the US withdrawal from the agreement under President Donald Trump, highlighting the intricacies of Organized Hypocrisy.

These global intricacies prompt the need to import the concept into local policy on climate and environmental issues. Kenya, with a proactive stance on climate and environmental matters, recently through President William Ruto speeches showcased its commitment at the sixth United Nations Environment Assembly and the Africa Climate Summit in September 2023. Despite these efforts, questions arise regarding the sufficiency and effectiveness of public participation in the swift passage of the Climate Change (Amendment) Bill 2023 prior to the Africa Climate Summit.

Critics argue against sufficient public participation, citing the brief duration taken by the Senate to concur with the National Assembly passing the bill. This raises questions about whether Kenya aimed to present a positive image to visitors at the Africa Climate Summit, bringing forth the need to explore these dynamics using the Organized Hypocrisy thesis.

Applying this thesis locally, considerations must be given to how county governments adhere to policy frameworks initiated by the national government. Effectiveness of programmes, such as food system transformation and climate actions, across counties should be examined. For instance, by 2017, only five counties had effectively mainstreamed the County Climate Change Fund, raising concerns about the implementation of such policies and initiatives in other regions.

Public participation emerges as a crucial tool to address both explicit and implicit organized hypocrisy. The 2010 Constitution places citizen engagement at the core of public policy formulation and implementation. Article 118 compels Parliament and other legislative assemblies to ensure sufficient public participation in the policymaking process.

The draft public participation policy 2018 defines public participation as a process where citizens, individually or collectively, engage with the state and non-state actors to influence decisions, policies, legislation, and programmes directly or through representatives. Despite this constitutional provision, citizen engagement faces hurdles such as economic development levels and governance structures.

Edith Hamilton’s observation in her 1958 classic, “The Greek Way to Western Civilization,” underscores that individuals facing misery are less likely to engage effectively. This necessitates efforts by the middle class, with the capacity for active engagement, to hold leaders accountable and improve living conditions. Public intellectuals are called upon to stimulate debate on climate change and food system transformation, questioning the effectiveness of legislations like the Climate Change Amendment Act 2023 in achieving its objectives.

Reports emphasize the importance of asking tough questions about government agreements and initiatives. For instance, the impact of the 15 billion trees initiative on challenges like food insecurity, water scarcity, and extreme weather events must be scrutinized.

Without vigilant oversight and comprehensive debates on environmental and climate matters, organized hypocrisy may persist, hindering effective global, national, and local climate action. It is crucial for individuals to actively engage in the present and future, keeping in mind the UNFCCC principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.

— The writer is a climate change and food systems communication consultant