Editor’s choice
SEI Africa’s air quality monitoring partnership with UNEP and Athletics Kenya has helped Athletics Kenya become a key voice in addressing climate change within the global sports community.
The SEI and UNEP teams pose for a photo with Athletics Kenya’s team and partners ahead of the Nairobi City Marathon 2024, during which SEI and UNEP conducted live air quality monitoring.
Photo: Charity Mutisya/SEI
Philip Osano, SEI Africa Centre Director, participated in a sports panel session at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The session featured Kenya’s world and Olympic 800-meter record holder, David Rudisha, who championed solutions to combat the impacts of climate change. Also present were Athletics Kenya President, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei, and Athletics Kenya Sustainability lead, Maxwel Nyamu.
Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei, President of Athletics Kenya, highlighted the organization’s partnership with SEI and UNEP. He expressed concern over the adverse effects of climate change on Kenyan athletes, particularly during training and international competitions. Tuwei underscored the growing threat climate change poses to sports, especially athletics, which is a leading sport in Kenya and many other nations.
“Taking action is now not optional for us. Seeking a partnership like the one we have with UNEP and Stockholm Environment Institute to help further address this crisis in line with our commitment to climate action is paramount,” said Jackson Tuwei.
SEI and UNEP have been collaborating with sports federations across Africa to monitor air quality by installing sensors in schools, stadiums, and transport corridors. This initiative, highlighted by media coverage, demonstrates SEI’s commitment to addressing climate change and its impact on sports.
Project / A scientifically robust and policy-relevant framework to identify and assess priority measures that maximize the multiple-benefits for air quality and climate.
Project / The purpose of this project is to support Dar-es-Salaam City Council by creating an estimate of current baseline air pollution characteristics in the city
Project / Air quality drivers for sub-Saharan Africa (AQD-Nairobi) identifies drivers of exposure through measurements of air pollutants and air quality monitoring.
Perspective / By reducing cooking time and fuel collection burdens, energy-efficient wood-burning stoves and biogas have empowered women.
Past event / Sarah West and others explored how research can support evidence for better ventilation, including our work in UK schools. Watch the recording.
Meet SEI / Through her role at SEI York, Caroline has been able to support governments who are tackling air pollution and climate change simultaneously.
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