Massawa Charles Valentine2026-06-092026-06-092024Massawa, C. V. (2024). Critical approach to climate change mitigation in the light of Jean-Paul Sartre’s existentialist philosophy (Doctoral dissertation, Chuka University).https://repository.chuka.ac.ke/handle/123456789/22842A Thesis Submitted to the Graduate School in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy of Chuka University Supervisors:Dr. Dynesius Nyang’au, Dr. Jonathan KathengeIn light of the urgent global climate crisis; the loss of life and destruction of biodiversity, and the laxity on the part of governments to implement climate policies, scholars are compelled to reevaluate the existing measures designed to mitigate the multifaceted effects of climate change. This study was prompted by the pressing need to critically and creatively address the impact of climate change on human existence, as the current climatic state puts the very essence of “existence” at risk as shown in the literature review that climate change causes existential risk. Never before has man faced such an alarming threat to his existence. The primary objective of this research was to elucidate the current climatic conditions, analyze the existing initiatives to combat global warming, adversely caused by human activities, and speculate on the future consequences of inaction. Recognizing the limitations of solely scientific approaches, the study sought to forge a philosophico-scientific synthesis, incorporating philosophical aspects such as epistemology, the power of critical and creative thinking, ethical considerations, and existentialist perspectives. Drawing inspiration from existentialist philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre, this research sought to blend philosophical insights with scientific approaches to tackle climate change crisis. The study adopted Kantian deontological ethical theory, anchored in Kantian categorical imperatives as the theoretical framework for guiding the inquiry. Employing a variety of philosophical methods, including conceptual analysis, synthesis, explication, reflection, speculation, and critical thinking, and the scientific methods of observation and induction, the study embodied an attitude of constant and rigorous questioning. By challenging assumptions taken for granted by conventional thinking, this research endeavored to pave the way for a comprehensive and innovative approach to address the global climate change catastrophe. The study being library based, data collection, involved careful selection of materials including publication, journal articles and books relevant to the subject matter under investigation. Through its critical analysis, the study found that the existing climate policies have been insufficient in addressing climate change due to among other things the laxity and lack of political goodwill on the part of governments as well as existence of bureaucratic and hierarchical issues in institutions, a factor that impedes the implementation of policies. Consequently, upon examination of Jean-Paul Sartre’s philosophy, the study found that the inspiration Sartre’s philosophy offers especially the focus on individual initiative is valuable in bringing about social and behavior change to adopt environmental friendly behavior.enClimate change mitigationexistentialist philosophyJean-Paul Sartreexistential riskclimate policyKantian deontological ethicsenvironmental behaviour change.Thesis