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Environment and poverty relate

November 30, 2011 in Ecological Justice

Human creation calls for human solution

By Maggie Mwape

The demographic pressure and poverty are said to influence Africa poor to clear the reduction of forest areas. Many lack sufficient resources to even manage the urbanization and industrialisation challenges as compared to those in the rich nations. Although poor nations are gaining quicker social and economic development the level of rich nations per capital CO2 emissions is several times higher among the rich nations than it is for developing countries. It is however sad that the efficiency of energy use is improving even in the poor countries.

Sewage, solid waste and mining pollution are major problem in urban setting as opposed to industrial pollution. Majority of people are dependent on natural resources for livelihood. Reverse in land degradation and soil erosion improves moisture conservation which also leads to sustainable development of agriculture and low poverty levels. It is emphasised that care has to be taken to particularly avoid destructive development which aggravates poverty and degrades environment. It is clear that environment cannot be sustained and protected if poverty continues by continuation of poverty and at the cost of human dignity.

A Zambian court recently fined a mining company for pollution of Kafue-Mushishima River. The court awarded the residents for safeguarding the environment. Though many believe the judgement did not factor in cost compensation for reduced human lifespan it is a great step in punishing industries that pollute environment.

It is worth to note, the poor are to a larger extent dependent on nature for survival but human activities lead to calamities, environment degradation. Deforestation on slopes of mountains increases floods and landslides. Similarly, neglect of water and soil management leads into soil erosion which threatens food security.

The poor often suffer in the midst of all disasters such as floods and drought. Lose of such productive assets affects speed-up economies. Indeed the environment has huge bearing and impact on the economy of the poor and it is for that reason that we collectively responsibility to re-create systems that we created for a Just economy.

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Youth hold key to green economy

November 29, 2011 in Ecological Justice

By Maggie Mwape- Zambia
The concept of the green economy has gained momentum in large extent since it provides response to multiple crises facing the world in recent years such as – climate issues, food and economic crisis. Green economy promises an alternative growth paradigm to protect earth ecosystem and alleviate poverty. Transition to a green economy means moving away from the system that encourages such crisis to one that proactively addresses and prevents them.

Failure to tackle poverty leads to increased social tensions, ecological

We Y4EJ are ready to defend our environment

pressures, economic crisis which emphasize on the urgency to transit to a “green economy”. Such economy fosters sustainable development and poverty eradication. The sad truth is, Zambia for instance has failed to eradicate poverty in the 21st century which has seen development growth.

For the world or Africa and in my case Zambia to realize economic growth protection of environment is a must as priority is given to the youth. It is equally important to highlight the social dimension to pursue a green economy. No doubt the poor are most vulnerable to environmental degradation. In order to raise living standards in a manner that improves health and general well-being of the society, the green economy should be a consideration. That should also emphasize usage of our resources in a more sustainable manner.

In my opinion, i view the green economy to even cover broader sets of issues such as improved resource efficiency and production practice in the use of energy, water management, materials, and natural resources. To maintain an ecosystem service that forms foundation for green growth we must develop and deploy clean energy technologies, improve consumer outreach efforts that promote green purchase. In addition to develop human capacity for the green economy that supports efforts to eliminate fossil fuel subsidies and trade barriers on environmentally friendly goods and services.

Green growth is often hampered by market failures and it is facilitated by three key policies that aim to get the prices and quantities right, investment in innovative technology to research and development as well as responsibly manage public shared resources. If implemented appropriately, these policies promises strong economic growth and improve environmental quality, health and well-being.

It is a fact that no government can independently lead the transition to a green economy in isolation. This calls upon climate change players to engage the youth and private sector to leverage investments to promote green business practices. Inclusion of all stakeholders in the process of transition will fast track the realization of a green economy.

Credit ought to be given to largest companies driving global change in green practices in their supply and production chains. In same light, areas where market signals are not effective, governments should look for ways to collectively engage with private sector to encourage involvement.

Any success in green economy should not ignore the role played by youths and women in activating society change. Opportunity waits in this group on education, technical training, and access to finance land and resource rights which can propel quick realization of green economy.

Investment in human capital is essential for a green economy. For Zambia focus should be directed on improved science education, technology, engineering and mathematics skills that support green economic growth. Shift in labour is a feature for any economy to transit into a green economy. Nevertheless such transition should promote job creation and train workforce in skills required to succeed in achieving a green economy.

As a young person, i urge the Zambia government, United Nations, International Donors and Private sectors to announce an innovative policy that aims to promote research and development. Such efforts improve access to finance youth entrepreneurs and reduce barriers to new businesses and backlogs patents. International cooperation has a role to play leverage complementary strengths and share the cost of public investment in innovation. All countries have a shared responsibility to create clean energy technology markets by providing enabling policy environments.

The green economy is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Each nation need to define own priorities and processes that suit and meet own interest(s). Presentation of a toolkit, range policy options collectively recognized and accepted may be the path to a green economy.

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Tutu challenges rich nations to act on climate change

November 28, 2011 in Ecological Justice

BY: Langa Lulanga

Arch Bishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu today urged western countries to join in the fight for a legal binding deal on climate change at COP 17 saying both the rich and the poor are prone to its effects.

He said climate change is a big enemy that no country can fight alone, hence the need for all nations to stand together and speak with one voice.

“I want to tell you that this [earth]is our home, whether rich or poor we both belong to this home, if you destroy it is not only Africa that will suffer, don’t be cheated you will also be affected,” said Tutu.

Youths carry the second Noah's Ark with 200,000 petitions on Climate Change

He welcomed other like-minded leaders- “For your own sake, we are inviting you who are rich to come to our side and fight climate change. God created us to be a family, we are all members of the human family lets care for one another as members of the same family,”.

Retired Arch Bishop Tutu spoke at the ecumenical interfaith rally held at Durban Kings Parks stadium where he handed over 200,000 petitions to Ms. Edna Molewa the South Africa Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs

While receiving the signed petitions, Molewa thanked the Faith leaders for organizing the Inter-faith rally and more so for taking the leadership role in addressing the climate change concerns. “Faith leaders are indispensable in the fight for climate change” she added.

As the incoming COP president, Molewa promised serious action on the petition and lamented the difficult times and called on faith leaders to “invite divine intervention”.

Youths who include school children, flocked the stadium in their large numbers to have their voice heard. A convey of cyclists and youth from “we have faith” caravan escorted the dummy petition in a wooden ark. The cyclists rode for seventeen days covering 1078 kilometers from Mesina on the South African boarder to Durban.

Athletes Lewis Pugh and Braam Malherbe shared challenges they faced in their climate change advocacy. Yvonne Chaka Chaka band Black Mambazo, Arno Carstens and HHP where other entertainers who kept the crowd dancing in pouring rain.

Even rains could not prevent the youths from enjoy and dance to the tunes of Chaka Chaka whose performance took the audience by storm with her old renditions like Winkomboti and other reggae tunes originally performed by Bob Marley and Lucky Dube.

Nigerian poet Nnimmo Bassey present at the Kings park stadium emphasized on the need for the parties to make a lasting deal to address and reverse present climate situation. “We want something tangible to come out of the COP 17 or else Africa will be cooked and fried. We will not stop until something is achieved” said Bassey.

Bassey who works at the Environmental Rights Action (friends of the earth) encouraged continued engagement on climate change and likened it to the apartheid struggle which was won despite several opposition.

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Security beefed up in Durban ahead of Cop17 meeting.

November 27, 2011 in Ecological Justice

By: Langa Lulanga

South African Security officials have handed over all security operations at The 17th Conference of Parties (COP17) to the United Nations. This is to ensure maximum security at the conference that will draw world leaders, Africa faith leaders,civil societies and youth representatives from around the world.

The United Nations are now in full control of the security at the International Conference Centre (ICC) that has been duped a ‘Blue zone’ until December 9, 2011. “During this period when the world is watching, there are a lot of expectations. The South African police are expected to make sure that they maintain the safety and security of all visitors in our country as well as ensuring that the security of the country at large is not compromised,” says Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, Acting National Commissioner of Police.

The conference schedule to start on November 28, 2011 at the ICC in Durban will close on December 9, 2011. 20 000 delegates are expected to fly into Durban for the UN climate change conference. 
 Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) says some sections of the airport’s terminal will be limited only to COP 17 visitors, to minimize overcrowding and delays. The United Nation and South Africa security officials indicated their readiness to handle any security eventualities at the conference.

“The South African Police and its security forces have a proven track record in hosting events. I am confident that your reputation will be further enhanced by the time this premise is handed back from the UN to your proud democracy,” highlighted UN Security Chief Kevin O’Hanlon. The COP17 entered into force in 1995, the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UNFCCC have been meeting annually to assess progress in dealing with climate change. The COP adopts decisions and resolutions, published in reports of the COP. Successive decisions taken by the COP make up a detailed set of rules for practical and effective implementation of the Convention.

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