Greenernaija

WE CAN NOLONGER DENY CLIMATE CHANGE……..

2016-04-25T07:36:00.001-07:00

Looking at recent events in Nigeria, it is obvious that we can no longer deny Climate Change.The Fulani herdsmen no longer have arable land for their cattle because of desert desertification and encroachment; they unfortunately have resulted in killings because they have to look for green areas where their cattle can feed consequently encroaching on other people’s farm lands.

These killings have been has been attributed to politics and ethnicity but we should not ignore climate change as one of the primary reasons for the migration of these Fulani herdsmen whose primary area of domain has been overtaken by massive and unimaginable desert encroachment.

These unacceptable killings coupled with global disasters such as the recent earthquake in Ecuador makes it apparent that we can no longer ignore climate change. Climate Change does not have borders, it cuts across every aspect of our lives and the sooner we take politically backed actions the better for our generation.

Indeed a lot has happened over the years, we had the Paris Climate Change agreement and the adoption of Sustainable Development goals that currently serve as front line goals for member states of the United Nations but the existence of these agreements and goals cannot achieve desired result without prompt political backing by member states.

@greenernaija

MALARIA AND CLIMATE CHANGE

2013-04-25T10:18:00.001-07:00

Malaria is a common phenomenon in Africa, that has claimed millions of lives, According to World Health Organization (WHO), “every 45 seconds a child dies of Malaria in Africa”, in pregnancy both mother and child are at the risk of malaria, this poses a challenge to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals of reduction child of mortality rate and improved maternal health by 2015.

The transmission of malaria is greatly influenced by climate conditions favorable to mosquitoes because warmer climate condition creates an avenue for mosquitoes to thrive and multiply. In the past wealthy aristocrats would go on the hill side during summer to stay away from diseases caused by warmer climate conditions.

A very good drainage system (which most developing countries lack) will serve as a means of reducing the proliferation of mosquitoes as the climate gets warmer. A good drainage system will also enhance free flow of water during heavy rain fall and prevent mosquitoes from breeding in stagnant water.

The use of insecticide treated mosquito nets is another way of limiting the effect of malaria on humans. Public health intervention and good economy can help deter these effects.

African leaders must realize that there is a lot of work to do in order to fight both malaria and global warming because trend shows that the least developed countries of the world will be worst hit by the effects of climate change (Nigeria inclusive).

We must join hands to create a sustainable environment for the future generation.

Follow on twitter @greenernaija

Olaleye Taiwo

For: greenernaija

WASTE MANAGEMENT IN LAGOS STATE-YABA LOCAL GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES A WASTE BANK

2012-09-28T06:52:00.002-07:00

On the 25^th of September 2012,stakeholders with major interest in combating climate change especially in the area of waste management came together to launch a waste bank and educate people of Yaba local government.The residents of the local government were told about the importance of separating their waste and how this can result in wealth creation for the community and help protect the environment .

With the collaboration of stakeholders in the community, this initiative is the second of its kind in Lagos state, the first one is in Amuwo Odofin Local government of Lagos, the local government provided the land, CCDI (Community Conservation Development Initiatives) came up with the idea and LAWMA (Lagos State Waste Management Authority) provided the waste bank.

The waste bank was provided to create an avenue for residences to separate their waste, recycle and create wealth , in attendance was the local government chairman, Hon. Olajide Jimoh , officials from LAWMA, CCDI staff, community leaders and residents of Yaba local government, the Chairman described this as a joint relationship for development he stated “we have what we call joint relationship for development and for progress of this country and Lagos state”.

The waste bank is a ground breaking initiative because apart from creating wealth by recycling, the habit of dumping waste in the drainages or on the street can be curbed, the bank will serve as a store for glass, paper, can and plastic ,the residents of the local government were shown how to make use of the waste bank ,and the LAWMA official Mrs. Adeyo, explained that when the bank is filled up, there will be a periodic plan to empty the waste and take the waste for recycling , she further explained that there is a recycling plant situated at the Olusosun Landfill site at Ojota in Lagos ,this is where these wastes are converted to useful items like nylon bags for disposing waste.

I think this is a great initiative that needs to be applauded, for more information on recycling in Lagos state please visit: http://www.lawma.gov.ng/.

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WASTE MANAGEMENT-YABA LOCAL GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES A WASTE BANK(IMAGES)

2012-09-27T07:47:00.000-07:00

Yaba local government residents

The waste Bank

The chairman of Yaba LCDA Hon. Jide Jimoh addressing the residents

TRULY, THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME

2012-08-27T07:00:00.003-07:00

In the wake of the current eviction given to the Makoko people last month, I decided to visit Makoko, as a blogger I felt I needed to visit Makoko, so I headed to the popular Makoko street in Yaba with a friend, as we drove down the street, I looked around and the look on people’s faces were that of apprehension, distrust and I felt wow! No strangers allowed, so we turned and headed out…..,I felt disappointed because I didn’t achieve my goal, I wanted to talk to residents and hear their views on the recent eviction by the Lagos state government, on my way home, I asked myself ,why should they trust anyone?

In every society the government is meant to protect its citizens, and the Lagos state government has stated that the safety of the lives of the Makoko resident is a key factor, the rise in sea level; increase in amount of rain fall as a result of climate change poses a great danger to people living on the Lagoon.

As I ponder on this, the word climigration comes to mind- Migration forced by climate change, despite my effort to find a name for the situation in Makoko I feel the word “climigration” cannot fully grasp the Makoko situation, because I feel there is more to the Makoko issue than climate change ,and when people are asked to leave their homes, the people must be assisted to stand on their feet economically and be able to provide for themselves, this is to make sure that the impact to displacement is minimal without this, we open doors for criminal activities and this is counter productive to the sustainable development of the society.

The government has promised to provide basic amenities for the people of Makoko; the governor stated “We are working to provide water, schools, libraries and so on for you. But those who have just come must leave. That is the reality.” He further stated that: “We have land in other parts of the state that are close to water, so if communities want to apply for land, we will give them land; but you cannot build on the lagoon”

I hope these promises will become a reality and the people of Makoko will smile again, because truly there is no place like home……

@greenernaija

FUEL EFFICIENT STOVE DEMONSTRATION AT YABA LOCAL GOVERNMENT

2012-07-29T12:20:00.002-07:00

The fuel efficient stoves demonstration held at the Yaba local government of Lagos on the 25th of July 2012,served as an enlightenment for the women in the local government on how one can use fuel efficient stoves, in attendance at the demonstration were commercial food sellers ,and regular individuals who use stoves in their homes.

It is a known fact that Nigeria is faced with the challenges of deforestation especially In the Northern part of Nigeria where almost all the tree are gone as a result of excessive use of firewood.

The coordinating NGO –CCDI stressed the advantage of using these stoves to help reduce deforestation, curbs the health hazards associated with using firewood as a result of heavy smoke, reduces communal clashes etc.

The fuel efficient stoves came in various sizes and their prize ranges from N17,000 to N3,500,so depending on one’s income ,there are options to choose from, although the women were optimistic about using these stoves, some of them had these questions to ask?

Are the stoves readily available?

Can some of them afford these stoves?

Can commercial food vendors use these stoves?

For the purchase and enquiries about these stoves please call these numbers: 08037080251, 08035063456.

Olaleye Taiwo-@greenernaija

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH,POPULATION GROWTH AND CLIMATE CHANGE

2012-07-12T06:58:00.001-07:00

Climate change has been an issue that remains on the lips of stakeholders, activist, environmentalist etc. The notion is that population growth affects the climate, but how true is this?
According to the United Nation in 1998,world population will be between 2 and 4 billion more people by 2040.overpopulation is known to be a major cause of increase in global gas emission, efforts towards green energy sources ,reduction in global emission of carbon dioxide will only yield maximum result if population grows steadily and stabilizes.

There is a huge difference in the population growth of developed nations and developing Nations, Developed nations contribute a higher percentage to global emission of green house gases and at the same time their population growth is not as high as the developing nations that contribute a smaller percentage to the emission of these harmful gases.

This puts a question mark on premise that population growth affects the climate, but the truth remains that the continued increase in population increases the demand for these sources of energy, increases deforestation and other human activities that affects the environment.

It is true that the poorest countries that would be most affected by the effects of climate change, making children and women most vulnerable, and if there is a possible link between population growth and climate change, how do you educate an uneducated African man that believes he needs to have more children because his wife is yet to give him a male child? How do you discourage child marriage and empower the women to make the right choice about their reproductive health?

All these question begs for answers and shows the challenge climate change poses has so many faces to it and requires an all round solution, it shows that the solution lies in the hand of stakeholders and individuals, to the stake holders we need good education, proper health care, infrastructures and to individuals we need to make more informed choices and realize that our choices affects not only our environment but the future generation.

For: greenernaija
Olaleye Taiwo

"EKO ONI BAJE OOO"

2012-06-15T05:35:00.002-07:00

Being an advocate for environment protection will open your eyes to current issues that affect our environments so we can take decisive actions that will make our environment sustainable (making it safer for the future generation).

Lagos as we know it is surrounded by water and this makes this city very unique and remains the pride of Nigeria, Lagos serves as the commercial nerve center of Nigeria accounting for over 60% Nigeria’s income, Lagos is precious and we love it, it is a land of opportunity where fresh graduates troops to in order to make a living, but imagine if we wake up one day and there is no Lagos anymore, its not surprising to note that Lagos is just about 7meters(22 feet) above sea level ,this makes Lagos probe to flooding and rise in sea level, The island of Kiribati is just about 4 m (13 ft) above sea level and its inhabitants are being forced to relocate due to flooding and rise in sea level.

The realities of global warming includes ice melting, flooding, and erosion, increased storm all these affecting human settlements and our seemingly harmless human activities has contributed to the rise in sea level cutting down trees, burning bushes all in the name of urban development. Buildings have taken over where we are supposed to have trees and we fall tress without bothering to plant another.

I see Lagos with a sustainable environment, free from the effect of climate change, with citizens sensitive enough to protect their environment from harm. Spread the word

Thank you. #sm4cc

Olaleye Taiwo-@greenernaija

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY-GREEN ECONOMY-DOES IT INCLUDE YOU?

2012-06-08T08:14:00.000-07:00

World Environment was celebrated worldwide on the 5^TH OF June 2012,this year’s World Environment day was tagged-GREEN ECONOMY-DOES IT INCLUDE YOU? This brings us to the basic question of how individuals are contributing to having a sustainable environment.

There was no activity by the Lagos state government in Lagos this year to celebrate this year’s World Environment because of the Dana Air crash that happened over the weekend in Lagos. The Commissioner of Environment Mr. Tunji Bello said the decision to cancel the event was to honour the victims of the Dana Air plane crash, and to comply with the cancellation of all state events in order to commiserate with the families and relations of the deceased. (Punch Nigeria)- May the souls of the departed rest in peace (Amen)

It is on this note that I give you these few tips on how we as individuals can create a more sustainable environment.

1. Turn off appliances and lights when you leave the room, this is to save energy

Buy energy efficient appliances
Don't let the water run while shaving or brushing teeth to conserve water

4. Take short showers instead of tub baths, this is to conserve water

5. Buy rechargeable batteries instead of disposable ones. This is also to save energy

6. Buy only things that you and your family really needs.

7. Clear your drainage to ensure free flow of water when it rains.

8. Avoid dumping wastes in the drainage.

9. Plant trees when you build your houses, help to reduce green house gases in the atmosphere.

10. Take a walk to short distances instead of driving your car.

Olaleye taiwo-@greenernaija

“I BETTER PASS MY NEIGHBOUR”

2012-05-24T10:34:00.005-07:00

It is no longer news that the Nigerian economy is mostly powered by generators, no matter how small a business is in Nigeria, it must be a proud owner of the popular “I better pass my neighbor” generator, even a one-room apartment must have a generator but apart from the negativity this has for Nigeria’s economy, what about the effects the exhume fumes from generator has on our environment and health?

These fumes contain gases that contribute to global warming. Global warming leaves us with nothing but Extreme weather conditions, Health problems associated with extreme weather condition, Increase in malaria as a result of warm weather which breeds more mosquitoes, respiratory problems etc.

I stay awake at night and am afraid to open my windows at night because of the fumes from my neighbor’s generators, and I wonder when did it get this bad? Nations have been successful with alternative and cleaner sources of energy and I wonder why we cannot adopt such safer means of generating power.

This is 2012 and we are yet to get our acts together, if a nation as small as Ghana can boast of constant power supply, then I wonders why Nigeria cannot, this makes me ask the question, are we really better than our neighbors? As at 2011 Nigeria ranked 156 out of 187 countries on the United Nations -Global Human Development Index, while Ghana ranked 135. Nigeria ranked low on life expectancy, literacy, education, standard of living etc

On a final note, a nation’s well being is beyond the economy or the GDP; it is about the human development and sustainable development.

Olaleye Taiwo @greenernaija #sm4cc

Engage us,Empower us and Resource us- YABA LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN PERSPECTIVE

2012-05-16T12:07:00.001-07:00

UNFCC COP 15 was held at Copenhagen in 2009,more than 1200 local governments representative from 250 cities all over the world came together and their message was simple: do not underestimate our voice as local elected leaders ,our willingness and power to act and our ability to mobilize.we are government leaders representing billions of people in our communities who have long demanded action.Engage us,empower us and resource us:include us in agreements in our common fight against climate change.

According to the book: Mobilizing local government for climate action-raising awareness and building capacity by Community Conservation and Development Initiative ,yaba local government was assessed based on these issues.transport ,sea level rise, public health,fuel efficiency stove, waste management, enegy efficiency in buildings,food security and urban agiculture,urban greening and open space,waste management and eco budget etc

It is expedient to note that all these issues were extensively discussed at a workshop held by Community Conservation and Development Initiative,and one of the recommendations that was made was that communication and coordination between the state government,its parastatal and local government must be improved .Local government should be more involved in decision making about state government and parastal activity within the their community .

Yaba local government has some limitation for instance on transportation such as rail and jetty comes under the control of the federal and state government and this limits the LG regarding income generation.

There is a need for public private partnership to construct a jetty within the local government specifically in Makoko .Assistance in fish farming ,purchase of boats and fishing gears and credit facility is also needed.This will help the local government generate more fund .

As i take a look some of these issues bothering on climate change in Yaba local government,i feel there is a need to echo the words of these community leaders at Copenhagen 2009.Yaba local government needs to be empowered in order for the fight agianst climae change to be won at the grass roots level.
''Engage us,empower us and resource us''.

OLALEYE TAIWO- @greenernaija

QUESTIONS THAT NEEDS ANSWERS

2012-05-09T11:29:00.004-07:00

The adverse effect of climate change on poor communities like Makoko community in yaba local government can only be imagined, This brings us to the question,how equipped is the local government in mitigating the effects of climate change on this community? Is there a way of securing the livelihood of these people? Is there a form of disaster management put in place in time of disaster? Are there ways of ensuring that health care services are readily available in these community?These are some of the questions we hope to answer in the course of using social media to create awareness about climate change.

The Rio+20 conference is coming up soon in Brazil and I believe more emphases will be laid on how local governments can make more impact at the grassroots level, this conference will focus on seven critical issues like jobs, energy, cities, food ,water, ocean and disaster.

In dealing with each of these issues, certain questions must be asked. Will there be considerable commitment on the part of government to help the local communities and local government officials combat climate change in their own unique way?Will there be greater commitment in engaging the youth in local communities in combating climate change?

These are some of the questions that begs for answers and I hope rio+20 will have them.

Olaleye Taiwo @greenernaija #sm4cc #rio+20

DRAINAGES

2012-05-01T07:26:00.001-07:00

I went to a particular street in yaba Local government of Lagos and this is what some of the drainages looks like. The rainy season is here and we cannot afford to have drainages blocked with all sorts of dirts,drainages that breeds mosquitoes and causes havoc to our health.Lagos! our environment is important,Let us keep it clean. #sm4cc @greenernaija

LAGOS! STOP! WAIT! AND THINK…

2012-04-30T03:10:00.001-07:00

Recently I lost my grandmother and I travelled with my family to the village for her burial, after being away from my family for about ten years, I didn't know what to expect but one thing I was looking forward to was to go to the river behind my grandparent’s house, I was eager to show my friends the river I grew up knowing but unfortunately when I got there, it was gone! The river had dried up! It was completely gone it was unbelievable that all I could do was stare at the empty space right in front of me.

These are the seemingly minor things that climate change has caused and those of us in the city are just too busy to notice, Lagos is a very busy city and everybody is too busy trying to make ends meet to pay attention to things that happen around us .It might be really hard to grasp the effect of climate change on us, at least not until the road that leads to our homes are flooded, these things might seem less important at the moment but we needs to stop! Wait! And think… think about our environment and how our human activities affect our environment, are we too self indulged to see that we need to sustain our environment?

It is time to take a moment ,to stop and think about our environment.

Olaleye Taiwo-@greenernaija

SOCIAL MEDIA RESPONSE TO CLIMATE CHANGE IN LAGOS

2012-04-23T04:02:00.002-07:00

The fight against climate change can only be fought and won with effective political will and people’s will backing it, that is why the use of social media is important as a tool for sensitization and awareness so that every Nigerian, every Lagostians will know and be informed about the effect of climate change on their lives, health, livelihood and their entire existence as a whole.

Lagos is undeniably the fastest growing city in Nigeria, Lagos is just six meters above sea level, with the population estimated to be about 12 million by 2015(UN Habitat), Lagos as a coastal city has been struggling to stay afloat and fight the challenges posed by climate change, with global warming, Lagos faces a huge challenges such as rising sea level, flooding, effective waste management, food crises, creating effective transportation system etc.

Lagos is surrounded by water and this makes the city very unique and remains the pride of Nigeria, Lagos serves as the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria accounting for over 60% of Nigeria’s income, Lagos is precious and we love her, but we must keep Lagos afloat and not close our eyes to climate change.

The importance of Lagos makes it expedient for the use of social media among young Nigerians to create awareness and help in the fight against climate change that is why the effort of Heinrich Boll Stiftung (HBS) and Community Conservation and Development Initiative (CCDI) should be applauded.

In response to challenges posed by climate change, Community Conservation and Development Initiative (CCDI) in collaboration with Heinrich Boll Stiftung have decided to create awareness on disaster management, waste management, disaster management, urban farming etc by working with various Local governments in Lagos, with the aim of creating a Local government that is responsive to the environmental needs of their community.

We intend to use social media to support their goal and further create awareness about climate change with the hope that you will add your voice to ours, together we can create a Lagos with a sustainable environment, free from the effect of climate change, with citizens and government sensitive enough to protect their environment from harm.

Olaleye Taiwo-@greenernaija

ENVIROMENTAL DEGRADATION IN NIGERIA

2012-02-23T00:56:00.002-08:00

I would always wonder and ask why things are the way they are, and if there can be true change, inspired by the people, by people’s desire for true change, world issues evolve around diverse issues and one cannot be isolated from the other, I will look at Environmental degradation and how it has affected Nigeria. Environmental degradation refers to deteriorating God-given resources like the atmosphere, water, soil, and forests.

Environmental degradation has led to increase in poverty rate in Nigeria because people whose livelihood is directly related to degraded natural resources will suffer, the average Nigerian lives on less than a dollar a day, for instance a fisherman in the riverside of Nigeria will have his livelihood cut off if there is any form of oil spills, even farm produce will be affected by such an occurrence affecting food supply, water supply, Lack of clean water etc. These Leads to all sorts of diseases like malaria, cholera, malnutrition.

A fisherman father in the riverside that cannot afford to provide basic livelihood for his family might end up daughters will have to sell their bodies to expatriate for survival and sons that will take to kidnapping thus leading to an increase in sexually transmitted diseases and crime rate.

The question that should be asked is when oil spills occur, is there any measures taken by the Nigerian government to cushion its effects? Are there measure taken to make sure these things do not repeat it? Is there a form of responsibility taken by those responsible for such acts?

We have leaders that won’t ask the right questions and the concept of due process and accountability is alien them, then achieving the desired change will be difficult. All this brings me to the Arab Spring which is a testimony to the fact that people can desire change and achieve change with a united purpose and determination. Let’s join our voice together and speak against environmental degradation in Nigeria. Let your voice be heard today! Let your voice be known for Environmental Sustainability!

Follow on twitter @greenernaija

the

2012-02-09T03:02:00.000-08:00

THE FREQUENCY OF THIS CHANGE

2011-11-17T04:50:00.000-08:00

The frequency and intensity of climate change coupled with its effects cannot be ignored, while growing up the weather pattern could be predicted, you could decide to get married in November or December and you can be sure it is not going to rain but over time this has not been the case, the changes in the weather pattern have been drastic and definitely unpredictable.

According to President Barack Obama “Today we are seeing that climate change is about more than a few unseasonable mild winter or hot summer. Its about the chain of natural catastrophes and devastating weather patterns that global warming is beginning to set off around the world……the frequency and intensity of which breaking records thousands of years old”.

From New York United State to Lagos Nigeria the story remains the same, for instance the recent Hurricane Katherine was the sixth strongest hurricane ever recorded and the third strongest to make landfall on the United States, In Lagos Nigeria the recent flooding was the worst hit in recent time, the rain that fell in a single day measures up to the amount of rain expected to fall in a month. These harsh realities of climate change did not come without destroying lives and properties.

QUOTES ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE:

All across the world, in every environment and region known to man increasingly dangerous weather pattern and devastating storms are abruptly putting an end to the long running debate over whether or not climate change is real. Not only is it real, it is here, and its effect are giving rise to the frightening new global phenomenon: the man-made natural disaster……………… President Barack Obama

Olaleye Taiwo

Follow on twitter@ greenernaija

THE ROAD TO DURBAN

2011-11-17T04:39:00.000-08:00

The change is huge and it is happening so fast that it is almost difficult for us to keep up with all of them, and the effects of these changes are even huger and the frequency is so high we find it difficult to keep up. It is true the world is changing, and there are so many issues coming up daily demanding our attention, such issues such poverty, development ,gender, population growth, war etc these issue have been on the fore front of global debate ,but where does climate change stand?

We have had Kyoto protocol,yet there are still country that are yet to abide by what Kyoto protocol stand for ,Well here we are again we are heading to DURBAN for the climate summit. This time all road leads to Durban so we can help create a sustainable environment for the future generation.

Will these bring the desired change? Can Durban bring about the desired result Kyoto could not achieve? Let make the change happen and support alternative energy sources.

Quotes on Climate change: The issue of climate change is one that we ignore at our own peril. There may still be disputes about how much we are contributing to the warming of the atmosphere and how much is naturally occurring, but what we can be scientifically certain of is that our continued use of fossil fuels is pushing us to the point of no return. And unless we free ourselves from a dependence of these fossil fuel and chart a new course on energy in this country, we are condemning future generation to global catastrophe…………..Barack Obama.

Let Durban count !!!#COP17 (follow on twitter @greenernaija)

Olaleye Taiwo

For greenernaija.

WOMEN CAN FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE

2011-10-25T01:49:00.000-07:00

WOMEN CAN FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE

A woman’s place in the society from history has always been controversial, why some believe the woman’s place should always be behind the scene, some believe they deserve to be at the fore front and be part of a process that will shape their lives, in the past women couldn’t vote or speak it was forbidden, some part of the world till date do not allow women to drive, and in other places a woman is considered delicate and should be treated with care and respect.

No matter where the place of a woman is in the society, a woman remains a great asset to the society and should be given the opportunity to thrive, in a male dominated world a woman should be brave and unstoppable, setting goals and achieving them, but there is a menace setting the woman back and slowing down her pace, this menace is climate change, the 21^st century woman in both developed and developing country is faced with a challenge that aims to take her back to the place of and vulnerability and uncertainty ,a place where the future seems uncertain and bleak, making survival almost impossible.

Climate change is harder on women especially women in developing nations, when they are faced with desertification or deforestation the men migrate to greener areas leaving the women behind to take care of the children and find a way to survive, women have to deal with scarcity of water and resources.

If women would fight for their right and today women can vote and be voted for, with the efforts of women like of Susan B. Anthony, these were the women paved the way for the likes of Charles Gyude Bryant of Liberia. If these can be done then we can fight climate change and win, we can join our voices together and help save the future generation.

QUOTES: So long as society says a woman is incompetent to be a lawyer, minister or doctor, but has ample ability to be a teacher...every man of you who chooses this profession tacitly acknowledges that he has no more brains than a woman?

Olaleye Taiwo

For: greenernaija

WOMEN CAN FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE A woman’s place in the society from history has always been controversial, why some be

2011-10-22T15:23:00.000-07:00

POPULATION GROWTH AND CLIMATE CHANGE

2011-09-29T13:06:00.000-07:00

Climate change has been an issue that remains on the lips of stakeholders, activist, environmentalist etc. The notion is that population growth affects the climate, but how true is this?
According to the United Nation in 1998,world population will be between 2 and 4 billion more people by 2040.overpopulation is known to be a major cause of increase in global gas emission, efforts towards green energy sources ,reduction in global emission of carbon dioxide will only yield maximum result if population grows steadily and stabilizes.
There is a huge difference in the population growth of developed nations and developing Nations, Developed nations contribute a higher percentage to global emission of green house gases and at the same time their population growth is not as high as the developing nations that contribute a smaller percentage to the emission of these harmful gases. This puts a question mark on premise that population growth affects the climate, but the truth remains that the continued increase in population increases the demand for these sources of energy, increases deforestation and other human activities that affects the environment.
It is true that the poorest countries that would be most affected by the effects of climate change, making children and women most vulnerable, and if there is a possible link between population growth and climate change, how do you educate an uneducated African man that believes he needs to have more children because his wife is yet to give him a male child? How do you discourage child marriage and empower the women to make the right choice about their reproductive health?
All these question begs for answers and shows the challenge climate change poses has so many faces to it and requires an all round solution, it shows that the solution lies in the hand of stakeholders and individuals, to the stake holders we need good education, proper health care, infrastructures and to individuals we need to make more informed choices and realize that our choices affects not only our environment but the future generation.

For: greenernaija
Olaleye Taiwo

NIGERIA'S CHANGING CLIMATE

2011-09-19T13:41:00.000-07:00

In recent times Nigeria has experienced a dramatic change in its weather pattern, while growing up we could predict the dry season and the wet season, but times have changed and the issue of climate change is no longer alien to us.
Nigeria is known to be one of the few countries in the world with little or no natural disaster ,we do not have earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunami or tornadoes, we have in the past considered ourselves lucky to be blessed but the world has become a global village, not only has Nigeria witnessed shrinking of its borders, thanks to information and technology, we are now in the age of twitter and face book where nothing is considered sacred, in the same vein we can no longer separate ourselves from the rest of the world, climate issues are no longer sacred to the island of Kiribati, Pakistan or Somalia, it has come knocking on our doors and we have to respond to its call.

Climate change is undeniably here with us in Nigeria, we have the recent flooding in Lagos and Ibadan, the absence of rain in the North, leading to droughts and crop failure, it is estimated that Nigeria is currently losing about 351,000 hectares of land mass to desert encroachment annually, impacting negatively on food supply. There is the ocean surge in our beaches caused by the rising sea level which is one of the impacts of climate change. Alpha Beach and Bar Beach have both witnessed ocean surges this year, leading the residents seek for help from the Lagos state government.

Lagos our commercial nerve center is only three meters above sea level, and the recent flooding had a huge effect on both lives and properties, with the trend of things, climate change is not a distance phenomenon, it affects us every day. It is no longer news that climate change will have a bigger impact on developing Nation, which Nigeria is part of, it is time for Nigerians and its leaders to realize that the future generation deserves a sustainable environment, an environment they can thrive in, without an outa of doubt ,there is a lot of work to be done.

The poverty level in Nigeria is very high, an average Nigerian cannot afford to spend a dollar a day, imagine the impact of climate change on food supply, the drought in Somalia is a testimony to this fact, the drought has claimed so many live ,many of whom are children. The provision of Infrastructure such as good road network, proper drainages, constant power supply, and affordable health care etc. will perhaps equip Nigerians to deal more effectively with the changing climate conditions.
The work to be done is not limited to our leaders alone, it involved Nigerians as responsible citizen, we have certain choices to make and these choices could either make or mar the future of Nigeria as a country, we need to know that the forest nature has bestowed upon us is for a purpose, tree felling is one of the major causes of global warming and Nigerians must realize that these trees have a part to play in sustaining our environment, we can be responsible enough to clear our drainages, desist from throwing dirt in the drainages so that water can flow freely when rain falls. We must be responsible enough to stop building on canal paths.

We can be responsible enough to tell others about climate change, and its effects on our lives because I believe one can reach a thousand and two can reach ten thousand. Nigeria! Let us rise like the giants we are and create a sustainable environment for the future generation.

Olaleye Taiwo
Follow on twitter @ greenernaija

BAN KI-MOON ON CLIMATE CHANGE

2011-09-19T13:32:00.000-07:00

The United Nation Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon recently addressed the issue of climate change at a conference in Australia ,Ban ki-Moon expressed great concern about the climate change issue and its effects on lives he stated: “but the facts are clear: global green house gas emissions continue to rise, millions of people are suffering from climate impact. Climate change is very real”
Ban Ki-Moon spoke about the pacific nation of Kiribati and expressed the fears of parents and children who dread they might wake up one day and everything would have been swept away by the rising sea. The Island of Kiribati is just four meters (13feet) above sea level.
The time for the renewal of the Kyoto protocol which expires 2012 is now. Kyoto protocol remains the only global deal aimed at reducing the emission of green house gases.
The current trend of climate disasters in recent times shows the time for change has come; there is a need for countries to renew their commitments to the Kyoto protocol in order to protect the future generation. Countries like China and United States should please commit to the protocol and help preserve the environment.

Quotes: ‘Climate change is not about tomorrow. It is lapping at our feet-quite literally in Kiribati and elsewhere.’ Ban ki-moon
Olaleye Taiwo
For: greenernaija

THE FIGHT AGAINST MALARIA AND GLOBAL WARMING

2011-09-02T06:17:00.001-07:00

This shows that the least developed countries of the world will be worst hit by the effects of climate change. African leaders must realize that there is a lot of work to do in order to fight both malaria and global warming. We must join hands to a create sustainable environment for the future generation.

Follow on twitter @greenernaija

Olaleye Taiwo

For: greenernaija