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Energy & Sustainability

Energy & Sustainability

World Environment Day 2020: A cry for Nature

by wilkista
written by wilkista

June 5this World Environment Day. This is a day internationally set to celebrate our environment and appreciate nature for our co-existence. For those who share in knowledge of the creation story in the book of Genesis in the bible, it is believed that in the beginning  the earth was formless and desolate, there was darkness and from there the creation story starts when God orders for light to be there. It is a beautiful story of how everything – flora and fauna, the water, the land that we till, and skies above where the birds and all other creatures that fly flap their wings. Everything seems to perfectly fall into place like a jigsaw. Thousands of years later, we are caught up in a world filled with calamities; temperatures are increasingly high, droughts and floods are frequently experienced in different parts of the globe, ice in the Alaska and other arctic zones is fast melting and with that sea levels are fast rising to a life threatening level. In short, life is no longer the beautiful, perfect creation story that we read and wish for. Nature has taken a toll on us, and while some of us are still looking but not seeing the reality of what the world has become, the clock keeps ticking. Before we know it, there may be no time at all to do anything about all the natural phenomena affecting us thanks to our own human-inflicted effect on nature.

But all hope is not lost. Jumping to the scientific theory and ancient mythologies within which economies are believed to have been built and continue to advance, we are presented with an opportunity to reverse the order. Some of the suggested solutions are enshrined within the new policy scenarios for development which require that we not only limit our net carbon emissions to zero but take individual actions to enable us to get there. For starters, World Environment Day which is a day to voice out concerns, showcase our actions and call for further action, and is by no chance a one day affair. Every day is an environment day because everyday we wake up to nature, live in it, invest within it, take from it without caring much about we give back to it in return.  Nature has grown tired of our ungrateful attitude; it is reminding us in the simplest of forms that is has endured our destructive bullets for far too long. It can no longer stand our ignorance, arrogance, and selfish attitudes. It is also reminding us that either we as the current generation, or our future generations who will pay the price for how terribly we have been treating it. 

As the world takes time today to focus on achievements made in the UN decade of biodiversity which ends in 2020, and paves way for launch of the next decade of ecosystem restoration (2021 to 2030) agenda, we are left to ponder on what biodiversity really means for each of us. For me, it means reflecting on the beautiful creation story, how things were and how we could regain some of those values. Many things which should be done have already been said including; retracing our roots back to organic agriculture and food production, healthy living, green transportation methods, efficient industrialization pathways, carbon capture and sequestering technologies, increment on forest cover, sustainable use of water resources, reduced poaching activity and care for life in all its forms. I will therefore not dwell on what needs to be done. Because our governments and leaders know what must be done. At individual level we may be aware of what we to do or know where to find the correct information on what we must do. The problem is that no one is willing to sacrifice comfort today for the sake of a future they know nothing about. Our selfish desires drive us and the nations we live in. We are more concerned about ‘cashing-in and making our lives easier’ than we are about the overall effect all these have on nature. 

Until when we will stop pretending and override our selfish ambitions, and instead put nature first. Until when we will start asking ourselves before each action, ‘does this help or kill nature?’ Until when we will provide the correct answer to this question and be true to ourselves in our interventions. I am afraid that our cries to nature before then are in-vain. Kick-back time is here!


 

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Energy & Sustainability

Why use Nairobi’s commuter train to the CBD?

by wilkista
written by wilkista

On my way from work an evening this week, I was in the company of two colleagues – one who like myself has grown fond of the Nairobi commuter train and other who the mention of it paints an image of ‘the dirty crowded public transport system that typically serves the city’s hustlers who cannot easily afford other mode of transport’.   I cannot entirely blame my latter colleague as I had an almost similar perception two months ago.  For most Kenyans, our knowledge of the train service (except the Standard Gauge Railway) paints memories of the old non-reformed Kenya Railways service with poorly maintained train stations that would ferry thousands of passengers. These trains would be completely packed that you had no room to move a leg let alone breathe easily.

Credit: Kenya Railways Corporation
In case you have not used the commuter train from Syokimau to the CBD (this is what I use) largely because of negative perceptions. Then this post is for you. For starters, the reforms within the rail service allowed for an overhaul of some train stations to include ample parking bays where commuters can park for as low as ksh 100 per day. The stations are well maintained with adequate restrooms, restaurants and information monitors. As you make your way to the ticket desk on a week day morning, you are met by the smile of a newspaper distributor who hands you a copy of the freely circulated People’s Daily (PD) paper. Wonder why I mentioned the free PD paper? Again, it is all about perceptions.

In my first day interaction with the People Daily newspaper; I dropped my copy at a nearby seat because at the time, I regarded it as ‘the free, baseless and weak-content newspaper’. Those who know me reckon that I do not like ‘free handouts’ often associating them with mediocrity. Well, that has changed for the PD paper as I now enjoy reading it on my commute to the CBD each morning. In particular, I always look forward to reading the #WhackyWorld section on page 3 which publishes crazy global happenings or topical facts. For instance, during the international breastfeeding week, the columnist wrote interesting facts about the importance of breastfeeding.

How long is the ride to the CBD? In my case the ride normally takes about 25 minutes which is ample time to read my PD copy and a chapter of the Bible. I like how clean and spacious the coaches are – some seats go unoccupied occasionally. So if you are a person who loves your space….then this PSV option may just be the right solution for you. See, the Nairobi commuter train is not too bad after all. And no, it is not the cheap option for people who cannot afford to drive to work or otherwise! On the contrary, many people opt to park their cars at the station to enjoy the luxury of a fast, convenient, spacious and reliable mode of transport to the CBD. More importantly, by using the train, you directly contribute towards our national energy costs savings and overall reduction in carbon footprint.

While the Nairobi commuter rail service is not comparable to those used in the first world countries, I believe the Kenya Railway Corporation has made commendable steps in the right direction.  What remains is the need to change our perceptions as citizens and; for the government to invest on expansion of railway infrastructure within the city and its environs.

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Energy & Sustainability

World Environment Day 2018: Beat Plastic Pollution!

by wilkista
written by wilkista

While I identify as an ‘environmentalist’ and some of my past actions echo the same, I feel that I have been a complete let down to the course. I think the battle to fight climate change and secure a sustainable planet is not weakened by the ignorant and/or anti-climate change campaign industrialists. I think our biggest let down is the decision by climate change experts and specialists to remain silent or allow themselves to be blinded by short term development agenda.

I frequently allude to the words of the late Professor Wangari Maathai, through the Green Belt Movement, which reminds humans that ‘it is the little things we do that make a difference’. That said, I want to do my little thing today in honor of the men and women who tirelessly fight for a green planet. I want to remind us of the little thing that we must do to “BEAT PLASTIC POLLUTION” which is the 2018 theme of the World Environment Day. More information and updates about the official WED event hosted by the city of New Delhi in India, one of the world’s top 5 plastic polluters, can be accessed here. 
 

     Source: World Environment Day

According the UN, plastic waste is responsible for killing about 1 million sea birds and 100,000 marine mammals annually. A recent study warns that 90% of today’s waste will last for another 500 years, and oceans will be home to more plastics than fish!  Two days ago, CNN reported that a pilot whale died in Thailand after swallowing more than 80 bags of plastic (about 17 pounds). It is also estimated that every day, at least a truck full of plastic waste finds its way in the oceans and that this will triple by 2050 if no action is taken today. Annually, the world produces about 500 billion plastic bags and has in the last decade produced more plastic than it did in the whole of the last century. These are a few of the shocking facts we have to deal with!

Nations such as Rwanda long set an example of a commitment to reduce plastic waste by banning plastic bags while others such as US and Germany have pioneered and implemented waste to energy power plants the past 3 decades. However, the climb remains very steep and a hard nut to crack across most jurisdictions simply because it takes more than policy and political gimmicks to drive change. There must be a simultaneous behavioral change in the mindset of the people; they must understand and embrace change and see the shared value in it.  But how long it would it take to educate the entire globe and have them see the shared value in eliminating plastic use? Perhaps another decade, half a century or never. We must however try or die trying! We owe at least that much to mother nature; let us keep talking about and act to beat plastic pollution. Let it become that annoying reminder we do not want to told about anymore. But most importantly, let us avoid plastic pollution in threefold steps: REDUCE-RECYCLE-REFUSE! Ever asked yourself why it is hard to find empty Coca Cola glass soda bottles in the trash bins?  Why can’t we do the same for plastic-bottled sodas and every other drink?  I think making plastic-bottled drinks relatively more expensive (in order to retrieve the packaging cost) instead of recycling them is one of our biggest sustainability failures. Globally, it is estimated that about 1 million plastic bottles are bought per minute which is extremely sad given the fact that most if not all of these will eventually end up in the oceans.  

As we join the rest of the world to mark WED, lets REDUCE, RECYCLE and/or REFUSE all forms of plastic waste at home or school or work place. If you have a minute to spare, visit EcoWatchwebsite for more ideas on the simple yet fun things you can do to #BeatPlasticPollution! Join the global movement today!
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Energy & Sustainability

Earth Day Race: Promoting Eco-friendly transport system through cycling.

by wilkista
written by wilkista
Saturday the 22nd of April was earth day. Reviewing a number of online resource materials about earth day traces its origin back to 1970 in the United States (according to www.earthday.org website). The main start-up idea revolved around a decision to put environmental issues at the forefront. You can read more about how this day has metamorphosed over the years into what it is today by visiting the history link to the above website.
An event to mark earth day was organized by African Youth Initiative on Climate Change- Kenyan chapter (AYICC) in partnership with Ridestrong cycling foundation(a community based organization started to promote cycling and development among local youths) based in Thogoto, Kikuyu town which is a few kilometers from Nairobi’s CBD. As I came to learn during the event, Thogoto is the home to Kenya’s number one cyclist, David Kinja! Not only that, the town boasts of memorable historical figures and occurrences. It is where the first church was set up by missionaries here in Kenya. The first president of Kenya, the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta attended his elementary education at Church of Scotland Mission in Thogoto. It has the 2nd largest swamp in East Africa. There are more facts about Thogoto the small town and the much history it holds, I can only mention but a few. 
AYICC is a network of various youth groups embodied. It creates a platform where environmentally passionate youths can voice out an agenda to address environmental challenges facing our globe.With just one and half months to RIO+20 summit, there have been a lot of efforts by youths and governments and major stakeholders in Africa to come up with a strong agenda that will be voiced by Africa in Rio. Africa for a long time has always been left out of the main negotiation table when it comes to addressing sustainable development and adopting of clean development mechanisms. Having more youths take up serious retrogressive confrontation points is a key pathway to creating the environment we want. Youths may not have the capital base needed to engineer sustainable models, but they definitely have the ideas that if implemented can contribute unanimously in saving Mother Nature.  Across continents, it is evident that youths have decided to take upon themselves the responsibility of addressing climate change and creating SD. Among the activities that youths are involved are advocacy and awareness sessions. And April 22nd Saturday was a small but yet a powerful way of really making an input in the environmental challenges puzzle.

The cycling race brought together over 150 cyclists; professional and non-professionals, children and youths, geographical factor notwithstanding. The theme of the day was “RAUKA!  Youths for a sustainable future”.  Among the activities done was tree planting at a local school (300 seedlings were donated by the Greenbelt movement). To also grace the event was the local councilor to Thogoto ward. The day was kicked off by tree planting and thereafter the flagging off of the cycling race. Competitors were expected to pedal 7-rounds of the marked track. Youth volunteers marshaled the track. The weather for the day was conducive. It being a rainy season, the temperatures ranged from cool to mild warm, and no shower drops beckoned during the 7-lapse race. A few words to sum up the entire event: “relaxing, entertaining and informative”. 
But somebody would ask, “How does cycling connect to earth day?” The answer is simple. According to a UNEP report on green Economy, to achieve a green economy, nations and thus economies will have to invest massively in various sectors including health, transport systems, waste management and energy production (a copy of the compiled document is available on the UNEP website. It outlines various ways that economies can “really go green”). Our earth day was focusing on transport systems, it was all about promoting a society where people dwell more on cycling than driving. I have read about Netherlands and its citizens cycling to workplace. I know my country is striving to acquire electric commuter trains commonly known as metro-services. This will obviously reduce emissions caused by automobiles to the atmosphere. But before we get there, why can’t we start making tiny steps of contributing towards clean energy use while enhancing our transport sector. One cyclist by the name Sammy said he is tired of hearing about green initiatives that don’t achieve more than they beaker. He prefers cycling and wouldn’t mind doing it often to run errands in town. But just how ready is our country ready to support cycling? He gave me a good example of why he thought it would take forever to have such ideas on the roads…..”Look at the newly constructed roads by the Chinese companies, there are no lanes for cyclists! That means no one thought about the idea of cycling of the roads during the planning process.” I was left agape. So simple yet so real, in as much as we want to have all these green initiatives implemented, we need to think about them in our development and urban planning.
Promoting cycling and perhaps making better models of bicycles at consumer friendly prices would be helpful. That way, we may only need vehicles and such like when they’re very necessary. But weekends especially, when families drive out for outdoor activities could be spared for cycling. Cycling fosters good health; it is therefore an efficient green mode of transport which promotes health living as well. After the cycling race, I think I’m heading on a mission to learn how to cycle and thereafter acquire my ride…..but we need an enabling environment created by the government. Next time we think about constructing a new road, let’s have a lane(s) for cyclists. And let’s promote cycling 
                “Cycling is not poverty…..it means you understand your environment and the efforts you need to put to conserve and rejuvenate it.”
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