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Saturday, January 15, 2011

THE GREEN GENERATION II

Climate Change

"We have a responsibility to protect the rights of generations, of all species, that cannot speak for themselves today. The global challenge of climate change requires that we ask no less of our leaders, or ourselves." Prof Wangari Maathai

The Green Belt Movement have been planting trees for much longer than climate change has been at the top of the political agenda. However the outcome of Copenhagen leaves the whole world with more work to do, including GBM.

In 2011 we will continue and increase our work at the grassroots to address the impact of climate change, while stepping up our calls for a global deal which safeguards the future of out planet and helps Africa adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Failure of the world leaders at Copenhagen to reach a binding agreement means in 2011 it is down to each and every one of us to step up and take action. Planting a tree can be a first simple step.

Climate change is caused by the emission of greenhouse gasses (GHGs) released from burning fossil fuels and from land use change, particularly the removal of forests which accounts for almost 20% of global emissions (more than the transport industry). The countries that developed first, for example the UK, US and France, have emitted vastly more GHGs then the countries currently called 'developing', such as Kenya, Namibia and Bangladesh.


 

Ironically, scientists say that it is the developing countries that will be hardest hit; African countries in particular. A just response to climate change must therefore include a comprehensive compensation package from the developed countries that have polluted the most to the developing countries whose total historical emissions are very low and are the most affected... Climate change isn't just about the 'environment'. People around the world are suffering the effects of climate change now, and for these people climate change is an issue of justice.


 

The urgency of now


 

Earth's climatic systems are incredibly complex. Despite an increasing intensity of work by scientists around the world details of how a warmer world will impact climate, the facts are elusive. In the face of uncertainly climate scientists have drawn a line in the sand. Consensus is that an average surface temperature rise of the planet by more than 2° Celsius would have catastrophic effects for the biosphere and humanity's place in it.


 

In order to avoid temperature increases of more than 2° Celsius and dangerous runaway climate change we must reduce emissions by something in the region of 80% by 2050. Given population increases over this time this is really the same as saying we must become carbon neutral.


 

Failure to act now will be catastrophic. This means that we are the only generation of humans ever who are able to effectively respond to this challenge. The decisions we make today will have a greater impact on the future of the planet then the decisions made by any previous generation. We have to get it right!


 

If not us, who? If not now, when?


 

The role of forests


 

Ecological systems are key components of the carbon cycle. For example, forests are enormous stores of terrestrial carbon. Removing forests causes GHG emissions and makes the land vulnerable to further degradation. Conversely afforestation sequesters carbon and provides a natural buffer against desertification and other environmental problems associated with changing climates. Planting and protecting forests will be a crucial part of the global response to climate change both in terms of mitigation (actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to enhance sinks aimed at reducing the extent of global warming) and adaptation (initiatives and measures taken to reduce the vulnerability of natural and human systems against actual or expected climate change effects). However, to get this right the peoples living in and around the land to be forested must considered appropriately and involved in the change of land use.


 

REDD


 

REDD stands for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation. Deforestation accounts for nearly 20% of global annual carbon emissions - greater than the entire transport sector emissions combined. Deforestation is one of the most pressing areas to tackle in the fight against climate change. REDD is a proposed mechanism under the UNFCCC to slow the loss of forests in order to mitigate against climate change, address rural poverty and preserve biodiversity. The concept is a simple one: countries that are willing and able to reduce emissions from deforestation should be financially compensated for doing so.


 


 

Challenges Ahead:


 

How REDD will work in practice is proving controversial, raising complex issues including national sovereignty, human rights, effective measurement, adequate and corruption. Lacking vital safeguards against logging and failing to protect intact natural forests and the rights of indigenous people, who live and depend on the forests. There is a lot of work still to be done to make sure REDD works for the forests and the people who depend on them, rather than for business as usual which includes international logging companies. GBM will work hard in 2011 to constantly remind people that, at the heart of it, REDD is about natural forests and the people who live, and have lived their lives there for thousands of years. It is to future generations that we must be accountable.


 

This is what Wangari Maathai had to say about REDD in 2009:


 

"When I think of REDD what comes to mind is the Congo Basin Forest Ecosystem in Central Africa. It is the second largest tropical forest in the world after the Amazon Basin. The third largest rain forest complex is in South East Asia. Together these three forest ecosystems form a vital green belt around the world.


 

The Congo Basin forest crosses the borders of 11 countries and covers almost 50% of the land mass of Central Africa, sustaining over 50 million people in the region. The Congo ecosystem plays a vital role in stabilizing the global climate and without it the world, and Africa in particular, will not be able to mitigate and adapt to climate change. That is why the world needs REDD.


 

REDD is a unique opportunity for us all to ensure that natural forests remain standing, and continue to serve as carbon sinks and as the "lungs of the world". It would make trees worth more standing than cut.

We must also ensure that:


 

•Natural forests, which sustain livelihoods and provide essential ecological services, are distinguished from commercial plantations, which destroy biodiversity and the capacity to retain water.


 

•REDD includes land-use education and capacity building of local communities - including provision of support - to promote forest conservation. Unsustainable agricultural practices are one of the drivers of deforestation and forest degradation. As agricultural land degrades, farmers expand into new areas, often at the expense of forests.


 

•REDD is accessible to local communities. Financial mechanisms must ensure accountability and responsible utilization of resources.


 

We must ensure that REDD policy works in practice and promotes equity, biodiversity and the rights of local communities. It is vital that benefits gained are for the people to whom forest is life. Development plans for the Congo Basin need a solution that firmly puts people, not timber, at its heart. That is why any REDD discussions must allow all stakeholders a seat at the table."


 

GBM's approach to climate change


 

GBM has over 30 years experience rehabilitating degraded lands in Kenya through tree planting and supporting small holder farmers to increase yields and sustainability. This experience is invaluable to the international response to climate change.


 

GBM works with its network of over 4000 community groups across Kenya to respond to environmental problems and improve people's lives. This work is now also significant on a regional and international level because the GBM engagement approach empowers rural poor people to plant trees which soak up damaging co2 from the atmosphere mitigating the effects of climate change and helping adapt through creating buffers and resilient systems to unavoidable climate change.


 

Planting Trees for the 10:10:10 Global Day of Doing


 

On the 10th October 2011 people around the world will be taking part in a Global Day of Doing to protect our planet from climate change. Click here to find out the full details - register to plant a tree, get 10 top planting tips and be inspired by actions taking place around the world.

KWSTI BLOGGER

KENYA WILDLIFE SERVICE TRAINING INSTITUTE.

STUDENTS BLOGGER


 


Kenya Wildlife Service Training Institute

Environment & Natural Resource Management

haroun.hakeel@gmail.com