2.0
Introduction
As the world continues to think about
the future and procreation, as we keep on our search for better future for the
young ones by putting them in the best schools, making financial investments on
their behalves and providing for their needed mentoring and guidance, It will
be suicidal for us to underestimate the impact of the environment on their
lives tomorrow (in the future). We may have our unbridled efforts in the search
for a better tomorrow turn into a cosmetic dreaming, if we continue to take
lightly, the significance of the role of the environment in our existence.
It is a known fact that the earth today
suffers depredations from human activities more than ever, and the
corresponding threats of these environmental jumbles on the earth’s inhabitants
are worrisome. In his 2015 state of the union’s address, president Obama noted
that “no challenge poses a greater threat to
future generations than climate change”. In furtherance, he noted that 14 of
the 15 warmest years on record have all fallen in the first 15 years of the 21
century with 2014 been the planet’s warmest year on record.
The threats of environmental challenges
become more frightening when we examine recent scientific findings. For
example, despite the intense discussions about global climate change, carbon
emissions continue to rise; global atmospheric CO2 levels that were around 300
parts per million (ppm) in the early 1900s have now reached approximately 380
ppm. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment also found that approximately
60 per cent of the ecosystems that it examined were either being degraded or
used unsustainably. Since 1980, 35 per cent of the world’s mangroves have been
lost and 20 per cent of the world’s precious coral reefs have been destroyed. A
decade after the signing of the Biodiversity Convention, the species extinction
rate is still 1,000 times higher than what would be occurring naturally without
human impact. Despite the dozens of global and regional fisheries treaties, an
estimated 90 per cent of the total weight of large predators in the oceans—such
as tuna, sharks and swordfish—have disappeared over the last few decades.
Estimates suggest that we may still be losing as much as 150,000 square
kilometers of forest each year.
In effect, we all have greater
responsibility to restore and protect the environment for future generations by
joining efforts, resources and ideas to promote better environment in our only
home, the planet Earth. It is against this backdrop that Centre for
Environmental Research and Policy Analysis (CERPA) is embarking on the project
“One-Child, One-Tree” to involve the young ones in the promotion of better
environment as well as inculcating in them, environmental preparedness and
awareness through tree planting.
2.1
Rationale of Project
The Ghanaian environment, especially the
urban areas is facing huge challenges which pose threat to the existence of
humans and other habitats. These environmental threats are to a greater extent
result from urbanization without proper planning, poor sanitation, lack of
enforcement of environmental laws and educational policies, and non-caring for
the environment itself. Many a times, environmental issues seem to be no one's
business in the Ghanaian communities. It is not strange to come across an
individual or groups openly acting in a negative manner against the environment
without prompt of concern from anybody or institution. The rapid depredation of the environment, coupled with lack of
public concerns make the Ghanaian environment more vulnerable and threatening.
The One-Child, One-Tree project, which
is aiming at re-greening the Ghanaian communities through the involvement of
the younger generation is driven by two important objectives.
First, the project is aiming at
multiplying the number of trees in the Ghanaian communities, focusing on the
urban centres to avert the current situation of rapid loss of biodiversity as a
result of continual loss of trees in the urban centres. A typical sunny afternoon
walk through the shady
Ridge residential area in Accra, will
leave no one in a bit of doubt in appreciating the very importance of trees in
the urban centres. Plantation of trees in our urban centres will allow people
to escape from the hustle and bustle of stressful city life and usher them into
an atmosphere of serenity and relaxation.
In addition to their recreational and
aesthetic values, trees planted within communities facilitate positive
interaction in the ecosystem. They combat air and noise pollution, filter
water, stabilize soil and check erosion, provide shelter and food for
wildlife, and above all, improve the overall quality of life in people within
the environment. When these benefits are combined with critical roles trees
play in combating generation threat of global warming, trees become a necessity
not just a luxury.
Second, the One-Child, One-Tree project
is building on the art of involving the young generation in promoting
environmental welfare. The involvement of today's child in the arena of
positive environmental search has a great propensity of breeding tomorrow's
leader of environmental expert. The project is structured to inculcate in the
young ones, a sense of environmental ownership and preparedness of
environmental protection. They are to be groomed to take up leadership roles in
advocating for positive environmental practices for sustainable future.
This is to give you a portion view of one of our projects carrying out in Ghana. The One-Child, One-Tree project, your are welcome to partner with us to deliver this project or many other innovative projects undertaking by CERPA to promote global environmental welfare.