Environmental protection project

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.