Global warming is the rise in the average temperature of the earth?s atmosphere, a natural process that has been accelerated to dangerous levels by our activities as human beings. This acceleration is mainly through emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and oxides of nitrogen and sulphur into the air. The effects of this range from climate change, changes in natural and ecological systems, and effects on the health of the living inhabitants of Earth. Sources of GHGs vary from exhaust fumes, industrial emissions, fossil fuel use and landfills. It is estimated that each tonne of methane emitted into the atmosphere has as much global warming effect as 21 tonnes of CO2 over a 100 year period. It also cycles 20 times faster than CO2. Therefore, stopping it promises a quick progress in slowing down global warming.

Emissions from landfills comprise mainly of methane, carbon dioxide and other non-methane organic compounds. In order to lower the amount of methane released into the atmosphere, many countries have designed their landfills with provisions that harvest the methane produced from them. The captured methane is then tapped and used as a source of energy in cooking and heating. It?s basically a two birds, one stone kind of thing.

Eco-Build Africa together with Climate Network Africa have been working together to bring this innovation to Kenya?s largest landfill. So far, tests they carried out have identified the section producing the highest amount of methane. Hopefully, in the near future, the project will be complete and we?ll have taken one step in the global warming fight while at the same time found a sustainable alternative energy source.

More info on the project here.

Happy Earth Day!!!

:) :) :)