YOUTH: TAKE MORE CARE OF THE ENVIRONMENTby | 20-07-2012 02:48 |
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  Most of us have a tendency to neglect environmental issues—be it cleanliness in their neighbourhoods, pollution, poor sanitation, tree-felling or forest conservation. As we marked World Environment Day recently with a green economy as the main theme, we were reminded that the impact of climate change is being felt in sectors of the economy such as livestock keeping, fishing, agriculture and tourism. The grim reality is that we (Tanzanians) still have a long way to go if we are to pass on a better and sustainable environment to future generations. Here are some home truths about the state of the environment: About 92,000 hectares of forest are lost each year through forest fires and tree cutting. It is estimated that 90 per cent of the population depends on charcoal and firewood as a major source of energy for cooking. But there are no tree plantations created specifically for the charcoal market. This puts about 65 per cent of Tanzania at risk of drought if we do nothing to end the destruction. We urgently need to reduce dependency on charcoal and firewood as a source of energy in both rural and urban areas. We can do so only by introducing alternative sources of energy such as natural gas and solar power. To develop and promote alternative energy sources, we will have to lay down a huge investment. We have not done too well in that area, and it is time we rectified that state of affairs. We could begin with incentives such as tax reduction on equipment for such technology and partner with the private sector to make it affordable to the majority of the population. Raising awareness on preserving the environment will be necessary if the people are to become sensitive to environmental risks. Equipping them with alternative sources of income is also crucial. The people (in particular young people) should be encouraged to take up sustainable environmental projects such as eco-villages and a clean development mechanism aimed at creating environment-friendly villages by planting trees, preserving water sources and reducing carbon emission.We all have a crucial role to play in ensuring that we live in clean and wholesome villages, towns and cities. |
