Towards an Inclusive and Sustainable Post-pandemic World

COVID-19

2021, the new dawn of hope for the entire world.           

Due to the outbreak of global pandemic, COVID-19, there have been a lot of changes in our environment. Because of strict lockdowns all over the country, air quality has significantly improved over time in many cities, reduction of water and noise pollution have been noticed, also GHG emissions have slightly reduced. However, the haphazard use of medical wastes, disposal of masks, gloves, disinfectants have impacted negatively to the environment. If not treated properly, these wastes may cause more hazard to our environment. For the year 2021, we can aware more people of all these problems. We can commence the safe and proper disposal of masks, gloves, disinfectants from our side and commit ourselves to create a healthy and green Earth.

COVID-19 cases maybe soring but luckily enough for us a vaccine has finally arrived which would partially eliminate this pandemic but the environment is still suffering and we have still not gotten any cure or vaccine for it. It seems that 2021 will be very likely to her sibling 2020 where lockdowns would be enforced and the internet would be depended on by most people. As environmental enthusiasts, much effort should be put to reach out to the people via internet and social media.

2020, new source of pollutants to the wildlife.      

With all that has happened in our world today, the COVID-19 pandemic, and plastic pollution that goes with it, it seems that animals are at the receiving end. Whether land or aquatic animals, this pandemic has left many animals affected one way or the other. While some have been eaten for food due to the increase in poverty level, others have fallen ill due to improper disposal of face masks, empty bottles of sanitizers, and polythene bags.

Faced with the current COVID-19 pandemic, the production of masks in huge quantities has given a place to ‘the new garbage’ on the planet. This new pollutant takes around 400 years to disintegrate and has already been reaching our seas, polluting the oceans and harming species. The creation of new technologies for a more sustainable production is this type of indispensable tool to combat the epidemic is fundamental.

Climate Change

Every simple act matters, shout and thrill together for climate justice.

Temperature on the Earth is increasing to an alarming rate. Climate change is the broader term that refers to the long term changes in climate, including average temperature and precipitation. Anthropogenic carbon dioxide is one of the major cause of global warming accompanying the global climate change. If we do not act now, it will be late to act later. Every change starts from us and when we are not there to act and shout, no one will shout and fight for justice. The slowly depleting status of the Earth has already warned for climate emergency. It’s already more than half decade the globe is working to act on different SDGs but the remarkable changes and gains has not been felt.

Climate change is an environmental issue which should be of great concern. Climate change affects both plants and animals. Since the industrial evolution, the Earth has gotten warmer and till date it has not gotten any better. Greenhouse gases which traps solar radiation makes the Earth warm, leading to an increase in temperature. An increase in temperature will lead to an increase in the rate of evaporation and intense rainfall. To beat climate change, the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere needs to be normal. Planting of trees is a way to reduce the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. Trees are carbon removers. They take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the atmosphere. Trees purify the air. Unfortunately, trees are cut without being planted back. If trees are to be cut, then they should be done sustainably.

Plastics takes years to decompose and it releases a gas deadlier than carbon dioxide; methane. Plastic bags and plastic bottles can be used more than once instead of throwing them into the dumpster and increasing our wastes. We should practice taking our own shopping bags for shopping.

The weather has been unbearably hot due to global warming. We need to beat climate change. Now's the time to act. We need to plant trees. Reuse that plastic bag and bottle instead of throwing it away. We need to change our way of living and live green.

Biodiversity

Preserving its value is the fundamental step to a resilient future.

This year, people should understand the plight of animals through enlightenment and in-depth studies of what they face. People should show greater empathy towards animals, no matter how insignificant they may seem. When we do these things, our care for nature (plants and water bodies) is multiplied.

Declaration of sites rich in biodiversity should be designated as Protected Natural Areas, since these areas must be cared for and protected. To conserve the extensive flora and fauna that they house, and in this way to avoid urbanization, changes should be made in land use and deforestation, since these can lead to the loss of biodiversity and other endless negative environmental consequences. Therefore, the implementation of programs for the conservation and care of natural areas is a priority.

Tunza Eco Generation has provided an awesome platform to learn more about animals. Hopefully more people will encourage others alike to do more for their environment and subsequently, and prevent further animals from going extinct.

Our Actions              

Environment conservation: Proper consumption, sustainable development, long-term protection. Our imagination, full conversation friendly development.

Environmental education will always be an essential tool to inform society and through knowledge to create awareness in the population about the correct management of solid waste, as well as the consequences of not having a correct final disposition.

Tunza, being the environmental working platform inspires and triggers the working efficiency of many eco-warriors and youth by its regular way of surprising by different campaigns and competitions. When a single youth inspires his mate, the bunch of people are inspired, so every changes starts from us.

- Contributed by TUNA Eco-generation members Bal krishna Pandey(Nepal), Adan Ojeda Villa(Mexico), Chloe Ejisun(Nigeria), Meena Pandey(Nepal), Nathalie Iloduba(Nigeria), Dalima Thapa(India), Justice Obiri(Ghana).