@robert_ndung_u
Robert Ndung'u
78 w
The Science for Africa Foundation is calling on Africa based scientist to apply for seed grants (USD 100,000) and scale up grants (200,000) to address the immutable link between climate change and food insecurity in Africa. The seed grants will seek to support proof of concepts and validation of innovations while the scale up grants will support transitioning of validated innovations and concepts to full scale production. The foundation will support innovations that strengthen agriculture-related risk management processes and adaptation prioritization, planning, and investment, through intra-Africa research collaboration on data, data science, and modeling in Africa for a period of 18-24 months, Further details can be found here: https://scienceforafrica.foundation/funding/african-agriculture-climate-adaptation-research-system-request-for-proposals
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Robert Ndung'u
80 w
In an exclusive piece for Variety, William Shatner shahttps://variety.com/2022/tv/news/william-shatner-space-boldly-go-excerpt-1235395113/res excerpts from his new book , “Boldly Go: Reflections on a Life of Awe and Wonder,” where he reflects on how looking out into the darkness of space through a small window filled him with sadness and felt like a funeral. In contrast to the cold darkness of space be describes how seeing the curvature of earth, light & colours reminded him of life, nurture and warmth Mother Earth provides. Shatner's experience, also known the "Overview Effect", is not uncommon and is reported by other astronauts; and often they report how their perspective of our place in the vastness of space and fragility of planet earth changes when in space. Reminding us we need to take care of our planet. We cannot afford to burn ourselves up. We have to stop the climate crisis! https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/william-shatner-space-boldly-go-excerpt-1235395113/
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Robert Ndung'u
81 w
Health and Climate: reflections on how climate change drive infectious diseases spread “.......humanity's success in overcoming the health challenges of today is no guarantee for future success.” This quote is from the The Global Risk Report 2020, in reference to the existential global risk of resurgence and emergence of global epidemics including infectious diseases. Similar conclusions have been reached by diverse scientists working in global health and climate change fields, as well as by lived experiences of communities whose health and livelihoods are severely impacted by the ongoing climate crisis. This century, the world has experienced several waves of severe infectious diseases with devastating impacts on individual health, livelihoods, and local and international socio-economic systems. During the same period, humanity has ushered unprecedented advancements in technologies in health care and control of endemic diseases and improved quality of life, and these have led to overall reduction in mortality and morbidity related to infectious disease and longer life spans. However, we are also living through an era of accelerated global warming due to largely human driven climate change through increased carbon emissions, environmental degradation and pollution. This means that while we are at a stage of great human health, the era is also defined by increased risk of outbreaks of new and re-emerging and endemic diseases which is fueled by increased climate change and other human factors affecting increasingly vulnerable populations who experience intersectionality of oppressions and inequality. Emergence or re-emergence of an infectious epidemic starts with introduction of a pathogen ( new or endemic) to a vulnerable population of hosts where it undergoes inter and intra host transmission within a defined geographical region, and if not detected and controlled early it can spillover and spread globally facilitated by the increased human and animal mobility. The context within which these infectious diseases appear involves complex and multifaceted interactions among various pathogen and host interaction factors, socio-ecological factors and human factors. Pathogen factors that drive emergence and spread of novel/new pathogens strains include rapid mutations, gene reassortment and recombination. This allows generation of strains and variants of pathogens that easily escapes the immune system, antibiotics and other control measures. The immunity and nutrition status, pre-existing health conditions, age, mobility and interactions with other species are also important host related factors that influence the spread of diseases. However, it is becoming clear that anthropogenic factors such as overcrowding, urbanisation, increased human and animal mobility and non-clean energy production are driving green gas emissions, destruction of wildlife habitat and ecosystems are also critical drivers of poor health; and particularly emergence and reemergence of infectious diseases with pandemic potential. These are actually complicated by socio-ecological factors such as poor health infrastructure, food insecurity, inequality and marginalisation as well as war that often hinder success of early interventions that work to limit spread of diseases. So, this link between climate change and human health is well known, but we still see laxity by state and international actors to make and honour commitments to reduce global warming, protect and preserve ecosystems so as to avert the ongoing climate crisis and promote planetary health restoration. As the IPCC, 2022 notes, it’s not all gloom, but by understanding the context in which various vulnerabilities and exposure of human health, livelihood and ecosystems to various climate hazards when coupled with establishment of proper governance, financing, knowledge, capacity and technologies that creates catalysing conditions for climate and ecosystems restoration, humanity can be able to reverse global warming and thus transition to sustainable and climate change resilient human systems and ecosystems. Therefore, as we go to COP27, there is a need to keep in mind that for our health and survival on this planet we need to breathe clean air, access clean water, quality food and meet our industrial and subsistence production needs with sustainable green energy sources, and to achieve these, we need States and international agencies to actualise the commitment to avert the climate crisis & global warming by cutting down on fossil fuel but also by investing in climate restoration as clearly elaborated by Peter Fiekowsly and Carole Douglis in their book, Climate Restoration: The only future that will sustain the human race.
Robert Ndung'u
81 w
The new Kenyan Government has lifted a decade long ban on importation and open cultivation of Genetically Modified (GMO) crops in Kenya. The announcement was made earlier today through a statement from the office of the president following a cabinet meeting where the recommendations by the Taskforce to Review Matters Relating to Genetically Modified Foods and Food Safety. The lifting of the ban is seen as a long term response to addressing food insecurity in the country due to frequent extended droughts and emergence and re-emergence of pests and diseases; with the hope that farmers will have access to drought and diseases resistant crops that will ensure good production levels even within the context of ongoing climate crisis. Additionally, it will allow revamping of edible oil, textiles and animal feed industries. Genetically Modified Foods were banned in Kenya in 2012 by President Kibaki following safety concerns by the ministry of health after a study conducted by the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) assessing the link between consumption of GMO food to elevated cancer risk in rats showed inconclusive results. However, reports from WHO, FAO, FDA and EFSA as well as a recent report by Kenya's National Biosafety Authority (NBA) have shown that GMO food available in the international markets have met safety standards and do not pose risk for human health. Furthermore, countries should be keen to ensure that the safety of individual genetically modified food is assessed before and after introduction including keen post market monitoring. This news has been received with mixed feelings; with a section of farmers and scientists thrilled that Kenya is taking a bold step in adopting science to food insecurity. However, as Prof Richard Odour of Kenya University notes, there is great need to engage communities and sensitise the public to understand what GMOs are and why a solution to food insecurity in the region. A good number of Kenyans are also worried by the lifting of the ban citing varied reasons from health fears, displacement of local small scale farmers, disruption of our biodiversity and ecosystems as well as risk of losing indigenous crops knowledge. But also importantly, there are also fears that GMO, just like carbon credits, are used by governments to escape responsibility and commitment to cutting greenhouse emissions which have accelerated climate change and frequency of droughts. The government is also bound to relax any effort that would have gone to support most of the small scale farmers who rely on local varieties and preservation of the indigenous agro practices. And while its true that we need a multi-tier approach to feeding the growing human population sustainably, GMO crops should be seen as only one approach, especially bearing in mind that elsewhere GMO patent holders strongly lobby for control of seeds production and distribution, creating overreliance on narrow variety of GMO crops that ends up killing local food production and indebted farmers to the seed corporations. This is well illustrated in The Seed where a Texan farmer is thrown in jeopardy after a multinational seed corporation penalises him for using his own seeds. And of course in the neoliberal Kenya, these seed corporations will easily muscle out small scale farmers and indigenous communities and wipe out indigenous crop varieties in favour of GMO. I therefore contend that there a lot more work that need to be done with the lifted ban, to not only bring the people around understanding and demystifying GMO's, but establishment policies, structures and standard that; (a) ensures that safety of the individual genetically modified crops is ensured before introduction and monitored continuously through post market phases, (b) Prioritises and safeguard our indigenous crop and agro practices to ensure that local food production systems are not destroyed, diminished or replaced by GMO, (c) guide specific actions to limit greenhouse emissions, and provide diverse solutions to strengthening food production systems without erasure or replacement of local food production systems, (d) allow for participation of farmers and communities at all levels in the planning, evaluation and introduction of various GMOs, as well as ensure that there is no dispossession, exploitation and desecration of the indigenous communities land.
Robert Ndung'u
83 w
President William Ruto during his speech at the 77th session of the UN General Assembly in New York recognised climate change as conventional threat to prosperous and sustainable economies. He higlighted how climate change has impacted over 3.1 million Kenyans living in the Arid and Semi-Arid region who are now severely food insecure due to prolonged drought. He also retaliated the commitments he made during his inauguration to promote climate restoration through land restoration, promoting climate adaptation technologies in marine, agricultural and wild-life ecosystems. https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001456275/president-william-ruto-full-speech-at-the-77th-session-of-the-un-general-assembly
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Impressive
Robert Ndung'u
83 w
Great talk by Per Klevnas of Material Economics at the circular table talk at the NYC Climate week 2022. He succinctly summarises why go circular when it comes to material economics; cheaper energywise, materials generally have higher efficiency than needed and are Great for storing carbon thus we should look at long term use! Great insights, thanks Per. https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxQ9qRbG4uZHntteB5qfzbRmpheM4yip36
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Great presentation you did.
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I really enjoyed the sessions and the facts being stated are just overwhelming... keep up the good work @Per Klevnas
Robert Ndung'u
85 w
The We dont have time - Kenya is collaborating with local climate change actors and partners to plant trees and rehabilitate local water resources that have been degraded by rampart deforestation, and other actions on the roadmap to COP27. As highlighted in the article below in Kiswahili - the regional representative Mr. Patrick Kiarie appreciated the efforts by the local partners to increase tree coverage in Kenya. He also urged more Kenyans to take action toward the climate crisis. He highlighted the upcoming Climate Week NYC, US and COP27, Egypt. https://taifaleo.nation.co.ke/shirika-la-we-dont-have-time-laendelea-na-shughuli-za-upanzi-wa-miti-nchini/
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Great job - proud of team Kenya!
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85 w
Truly encouraging and inspiring
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Congratulations team Kenya thanks for putting this great organization on the African map by spreading positivity, hope, and solutions... Kudos 👌👍
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Gerald Kutney
86 w
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Washington state will follow California and prohibit the sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035, Jay Inslee, the state governor, said. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/aug/26/washington-gas-car-ban-sales
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Dear Gerald Kutney Thank you for getting your climate love to level 2! We have reached out to Jay Inslee and requested a response. I will keep you updated on any progress! /Adam We Don't Have Time
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This is a great decision
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This is really great.... Kudos to Washington state for setting a good example
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Patrick Kiash
88 w
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NCBA has invested Kshs 13 million towards the project as part of its reforestation initiative #ChangeTheStory. KFS, on the other hand, donated the 1.7 acres of land where the nursery has been constructed and is also providing technical expertise in modeling of the tree nursery. For ease of movement to the site, KFS is also putting up a bridge and an access road through the forest. In recent years, NCBA and its partners have planted over 7 Million trees across Kenya including over 50,300 trees directly planted by NCBA staff. The Group Managing Director for NCBA Group, Mr. John Gachora explains, “This should not only be an NCBA initiative but an initiative for all. We encourage Kenyans to join us in increasing the green footprint across the nation to avoid the adverse effects of climate change. As a country, we are on a journey to attain 15 percent forest cover by 2022. With your support, we can be able to achieve this goal.” https://ke.ncbagroup.com/ncba-and-kfs-launches-1-million-indigenous-tree-nursery/
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Such efforts will make us achieve the sustainable goals. accolades well deserved NCBA bank
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Stockholm has gone into the books of records as one of the most impactful cities in the world in terms of sustainability, enriched culture, good vibes, and environmental changes. This was something we used to read in books and watch on television, which seemed like a fiction movie to us until the fateful day when we arrived in the city. Getting a chance to attend and speak at the Stockholm +50 event organized by UNDP, We Don't Have Time and other partners was a dream come true for the Kenyan team led by Mr. Patrick Kiarie the WDHT African representative. Being part of the contributors, speakers, and panelists at the event was a once-in-a-lifetime experience of which we were grateful to be part. We commend the Sweden team for the amazing high-tech summit and broadcast they organized, which displayed their immense level of coordination, planning skills, and social interaction. At a glance, it was clear why Stockholm was considered one of the cleanest cities in the world. The impressive thing about the city is that it has taken pride because it has adopted sustainability and achieved most of its environmental goals and initiatives such as reducing the use of fossil fuels, embracing the use of renewable energy, and reducing conserving its ecosystem. The city has embraced the culture of cycling and the use of fossil-free public transport such as electric trains and metros, and biogas buses, which has reduced the number of vehicles and emissions levels in the city. An increasing number of personal cars and taxis are electric and there are also electric scooters which have eased people’s movements around the city in a clean, eco-friendly way. Volvo, Tesla and Volkswagen were some of the most common car brands that we noticed were electric. Thumbs up to Volvo and Tesla for their good work in enhancing their efforts to create EVs that have a sleek design that is environmentally friendly and affordable. The adaption of using clean energy, reduction of fossil fuels use, having a huge tree cover and their vegan lifestyle displayed the essence of people living their lives in balance with nature, hence creating a conducive working and living environment for everyone. The fact that most of the food served in the hotels was majorly vegan food was a clear indication of how well the Swedish people look after their health which contributes to their high life expectancy. The vegan aspect is also one of the environmental conservation contributors as plants bring more benefits to the environment compared to the rearing of meat-producing animals. The team was privileged to visit the second largest city in Sweden which is known as Göteborg where we went by train. The electric train ride experience was great as and we got to experience a comfortable ride in a very fast train covering a distance of 445 km in about four hours. This was a new thing for the team as back at home the standard gauge railway train (SGR) which is diesel-powered covers the same distance in about 6 to7 hours and it is not as comfortable as what we experienced. The views of the countryside part of Sweden were breathtaking, the farms, forests, lakes, rivers, and amazing buildings kept us glued to the window throughout the journey. We saw different organizations that we were familiar with on our way such as SSAB which produces fossil-free steel that is eco-friendly. Transportation of heavy materials such as timber was also done by electric trains reducing the number of heavy trucks on the road and the emission, they cause in other countries such as Kenya. The team was lucky enough to be in Sweden as the country celebrated its national day and it was a nice coincidence that on that day Mr. Tomas Roovete the Partnership Manager for We Don't Have Time had offered to be our tour guide of the day around the old town. We got an opportunity to visit the old town which was rich in Sweden's history, with the oldest buildings that dated back to the Medeltid and 1500, including churches. The sights in the old town and the people there were amazing. We got the chance to visit the Royal Palace and read about its history through the different exhibition tents placed on the royal court. We tried out some of the clothes that the royal family and the guards wore during the old days. The highlight of the Kenyan team’s visit to Stockholm was attending the Stockholm +50 Climate Hub, organized by WDHT, UNDP, Exponential Roadmap, and other partners. The six-day conference amounted to 50 hours which was symbolic of marking 50 years since the first Stockholm meeting was held. The conference was a beehive of activities with speakers, environmentalists, climate activists, and government officials from Sweden and other parts of the world. The conference was the icing on the cake as it was the venue where the Kenyan team got to meet and interact with the Sweden team on a personal level, unlike the normal virtual interactions during online meetings. The team got to meet the organization's founder, Mr. Ingmar Rentzhog, the cofounder Mr. David Olsson, Ms. Sweta Chakraborty the President, of the We Don't Have Time US office, and the whole team, which was made of amazing people. The great speakers who took the stage during the six-day conference had something unique, impactful, and encouraging to all those in attendance, physically and virtually. Some of the speakers that touched on issues that the Kenyan team felt resonated with them were the founders of Plantastique. Adam Baptiste pitched about how to find the products that phase out the other products that are harming our environment, such as plastics. Chief of Growth at Terraformation Yee Lee pitched about the global native forest restoration is the lowest cost, lowest risk, and most politically feasible carbon drawdown solution available and is shovel-ready. Terraformation scale natural carbon capture by solving the biggest bottlenecks to forest restoration, accelerating global progress toward this climate solution. Executive Vice President Marketing & Global movement, Sandra Frank, spoke about Arvet and their motto to build cities using renewable building materials. The knowledge and wisdom every speaker who stepped on stage shared was a learning lesson for the team. We took away some pointers that once we share with our people back home, it would help our community and at the same time make our work impactful. An exceptional initiative was introduced during the conference, which was dubbed the Climate Dragonfly's Den where start-up organizations pitched their ideas on solutions that can be adapted to curb the climate crisis. This was an open platform and the chance that the startups from all over the world were given to pitch their idea to the panel which voted for the best idea. The organizations that took part in the presentation included Arvet, Azelio, WWF Sweden, Beyond Nine, ARTPORT, the Green Swan Lab, Terraformation, Plogga, Uturn, among others. All these organizations gave their best and all their ideas would positively impact the war against the climate change crisis. The top three winners of the presentation will be announced and awarded during COP 27 in Egypt and will also get a chance to present at the conference. This initiative was aimed at encouraging individuals with great ideas on how to save the planet to keep them alive and keep pushing their vision. The top morale booster for the team was the wisdom and confidence that the WDHT founder, Mr. Ingmar, displayed every time he stepped on stage. It was amazing to see his passion for making the world better, which made him call out the governments and other powerful individuals whose actions or activities are leading to more damage to the environment without any fear. The host and moderators of the conference Nick Nuttall and Catarina Rolfsdotter made the conference spectacular with their excellent stage presence, professionalism, liveliness, and sense of humor. The host did a good job in moderating the panels and ensuring that every speaker or presentation on stage kept time. Achieving over 32 million unique viewers during the 50 hours conference was a milestone achieved and we, the Kenyan team, we're proud to be part of this great achievement. As a team, we went back home inspired, educated, motivated, and with a memorable, thrilling experience. We thank everyone who made our trip successful, the dedicated speakers and panelists, all the viewers and audience who followed the broadcast, the Sweden and Washington DC team, and the leaders of WDHT.
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Great article
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Thank you great works let's keep pushing for climate change campaigns
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It was great to have you with us during STHLM+50 Climate Hub, and even greater to finally meet all of you! Keep up the good work 💚
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Mburu
129 w
Attending the UN Climate Conference. As a Generation, we must not leave behind a catastrophic legacy of a ravaged, uninhabitable planet. If Humanity unites, there is no challenge we cannot overcome. Let’s make it happen. #ConsciousPlanet #wedonthavetime #COP26 @WeDontHaveTime
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Amazing
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Olivia Sandra
129 w
It's high time we took climate action seriously coz #WeDonctHaveTime🕘 #TheGreenWar #Spicewarriors💚💚
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Interesting team!!!
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The time is now💚
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Ingmar Rentzhog
141 w
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The White House is calling on OPEC and its oil-producing allies to boost production in an effort to combat climbing gasoline prices, amid concerns that rising inflation could derail the economic recovery from Covid. WTF! I can’t really believe this! The concern should be about devastating climate change! Not economic inflation! I am stunned. Joe Biden must stop this madness. US can never be taken seriously if this is how they act! Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2021/08/11/as-gas-prices-rise-white-house-says-opec-action-is-simply-not-enough-calls-for-ftc-scrutiny.html
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AOC New Obama
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There's still a fixation with our current economic model and it's failing to address the problem. We need Kate Raworth's Doughnut economics and Jason Hickel's degrowth.
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The invisible hand 🖐️ on one side... The GHG emissions will go on the accounts of OPEC countries and not the US. And on the other side... Use the call for lower gas prices (oil increase), as a short term political tool to gain congress support (or not increase ammunition for Republicans) for the US$ 1T Infrastructure Bill and the new US$ 3.5T Health, Education, Climate Bill. He is moving the pawns ♟️on the chess board.
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141 w
Unfortunately we don't have time for our leaders to play chess.
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Patrick Kiash
151 w
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Hi all members of We Don't Have Time. At last we have got Africa office of We Dont have time, we believe through the power of many we shall reach more people in our Africa continent and beyond... Surely together we are solution to climate crisis, join us and let's spread our gospel all over. Let's all join hands for the noble cause of our mother nature, as we launch few hours to come,we shall broad cast our event in several social medias. Join us via-:) www.wedonthavetime.org https://youtu.be/mZ0Al205_So
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I will pay you a visit soon.
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Best Luck 🌼👍
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I wonde, do you have an office in Argentina and would you like one?
Robert Ndung'u
151 w
Patrick, the leader of Kenyan team giving the key note speech. #Climatechange #imaginingsmartfutures
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Thankyou all.
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All African/global eyes are you Patrick and you have us behind your back to ensure that the solemn goals of WDHT in creating climate change awareness and delving into sustainable solutions are met.
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What a step into the right direction for WDHT right at my door step.congratulations.
Robert Ndung'u
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#Wedonthavetime Kenyan Chapter launch. Very grateful to the dedicated team that made this day huge success!!!
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The launch of WDHT in Africa expresses their great concern for our planet and they're so ardent in ensuring a safe future.
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Was so humbled by the event, a great launch and great beginning.. Am happy to be part of it!
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It was absolutely a launch to commemorate.i salute the Kenya chapter team for their great dedication in the office set up and finally making the D-Day a blast.my sincere regards goes to the head office fraternity in Sweden for their support in making Africa roar this loud on the Kenyan soil and put us on the world map.Hecko!!
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Ericsson
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We are proud to be founding partner and sponsor of the Exponential Climate Action Summit II - Financing the Race to Zero. The broadcast will go live on Earth Day Thursday, April 22nd, at 14:00-22:00 CEST / 8 am - 4 pm EDT. Speaker program and more info: www.wedonthavetime.org/EarthDay Use the comment section below if you have questions for the speakers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uONrQmWxAN0&list=PLFh8n9dEN1ZLABO0zAPcM7K6RK3Tk5RsC&index=1
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So far the 2 years Earthday,am following here, is really awesome and a lot of hardwork.
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Am a journalist from Kenya, I just got invited in this forum of we don't have time, am glad for important information so far.. And am looking forward for more and events like this and many more.. truelly we should all together care for our planet and we zero the many effects of climate change.
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Oh am here at right time,WDHT you are a great team.
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Stephen Kariuki
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Nairobi
https://www.youtube.com/c/WeDontHaveTime Make sure you tune in guys @PatrickKiarie @RobertNdungu @PeterKaranga @FrancisKimotho @JaneFonda
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Will be following more!
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In Kenya, we are totally waiting..hope it will not have mishap like on earth day conferences, am in...
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Eagerly waiting 👍
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Patrick Kiash
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EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE-:) As friends of God we are obligated to care for the world God made, to care for one another and our communities, and that is why we should be there for our mother nature and for it to survive all extremes it will depend more on our mutual love and care for one another and the universe too...but nevertheless It's as if the universe is forcing us to love one another. Or, else... It's not nice to fool Mother Nature, you know. By doing so! After all, the life you save could be MINE and of GENERATIONS to come!
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This sad but common every rainy season.
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Patrick Kiash
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Prior research has shown that as at 2007, computing contributes 2-3% of the global environmental pollution. This, has been projected to grow by 2025 to about 8%. With the continued adoption of computers and mobile device usage, the carbon footprint from these devices is also expected to grow. The good news is that most electronic companies have developed mechanisms to manufacture environmental friendly devices(energy star), yet still the challenge of use of fossil fuels especially in Africa to power these devices and the question of how to dispose obsolete computing devices has not been fully addressed. For example, it was estimated that by switching off computers overnight in London, the amount of environmental saving was equivalent to taking 40,000 cars of the road. Research has shown that most companies are aware of the benefits of going green, however the question of the cost of transitioning to a green business has in so many ways kept organizations from making the all important shift. A report carried out by UNEP in 2013 (business case for green economy clearly highlighted the benefits of making this transition and the challenges that organizations faced. For this, it is important to pride businesses with cost effective approaches to greening their operations. In the same way, more efforts need to be directed towards eliminating the carbon footprint of computing and finding innovative ways in which computers can be used to eliminate the carbon footprint caused by other in computing factors such as construction, transport and the likes. Our world needs to breath, we all need to come together and ensure we do the best for our children so that we can leave a better world for the future generations. Please support our idea by clicking "I AGREE", on a below link, and by doing so you never know we might be in the Frontline of making our planet a better place to live. https://campaigns.wedonthavetime.org/establishment-of-a-local-e-waste-facility-307209fc-c73e-4bda-829f-3dd53df769a4
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Educational
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Patrick Kiash
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Establishment of a local e-waste recycling facility in Kenya. IDEA BY-:) Patrick Kiarie Nyokabi, Entrepreneur-Thika,Kenya pakinyok@gmail.com Kevin Njeru Mount Kenya University IT LECTURER. njerukevin@gmail.com Introduction The production and use of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) continues to grow in both developing and developed countries (Purnomo & Lee, 2010). This has led to an increase in the amount of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) at its End-of-Life (EoL). According to the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), the world produces as much as 50 million tons of electronic and electrical waste (e-waste) a year, weighing more than all of the commercial airliners ever made. Consider this, the UN for example argues that The U.N. says that while the world’s 7 billion people have 4.5 billion toilets, they also have over 6 billion phones (MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTRY NATIONAL E-WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY **** REVISED DRAFT ****, 2019). Only less than 20% of e-waste is formally recycled, with 80% either ending up in landfill or being informally recycled – much of it by hand in developing countries, exposing workers to hazardous and carcinogenic substances such as mercury, lead and cadmium (Asiimwe, n.d.). E-waste in landfill contaminates soil and groundwater, putting food supply systems and water sources at risk.. The agency further opines that Global e-waste production is on track to reach 120 million tons per year by 2050 if current trends continue(Liza, 2015). Many electronic gadgets, including cell phones, computers, televisions, HiFi systems, refrigerators, and a host of other electronic appliances are manufactured using a variety of harmful substances including lead, hexavalent chromium, phthalates and brominated flame retardants. Yet these substances are so critical to the devices that they cannot function without them. Lead, for instance, is effective as a solder while flame retardants keep computers from bursting into flames as we type. But for all their usefulness, they come with serious health implications. The fact that electronic waste is non-biodegradable presents another serious challenge for disposal of electronic waste to global governments(UNEP & Our Planet, 2013). The most detailed study of the used electronics issue was performed in 2009 by the UN Environment Programme, which found that Ghana imported 215,000 metric tons of “electric and electronic equipment” that year. Thirty percent of that total was new equipment. Of the 70 percent that constituted used goods, 20 percent needed repairs and 15 percent—or roughly 22,575 tons—was unsellable and bound for the dump. The Stockholm Convention is a global treaty designed to protect human health and the environment from chemicals that remain intact in the environment for long periods of time, that become widely distributed geographically, that accumulate in the fatty tissues of humans and wildlife, and that have harmful impacts on human health or on the environment. There are several persistent organic pollutants present in E-waste, and the listing of E-waste requires parties of the Stockholm Convention to take appropriate measures to eliminate the release of these pollutants from stockpiles and wastes. According to Samwel Matonda, a chemist and the director of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, warns that some of the discarded electronic gadgets have radioactive elements that are hazardous to the environment and health. “The heavy metals or chemicals can cause diseases such as cancers and skin irritation in people who get into contact with them. Also, the chemicals can leak into rivers whose waters are used for irrigation, posing further challenges, Problem statement A research conducted in 2014 UNEP titled Solving the E-waste Problem” indicated that Kenya generates more than 44,000 tonnes of e-waste annually, with experts noting that irresponsible disposal of electronics has contributed significantly to environmental degradation and an increase in poor health among citizens (www.unep.org). Much of this e-waste is disposed off in compost heaps or stays isolated in offices and work areas for lack of better formal ways of disposing it. In most cases, citizens have turned to burning electronic waste as a way of disposal thereby endangering their health and the health of those in the society as these harmful gases are released into the environment. Even more destructive is the harm that these gases cause to the environment. It is important to note that in the emerging field of research on green information Technology (green IT), disposal of electronic waste has for long been argued (Otieno & Omwenga, 2016). One option that some people have already taken in developing economies has been the use of informal e-waste recycling. Those involved in the trade collect the gadgets, separate the plastic, motherboards, batteries and copper wire for sale and then burn those that are of no value to them. But there are concerns that such primitive recycling techniques of burning the materials such as cables to extract copper expose those involved to toxic fumes, which can lead to respiratory illnesses. Proposed solution There is need to refocus the global environmental conservation efforts to Africa. As much as Africa's contribution to global Greenhouse gas (GhG) emissions remains low (estimated at just 7.1%), all indications are that the carbon footprint of Africa is expected to grow tremendously over the next decade. For long, African economies have been heavily reliant on imports from Western economies and Asia, yet in the last few years the GDP of African countries has consistently grown owing to improvement in infrastructure, transport, construction and real estate, focus on manufacturing and shift to ICT.Needless to note that these are the key industries that have the highest carbon footprint with the construction sector for example estimated to have contributed about 39% of energy and process related Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in 2018 alone. This points to the fact that as Africa gears up to industrialization, a steep rise in its carbon footprint is expected, this does not sound any good for our environment. But perhaps there is hope; this is because Africa offers an opportunity to integrate a green culture in its development road map; from green transportation, green energy, green construction, green cities, green manufacturing, green supply chain, green ICT and green buildings. This can directly translate to a healthier environment, more productive businesses and a healthier people. Needless to point that going green involves a complete change of our lifestyle to what we would call a "green lifestyle" in which all our economic and social activities are driven by a desire for a healthier and safer environment. In the case of electrical and electronics for example, African is put in a catch 22 situation. This is because their economic disadvantage has created a loophole where developed countries have turned to dumping their obsolete devices to the continent. And whereas African countries have seen this as a benefit owing to the cheap cost of these devices, some of them which actually come as donations, these devices have a short economic life and thus in a few months or years of usage, the burden of disposing these devices had been left on the shoulders of these economies to bear. And with no proper disposal mechanisms for electronic devices to use,most users have developed bizarre and dangerous disposal mechanisms that have not only endangered our environment but even risked the lives of the same people we should be protecting this environment for. This project therefore aims to develop a local recycling center for used electronic devices that would assist in the repair of used electronic devices and giving them out for free in order to extend their end use cycle as well as acting as a collection center for devices that have grown obsolete and transporting them to the only accredited ewaste facility, East African Compliant Recycling (EACR) in Machakos. This will also involve an extensive public awareness campaign for small the communities living within the county with the aim of enlightening them o the dangers of continued environmental pollution as well as how electronic waste affects the environment and human welfare in the society. Thank you and Kind Regards Patrick Kiarie Nyokabi. +254-723-240-736 pakinyok@gmail.com
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167 w
Love the idea
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198 w
Thanks for making the idea to reach level 2,we can make it reach level 3.... well I may like to add this-:) Prior research has shown that as at 2007, computing contributes 2-3% of the global environmental pollution. This, has been projected to grow by 2025 to about 8%. With the continued adoption of computers and mobile device usage, the carbon footprint from these devices is also expected to grow. The good news is that most electronic companies have developed mechanisms to manufacture environmental friendly devices(energy star), yet still the challenge of use of fossil fuels especially in Africa to power these devices and the question of how to dispose obsolete computing devices has not been fully addressed. For example, it was estimated that by switching off computers overnight in London, the amount of environmental saving was equivalent to taking 40,000 cars of the road. Research has shown that most companies are aware of the benefits of going green, however the question of the cost of transitioning to a green business has in so many ways kept organizations from making the all important shift. A report carried out by UNEP in 2013 (business case for green economy clearly highlighted the benefits of making this transition and the challenges that organizations faced. For this, it is important to pride businesses with cost effective approaches to greening their operations. In the same way, more efforts need to be directed towards eliminating the carbon footprint of computing and finding innovative ways in which computers can be used to eliminate the carbon footprint caused by other in computing factors such as construction, transport and the likes. Our world needs to breath, we all need to come together and ensure we do the best for our children so that we can leave a better world for the future generations. Please support our idea by clicking "I AGREE", on a below link, and by doing so you never know we might be in the Frontline of making our planet a better place to live. https://campaigns.wedonthavetime.org/establishment-of-a-local-e-waste-facility-307209fc-c73e-4bda-829f-3dd53df769a4
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199 w
Great idea..
Robert Ndung'u
209 w
Question! Very informative and interesting conversations on agriculture and climate change. But it is very disappointing how the blame for CO2 emission are socialised and large burden being placed on farmers and end consumers. Yet we know that in most places (maybe outside EU) that these drivers of intensive production systems are major farming and food corporations that are much interested in profits - driving production systems to limit, and so contributing to much food waste. Why is greater emphasis not placed on holding these corporations accountable, while at the same time providing great support (tech and financial) to most small and medium production farmers who tend to engage in more ecological farming?
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72 w
@Robert_Ndung_u, that's a great project