While the fight for environmental protection is an ongoing battle, one which includes constant frightening losses, it is important to celebrate the small triumphs which come from the hard work of people dedicated to the cause. Around the world, new policies, inventions, and ideas promote environmentalism every day. Here a few recent developments to inspire you.
Ethiopia broke the world record for tree-planting on August 2, 2019, in the campaign Prime Minister’s Green Legacy Initiative. In around 1000 sites around the nation, volunteers planted over 350 million trees, surpassing the previous record held by India for planting 50 million trees in one day. The aim of the event was to combat the deforestation within the country, which has decreased the forest coverage in the country from 35% to only 4% in one decade. UN ambassadors present at the event congratulated the nation for leading the battle against climate change in Africa, and further stated that “Africa has what it takes to spearhead this global push and as the most affected and vulnerable continent, climate change mitigation must be the topmost priority in the coming days.” Afforestation and reforestation are confirmed sustainable ways to mitigate climate change, and will have positive effects on the nations changes in climate, in addition to reducing deforestation. Implementable in areas all over the world, planting trees does not have to include a massive community effort, but can be performed on private property. While the size of Ethiopia’s campaign is part of what makes it so noteworthy, any environmentalist can do their part by planting trees of their own.
Kenya has just launched a new initiative to cease the illegal ivory trade putting elephants in danger of extinction. The wildlife conservation campaign “Ivory Trade is a Rip Off” calls for elephants to be protected under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. This listing protect the poaching of elephants by making a punishable criminal activity. In addition, the campaign includes spreading awareness of how poaching is detrimental to sustainable development in Africa. Informational packets and posters are available throughout many airports in Africa. A better education on the harm that the ivory trade causes is hoped to encourage individuals to change their habits; therefore, decreasing demand in the ivory industry.
The innovation of the CityTree air purifier by Green City Solutions could quantifiably reduce air pollution in cities where it is implemented. The tower uses different mosses to collect toxins and particulate matter, which simultaneously producing oxygen. The cutting edge invention has an automated irrigation system and provides a cooling effect to those in a certain proximity. In addition to the creation of the technology, Green City Solutions has created and simulated larger scale plans for the CityTree’s implementation in cities. The constant production of new technology constantly gives reason to remain hopeful about the future of our environment.
In our own backyard, American University’s campus is carbon neutral. By planting more trees, investing in renewable energy sources and other energy saving programs, and more, American University has become the first college to offset the amount of carbon they are emitting. Other universities are striving to reach carbon neutrality, creating an example for other industries in the US.
While there are always new challenges to be overcome in the fight for environmental protection, the victories, however small, deserve recognition. For more information on any of the stories in this report, please visit the articles linked below!
To Learn More about Ethiopia’s Campaign:
To Learn More about Kenya’s Campaign:
https://www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/press-release/kenya-launches-ivory-trade-rip-campaign
CityTree Information: