My generation was born into a world where climate change is an unassailable fact, not a simple theory for one to deny or accept (unless you are Donald Trump). It is a global threat; whose effects can be seen in almost every sphere of our lives and threatens our very survival. Call us millennials, Gen Y/Z, digital natives, self-seeking or entitled, we’re the consumers, employees and future leaders who will witness the devastating effects of climate change. It is against this backdrop, that we need a front row seat at the table in the fight against climate change.

Decision makers, mostly middle-aged and older people, need to recognize that young people will play a special role in our collective future. It is difficult for me to wrap my head around the fact that the people at the forefront of making decisions on how ambitious we should be toward a low-carbon pathway may not be around in the next 30-50 years. It is therefore unacceptable that those with the biggest stake in the future be sidelined.

Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation or “REDD+” in short, is a global climate change mitigation mechanism designed and encouraged by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The aim is to provide incentives to developing countries to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, promote the conservation, management and enhancement of forests; and encourages investment in low-carbon paths to sustainable development.
The overall vision for REDD+ is that developing countries will significantly reduce their forest and land-based emissions, as a result of incentives from a performance-based REDD+ mechanism, while achieving national development goals in a sustainably and equitably. [Side note: the little ‘+’ sign has a history of its own; there is in fact, a ‘++’ as well!]

Just like any other country in the world, African countries face the terrible effects of climate change. Though the African countries may not be among the top contributors to global warming, action on climate change on their part is needed. However, Africa is now torn between concentrating developing itself and fighting climate change. Indeed she cannot afford to develop and ignore actions on climate change because at it stands, the same effects felt in Beijing, China are felt in Nairobi, Kenya. What is the best choice of action for developing African countries then?

For decades, countries like Nigeria have been heavily relying on fossil fuels for growth of their economy. Currently, Nigeria is one of the strongest economies in Africa thanks to fossil fuel extraction. Apart from the obvious benefits accompanying the extraction, it has led to, among others, two effects: climate change and what economists call Dutch disease.

                                                                                                                                                  Photo Courtesy of the Star,Kenya
Climate change is gradually putting at risk millions of local’s country wide as well as coastal cities; with major global investments being channeled towards the transport infrastructure,  Road are crucial to transport inland across the country but are we sure that our roads can withstand the effects of climate change?

Action is needed to diagnose systematic weaknesses and adapt transport systems and infrastructure that can withstand expected climate impact such as dynamics in rainfall patterns, flooding and sea level rise as well as extreme weather events. A better understanding is required on existing vulnerability assessment tools, cost effective engineering measures and technologies all geared towards a robust, redundant and resilient design on the road network.

Overview (Origin and intended purpose)

The invention of disposable bags in 1960s was meant to make lives easier as a key packaging material in several sectors of the economy.  In Just over half a century, plastics have become pervasive throughout the economy, due to their versatility and cost-effectiveness. Yet alongside clear benefits, today’s plastics system has significant drawbacks creating adverse effects on environment both terrestrial and marine as well as air pollution.