THE CLEAN ENERGY REVOLUTION

What is the clean energy revolution?

This is simply a turn or a change in the usage of energy forms to ensure low or no amounts of greenhouse gases emitted to space, for example adapting the use of renewable forms of energy [solar, wind, electric cars etc.], from the use of non-renewable energy sources [charcoal, natural gases, petroleum products etc.]

Clean energy is an emerging issue that is being adapted and promoted by most organizations in African countries and in the world today. This is because it is a reliable source of energy that is renewable and does not incur a lot of cost in obtaining it, compared to the other sources of energy such as burning wood for fuel and diesel, or petrol to fuel vehicles. In addition to that, it generates low to zero amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

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Quality, Sustainability and Happiness

There are many wise sayings from different scholars and professionals about quality including: that quality is not an act, but a habit; that it is never an accident but always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; and that most importantly that it means doing it right when no one is looking.

Indeed a discussion on sustainability especially with regards to avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance, cannot be held in isolation from the quality conversation. Sustainability is linked to ‘endurance’ whether in relation to economics, processes and systems, culture or ecological terms; and sustainable development is therefore required to pursue the desired outcome of durability and persistence for successful outcomes.

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WHAT DOES THE PLASTIC BAN MEAN FOR KENYANS?

The Kenya Ministry responsible for Environment and Natural Resources (MENR), through the Cabinet Secretary, Professor Judy Wakhungu, has announced a ban on polythene bags set to be effected from September 1, 2017. This ban will Reduce generation of plastic waste, Encourage Reuse of existing polythene bags and Adoption of alternatives to plastic bags which are environmental friendly (bio-degradable).

Notably, between 2007 – 2011, the MENR effected a ban on plastics that focussed on reducing the thickness of plastics bags from 60 microns to 30 microns. The plastic ban to be effected in 2017 seeks to stop supply, distribution and use of plastic bags in Kenya. This is in response to the increased plastic litter witnessed in our neighbourhoods, towns, cities, institutions, drainage systems, roads, waterbodies among others.

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GIVE MILLENIALS A SEAT AT THE CLIMATE CHANGE NEGOTIATIONS TABLE

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.

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Simplifying REDD-Plus Design and Implementation

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!]

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