Environmentalist

Investing in renewables is something that should be given an extra weight across the globe for development that safeguards Mother Nature. Fossil fuels, which has been the primary source of energy, should be brought to a halt. It has affected the global economy and proved detrimental to the wellbeing of the environment – heating up the planet earth. Africa, my home continent, is associated with low development and under investment. I believe the continent can rapidly accelerate its infrastructure development and advancement by going green. Most African countries have been unable to deliver regularly occurring power access. The economic model inherited from the colonizers has failed many years after independence. My one trusted friend from Nigeria confirms to me that despite his country extracting oil reserves in enormous volumes, they still grapple with energy challenges. Another one from South Africa, informs me that his country relies on coal-fired power plants, they still...

  Survival requires strategy, too. Possessing a large, complex brain endowed with the ability to look further - project ahead - into the future; anticipate the likely and possible consequences of actions thus, survival strategy of our species – Homo sapiens. Because of this foresight, making choices makes our species unique. Our species can recognize options, weighing not only their hazards but also benefits, and deliberately choosing an action that will maximize the potential for benefits while minimizing risks. This evolutionary approach has been incredibly successful for Homo sapiens and has given us a characteristic of unparalleled supremacy on Earth. I find it ironic that in this such a time of huge amplification of our brainpower through scientists, engineers, computers and telecommunication, we - humans - no longer seem capable of doing what our forefathers did routinely: assessing the hazards confronting us and choosing the best option suitable for long-term su...

I had just delivered my presentation at a local event, then one youthful comrade caught up with me at the exit. We exchanged some pleasantries before he looked straight into my eyelid and asked: “Sir, what is the most pressing environmental issue we face?” The most urgent environmental hassle confronting us! I thought to myself reframing the question. Not all of us know the major environmental issues confronting us, except for environmentalists and those who care to know and do follow discussions on environmental topics. But all of us know we are in the 21 st  Century. Correct! For those who need to be reminded, I will; those with no idea but are willing to know, let me share that climate change, toxic pollution, species extinction, and desertification are the major issues that are confronting us. Replying to the above question, I gave an honest answer that the above are serious ecological issues that are confronting humankind and no one has any idea on one that can trigg...