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 surviva...

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...

  The way we see the world shapes the way we treat it; a river should be seen as one of the veins of the land and not dumpsite or waste disposal site.   The planet should be seen as our mother, not an opportunity - then we will treat our environment with great respect knowing we will get benefits. Pollution in Nairobi River, to be specific, is a serious ecological issue which can and might trigger an irreversible and catastrophic collapse in the planet’s life support system apart from the climate change, species extinction, deforestation and global warming. We need to rediscover our biological place and learn to live in balance with the natural world that sustains us and see ourselves as part of the natural world; recognizing that our biological nature determines our most basic needs, which all come from nature. The destruction of the Nairobi River is surely driven much by the overarching crisis residing in the modern urban human mind and in values and beliefs from the p...

Water covers 70 percent of the surface of the planet and this majorly oceans. Our earth is a water planet therefore our actions on atmosphere, top soil, deforestation affects our biological relatives in the marine system. Life begins in our waters, thus oceans. Vast array of living things have their habitats there. The ocean’s habitats are being destroyed and over-exploited for food, thus fish eggs, as well as sale of fish of different sizes, shapes and varieties filling our markets. Our ignorance of the aqueous world and ecosystem is extremely vast or unlimited. Oceans have been used as a dumpsite for our garbage, sewage, nuclear waste as well as industrial effluents. Humans living on land tend to ignore what lifeforms beneath the ocean waves. Our activities on land effects and thus ecological devastation affects the oceans and now we are turning and sourcing for our food from the oceans. Attempts by humans in protection as well as efforts in aid to breed dozens in captivity of either...

Continued search after truth is usually an expensive adventure. Seeking or revising the facts or theories require a lot of time to do the experiments in order to give detailed feedback. Science must therefore, be aided by research.  Lifestyles and thoughts of ourselves, as humans, have been changed by each innovation. Deep secrets of nature have been revealed and answers have pushed back ignorance as a result of science. Greater discoveries are still providing knowledge that is important and needed to improve our lives. The last century, 21 st  Century, was dominated by insights that were considered spectacular through the scientists who applied their ideas by means of technological models and experiments. Human evolution has been revolutionized by technology dating back to the first records of species. It provided practical dividends without requirement for scientific explanation whether metalwork, pottery, painting, or bow and arrow. Today, technological innovation is driven...

  Zebras grazing on grass in a National Park. PHOTO: David P. Kioko Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) as the key sector stakeholders in conservation, were challenged to rethink conservation approaches. Preservation of Kenya’s flora and fauna resources needs innovation of new models. This was a challenge by the President Uhuru Kenyatta on December 16, 2021 during celebrations to mark the 75 th Anniversary of Nairobi National Park. The sector stakeholders must ensure factors including climate change and increase in human population which consequently leads to change of socioeconomic desires are balanced with the new approaches as matters of conservation are concerned.   “We need to really think imaginatively how we will do it and how we will ensure that future generations are able to live side by side with nature and with our wildlife as we have done,” said the Head of State. The President also emphasized the need for a robust sustai...