Access to water and sanitation is a human right but how are we consuming this resource in our homes? In a report by World Health Organization and UNICEF in 2021, nearly 2 billion people globally lack reliable access to safely managed drinking water.
BREATHE Podcast Episode 5: Turn Down the Heat
There is no denying that our weather partners have evolved significantly since a decade ago. Long-term use of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas has been by far the most significant contributor to these changes, accounting for more than 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90% of total carbon dioxide emissions. According to scientists, greenhouse gas emissions blanket the earth, trapping the sun’s heat and causing global warming and climate change.
The world is currently warming faster than at any other time in recorded history. Warmer temperatures are changing weather patterns and disrupting nature’s normal balance. This poses numerous dangers to humans and all other forms of life on Earth. This incredible phenomenon is known as climate change. Its effects can be felt in every African village and country. Communities all over the world are struggling to cope with its effects, which include higher temperatures, severe storms, increased droughts, food insecurity, poverty, and displacement.
Although Africa is estimated to be responsible for 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, it is most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. In this regard, African governments and organizations must urgently develop solutions that address and mitigate the effects of climate change.
This podcast episode focuses on research conducted in sub-Saharan African countries by the Africa Biodiversity Collaborative Group (ABCG) to better understand how communities are adapting to climate change and its effects on biodiversity. Research findings revealed that among the most common climatic changes were decreased rainfall, seasonal changes, drought, and heatwaves. ABCG together with local partners implemented pilot projects such as rainwater harvesting, restoring water pans, improved irrigation, solar powered borehole pumps, clean cookstoves, reforestation, and providing training and materials for alternative livelihoods to help communities adapt to climate change.
Listen to this episode. Turn Down the Heat
Listen to the past episodes of the podcast
Episode 1: The seed savers. Listen here
Episode 2: Dreams from our fathers. Listen here
Episode 3: ChangeMakers. Listen here
Episode 4: Guardians of the land. Listen here
Listen to all episodes here
BREATHE is a podcast series looking to have illuminating discussions around conservation by highlighting the work of individuals and organizations across Africa who are changing the planet for the better one day at a time.
BREATHE Podcast Episode 4: Guardians of the land
BREATHE fourth episode features guardians of the land, as we talk about the land. Land is precious, in Africa it speaks to the origin of the people, a connection to their past, and a testament to the potential that the future holds. It is also a source of many challenges and remains a key driver of conflict. With this in mind, various organizations are working towards getting solutions that will deal with the challenges faced by one of the continent’s most precious resources.
High population increase, expanding infrastructure, climate change, and other drivers have continued to put land in Africa under immense pressure. Land use planning is important to ascertain different uses and stakeholders of the land, regulate land use, and avoid conflict among other benefits. It ensures that land is put to use where maximum benefits can be realized.
Listen to learn how conservation experts with extensive programming in sub-Sahara Africa are using land use planning to ensure that African land resources are sustainably used, and this incredible inheritance is passed on to those who will come after us.
This Podcast Series has been made possible through the support of the Africa Biodiversity Collaborative Group, ABCG. ABCG is a coalition of seven international conservation NGOs with extensive field programming in sub-Saharan Africa. The African Wildlife Foundation, Conservation International, The Jane Goodall Institute, The Nature Conservancy, Wildlife Conservation Society, World Resources Institute, and World Wildlife Fund. Together with their African Partners, these organizations tackle complex conservation challenges by catalyzing and strengthening collaboration on the continent.
Listen to the past episodes of the podcast
Episode 1: The seed savers. Listen here
Episode 2: Dreams from our fathers. Listen here
Episode 3: ChangeMakers. Listen here
Listen to all episodes here
BREATHE is a podcast series looking to have illuminating discussions around conservation by highlighting the work of individuals and organizations across Africa who are changing the planet for the better one day at a time.
BREATHE Podcast Episode 3: ChangeMakers
This episode of BREATHE speaks to Africa’s largest age group-the youth. We try to find out the role they have in protecting the broken earth that they will inherit from their parents. Do they think they have what it takes to offer solutions where a majority of those who came before them failed? Do the youth of Africa have the strength to carry the burden of restoring the earth to factory settings?
We are joined by three conservation enthusiasts working with the youths in Africa and they explain to us how intergenerational knowledge transfer is the key to saving our planet from perishing and that the youths are the best group to work with to restore biodiversity.
 This is a story of Africa’s youth and their quest to change the world. Listen here to the full episode.
Listen to the past episodes of the podcast
Episode 1: The seed savers. Listen here
Episode 2: Dreams from our fathers. Listen here
Listen to all episodes here
BREATHE is a podcast series looking to have illuminating discussions around conservation by highlighting the work of individuals and organizations across Africa who are changing the planet for the better one day at a time.
BREATHE Podcast Episode 2: Dreams from our Fathers
Indigenous knowledge is key to help humanity adapt and mitigate to climate change. This podcast episode explores the connection between indigenous knowledge and solutions to climate change.