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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

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.

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COP 26 Promises Verses Realities

World leaders and individuals across the world are gearing for the 27th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC to be held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt from 6 – 18 November 2022. The meeting will see world leaders agree on measures to tackle climate change to mitigate the harsh consequences that we have been experiencing as result of rising temperatures.

mary

ABCG Welcomes Mary Kuria as the new Partnership Development Specialist

Mary Kuria has recently been appointed as the ABCG Partnership Development Specialist. Mary has over 25 years experience in international development programmes and has, over the last 15 years, specialized in fundraising and grants management. A Kenyan, Mary has extensive experience in setting up and implementing fundraising systems and supporting the diversification of organizations’ funding bases.

Trond Larsen

World Environment Day 2022

World Environment Day was celebrated across the globe on June 5, 2022. Celebrated this year for the 49th time, this special day raises awareness on the responsibility we have in protecting our environment and the importance of conserving the planet for the sake of the current and future generation.
The event comes days after the Stockholm+50 event held on 2nd and 3rd June, under theme “a healthy planet for the prosperity of all – our responsibility, our opportunity.”
“The two-day meeting commemorated the 50th anniversary of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm, the first world conference that placed environment issues at the forefront of international concerns (UNEP)
Therefore this year theme #OnlyOneEarth, seeks to remind us of our role as nations and citizens of the earth, to protect and conserve our environment and to encourage sustainable living everywhere and every day. The day, also, reminds key decision makers of their obligation that awaits them in making decisions that protect rather than destroy our environment. As well as, calls for shared, transformative action to protect and restore our planet earth.
The three global crisis of climate change, nature loss and pollution, is a constant reminder that the need for action is now more important than ever and needs to happen at all levels. That humanity must take action to conserve and restore the environment, and shift from activities that harm the planet and undertake those that heal the planet.

GLASGOW LEADERS’ DECLARATION ON FORESTS AND LAND USE. Photo COP 26

What are the next steps post COP26: Are we on the right track?

We strongly believe that the UN Climate Change Conference and subsequent meetings are necessary and worthwhile to helping achieve some of ABCG’s biggest objectives, including mainstreaming biodiversity considerations into economic development at the community level in African countries, reaching women and youth. We are particularly encouraged by private sector commitments, as well as climate financing, pledged to advance the roles and rights of indigenous peoples and local communities.

ABCG/Photo by Taryn Elliott from Pexels

ABCG Initiates Five Community Based Adaptation Projects in Zimbabwe to Empower Communities to Adapt to Climate Change

The uncertainty that is caused by climate change has resulted in disruption of lives and livelihoods of many communities. Among the worst affected communities are communities whose livelihood is dependent in livestock, agriculture and fisheries. Farmers living near Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe’s Matabeleland North province whose livelihood is mainly dependent on crop production and livestock keeping are experiencing insufficient water and an increase in prevalence of pests.