SOETZIM
SOETzim J U N E
POEMS
Monthly Edition
KNOW YOUR ENVIRONMENT
CLIMATE CHANGE
SOET: DIRE TOR's Bio
Our Environment Our Concern • INSIDE STORIES • CLIMATE CHANGE • POEMS
• KNOW YOUR ENVIRONMENT • SOET PROFILE • DIRECTORS’ BIOGRAPHY
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in partnering with us contact us on our: email address- soetzimbabwe@gmail.com contact number- 0717 485 521 SAVE OUR ENVIRONMENT TRUST
SOETzim Our Environment our concern SOET is a publication that promotes a green culture within Zimbabwean homes, schools, work places and everyday lives. It aims to disseminate information about our environment, raising awareness on how to maintain our beautiful environment. The magazine seeks to showcase initiatives that have been done already by the trust, community, individuals, groups and different civil society within and out of our region.
PARTNERING We are open to work with individuals, organizations and the government in implementing different projects in Zimbabwe. If interested
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CONTRIBUTE soetzimbabwe@gmail.com
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KEY PERSONAL EDITOR: Vivian Nheya PROJECT COORDINATOR: Tanaka N.M Marewangepo.
DESIGN AND LAY OUT: Tanaka N.M Marewangepo FINANCE DIRECTOR: Elvis Master DIRECTOR: Oswald Chishanga DISCLAIMER
The information, opinions and views set out in this journal are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official opinions of SAVE OUR ENVIRONMENT TRUST or any of their partners. Rights to the photographs and articles remain with the photographers and the authors respectively. While all care has been taken during proofing, errors and omissions may slip through and we sincerely apologies While all care has been taken during proofing, errors and omissions may we sincerely apologies.
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POEMS
Remember there is a solution. There is something each of us
CLEAN UP by Rita Mukoko
Cecil John Rhodes Primary School When you see litter in the streets And the air smells of pollution When you feel it's all pilling up-
can do
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Or recycle bottles and cans Learn about the problems we face And help others understand
To keep the rivers It doesn't have to be clean a lot To keep the fresh If we each just do air, we breath our share And to keep the forests green
Help clean a beach
PHOTO BY T.N.M MAREWANGEPO. 7 MAY 2021 NATIONAL CLEAN UP.
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CLIMATE
caused by both man
mate change such as
and
factors,
movement of crustal
the
major
plates, imbalance of
among
these
radiation, and volcanic
natural
however cause
CHANGE
two factors is still a
eruptions
debate. In light of the
other factors. Move-
available
ment of crustal plates
literature
amongst
based on the study have influenced the various
schools
of earth’s temperature for
thought are debating
a million of years as
on the causes of cli-
they triggered volcan-
mate change which
ic
has taken center stage
amounts
eruptions of
that carbon
in development lexi- dioxide which is a macon hence cementing jor
contributor
the blame to man as greenhouse
Nicole J. Kanenungo
gases
the globe is already 1
hence raising global
degree warmer than it
temperatures.
was before the indus-
ment of crustal plates
trial revolution.
over each other carry
In view of that, there
landmasses which are
are numerous natural
Move-
carried along to differ-
factors that cause cli-
ent positions and lati-
-es affect the global
Volcanic eruptions are
outweighed by vol-
circulation patterns of
episodic
Climate
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of
change
is
air and ocean water
they canic pump carbon dioxide form
and the climate of the
which is responsible
cools down the earth
continents this leads to
for warming up the
hence these effects of
increase in global tem-
earth
increase
volcanic eruptions on
peratures, the climate
temperatures by trap-
climate change are of
change as their activi-
ping long radiation,
short term.
ties increased amount
however this effect is
and
and
tudes and these chang-
debris aerosols
which that
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Anthropogenic
factors
which is the
have long term effects on
dominant
the climate change as
product of fos-
their activities increased
sil fuel com-
the amount of natural
bustion and a
greenhouse gases hence
major contrib-
increasing global temper-
utor of global warning an
atures
in
increase in carbon dioxide
global patterns the man
concentration means less
activities include: burning
heat is reflected back to
of fossil fuels due to in-
the earth’s surface hence
dustrialization which has
increase world tempera-
increased the concentra-
ture leading to heat wave
tion of greenhouse gases
and melting of glaciers.
and
change
especially carbon dioxide
An increase in man’s demand for firewood and clearing the land for farming and settlement has increased the rate of deforestation. Deforestation has posed negative effects on the environment as trees act as carbon sinks hence, they try to reduce the global temperature which is caused by increase in carbon dioxide concentration. The level of carbon dioxide concentration has increased by 64% and it is currently more than 40%, more than it was when industrialization began as trees help to regulate climate by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. All carbon-dioxide stored by trees is released back to the atmosphere during deforestation hence increasing global temperatures than they were before. Agriculture
production
involve the use of artifi-
also contaminate water
cial fertilizers pesticides
sources and also cause
and livestock which re-
soil acidity. Global cli-
lease carbon dioxide me-
mate change has already
thane nitrous oxide and
had observable effects on
fluorinated gases has in-
man and the environment
creased the concentration
and as it worsens danger-
of these gases contrib-
ous events are becoming
uting to the imbalance of
more frequent and worse.
radiation hence increase
The burning of fossil
world temperatures’ in-
fuels is largely done by
crease in global tempera-
the countries of the global
tures is slowly destructing
north but its effects are
the tropospheric ozone
felt more by countries of
layer which has posed
the global south.
threat to the earth. The fertilizers and pesticide
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Climate
change
is
greatly
affected
as
health is largely under
will
largely linked with an
heatwave
de-
threat as a result of
increase in global tem-
crease winter mortali-
climate change and an
peratures which result
ty due to milder win-
increase in cardiovas-
in
Heat-
ters which will be
cular systems is seen.
wave is expected to
compensated by in-
Mold growth is pro-
increase in frequency
creased summer mor-
moted by the after
and duration and an
tality. Warmer temper-
floods effects which is
intensity that will have
atures cause the pollen another contributor of
a negative impact on
season to be longer
man and their outdoor
and worsen air quality ing mosquitoes extend
activities such as agri-
which result in more
their range bringing
culture and mining.
allergy
asthma
disease such as malar-
People’s lives will be
attacks hence human
ia fever due to climate
heatwave.
and
allergies disease carry-
Climate change result in adverse weather conditions which threaten agriculture production leading to poor harvest which result in drought and pose threat to food security as a result of adverse climatic conditions. Climate change also affect production costs as farmers spend a lot of money in implementing methods that can improve crop production under this adverse environment. Poor food production is also caused by soil infertility as farming takes place on arable lands leading to low food production hence there is a need for the use
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of artificial fertilizers so as to improve crop production which in turn affect the environment by causing water and land pollution and a country like Zimbabwe which is agro based suffers great economic loss.Water
quality is affected as result of intense storms and heavy precipitation especially in cities where runoff picks up pollutants from the street and can overflow sewage system allowing untreated sewage to contaminate clean water supply hence leading to disease outbreak of waterborne infections such as cholera, diarrhoea and typhoid. Eutrophication levels in rivers and dams are high as
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result of pollution from the industries and agriculture which cause algal bloom and result in loss of marine life. The ever increase of human population has brought strain on resources leading to the extinct of some species and the invasion of invasive species clearing of land for human settlement or agriculture has disrupted the ecosystem that provides nature’s goods and services in terms of extraction of medicinal plants. . The intensified human food production has led to the massive spreading of invasive species
worldwide into a new non-natural environment and this new specie tend to pose threat to the environment for an example the spread of water hyacinth in eastern Africa’s Lake Victoria introduced from Brazil as a decorative plant is now a breeding site for the water snail that transmits schistomiasis which spread diarrhoea. Another example is the invasion of the exotic species Lantana Camara which has posed threat to livestock production in Matopo as it is poisonous to cattle. Increase in pressure of agricultural livestock production is stressing the world’s
arable land and pastures leading to serious damage of land by erosion, salination that destroy the ecstatic beauty of the environment. Natural habitats on land and sea are changing making them inhospitable for some species for example the melting of glacial ice in the Arctic region which contributes to the rise of sea level has reduced the amount of sea ice hence affecting the survival rate of walrus and seal pups that spend most of their life on ice. Species that use trees as their habitat are under threat every day as their habitat is destroyed by man for their own use. Extreme weather conditions such as floods cyclones and hurricanes also affect man’s habit as their homes are destroyed by these factors leaving them homeless and vulnerable to water born infections. Infrastructure is also de-
lives as a result of man’s
the
stroyed by these condi-
activities and has also
Longer growing season
tions and there is destruc-
brought
in
mean an increased agri-
tion of communication
man life as highlighted
culture production hence
lines as electrical supplies
below:
threat to food security is
are cut during storms
Warm winters will reduce
reduced as farmers can
hence making communication difficult for everyone.
advantages
winter mortality hence allow
underpopulated
countries to grow so as to
Climate change has be-
fully utilise their econom-
come part of our daily
ic resources and reduce
dependency
ratio.
now plant crops which are heavy rain feeders. Water
availability
crease hence there is reduced competition for water
in-
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between man and animals. Green economy creates more jobs such as pollution management, waste collection and treatment and renewable energy recycling and boost the country’s economy hence improve and treatment and re-
measures which will
skin cancer which are
newable energy recy-
reduce the emission of
largely
cling and boost the
greenhouse gases by heatwave. Water per-
country’s
economy
using renewable green
meable pavements are
hence improve liveli-
energy sources which
being installed so as to
hoods of man.
will reduce importa-
deal with floods and
The effects of climate
tion costs for coun-
storm water and im-
tries, as the resources
prove water storage
are naturally and read-
while in the farming
ily available within
industry has adapted
the country. For health
by the use of crop va-
protection sun screens
rieties to improve food
are made to protect
security.
change will be felt for many years to come because the damage made by man, is beyond control as a result man has come to implement mitigation
SOETZIM
man’s
skin
against
caused
by
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SAVE OUR ENVIRONMENT TRUST
Organisation ground
Back-
Save Our Environment Trust (SOET) is a Registered Non-Profit Trust Organization that was established in August 2015. (SOET) registration number is MA458/2015. The organisation was estab-
lished with the mandate to protect, conserve, enhance and restore the natural environment of Zimbabwe. SOET complements and supports existing government and private sector initiatives that strive to protect the natural environment. Save Our Environment Trust promotes climate justice at grassroot community level through assisting these communities mitigate, adapt and build resilience to the effects of climate change. Aim
To reduce climate vulnerability, improve people’s livelihood and promote sustainable utilization of natural resources.
Vision To be a vibrant, efficient and effective organisation that provides a holistic response in protecting and conserving environment, achieved through promoting sustainable utilization and conservation of the environment and empowering communities to be custodians of their
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environment.
Mission Statement A prosperous future requires a sound natural environment that requires us to act dynamically, progressively and systematically to protect, thus ensuring a safe and healthy environment for current and future communities.
Strategic Objectives To maintain and enhance the services provided by natural ecosystems and thereby secure livelihoods, food, water and health; reduce vulnerability to climate change
awareness about the importance of environmental sustainability.
To promote safe environmental practices among communities in Zimbabwe.
To complement government efforts and interventions in addressing environmental
To
raise
OUR ENVIRONMENT OUR CONCERN.
To identify local resources and promote environmentally friendly utilization and conservation for the development of the society through adopting new strategies in protecting the environment.
tion of the damaged environment.
To capacitate and strengthen environmental Indigenous Knowledge Systems among local Communities.
Midlands, Masvingo, Matabeleland South, Bulawayo and Harare provinces. Values (TACI)
To adopt measures towards the rehabilita-
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To engage in any other activities, which in the opinion of the Trustees are likely to further the interests of the Trust. Geographical Coverage
Transparency, Accountability, Confidentiality, Impartiality
To support local capacity building initiatives in environmental protection.
DID YOU KNOW? Here is a #FridayFact
.
SAVE OUR ENVIRONMENT TRUST ZIMBABWE DIRECTOR: Oswald Simbarashe Chishanga hails from Gweru, Zimbabwe. He has a passion in environmental issues particularly climate change and biodiversity conservation issues. He is a DPhil candidate in Development studies with research interests in climate change, global governance and regional integration.. He has 11 years working experience in development/ community work. He has been with Save Our Environment Trust since 2015. His dream is to create a society where humans and nature connect positively for the sustainability of the planet. He loves working with young people and loves to see young people take a leading role in environmental protection initiatives in their communities . Other roles that Oswald plays in society include: Zimbabwe country coordinator Good Deeds Day International National Director Human Nature Project Zimbabwe Africa Network of Young Leaders for Peace and Sustainable Development and New Deal for Nature and People Zimbabwe Coordinator
Country Director Global Youth Assembly 2019 Obama Foundation Africa Leaders Fellow and 2020-2021 Country Coordinator Young Africa Leaders Initiative (YALI) South Africa Regional Centre 2018 Alumnus - Business Leadership Track
OSWALD S. CHISHANGA.
