SOETZim Environment Magazine - June 2021 Issue 1

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

ADVERTISING A rate sheet is available on request Contact details +263 717 485 521 +263 774 407 464

Email: soetzimbabwe@gmail.com Limited Space Available!!

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

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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.