RECYCLING FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Recycling has become one of the many ways of waste management worldwide. Goods made from recycled materials requires less energy than goods produced from virgin material. Recycling helps to reduce greenhouse gases because it saves energy and diverts materials from incinerators. Environmental conservation and protection, reduced consumption of energy, reduction in air and water pollution from industries producing plastics and cans, global warming mitigation, limiting waste in landfills, ,make and save money and spreading of environmental awareness are the benefits of recycling.

18 March is the Global Recycling Day to raise awareness of the importance recycling plays in preserving our primary resources and securing the future of our planet. The aim of Global Recycling Day was to connect with other recycling initiatives across the world who were also playing their unique part in recycling.

The whole world has engaged in recycling with German leading the way in waste management and recycling. Many countries are into recycling as part of their waste management however recycling is still lagging behind in Africa largely because of lack of recycling technologies. Many individuals, governments and organizations are taking direct action to support global green agenda. Along with UNIDO, Global Recycling Foundation have agreed to raise awareness of the importance of recycling industries and their potential to create jobs and prosperity, while preserving the resources.

Zimbabwe is also taking part in recycling as part of waste management and employment creation and saving the climate. We have got notable individuals, locals, organisations, industries that are committed to recycling waste. Locals are collecting waste to the recycling companies and are being paid per kilogram. Companies have sprung up, offering recycling collection services to households, schools and civil buildings for a small charge Many give recycling bags and some have also started running recycling education programmes for communities with the support of Environmental Management Agency (EMA). EMA is promoting recycling initiatives in order to reduce plastic waste. Companies, organisations and individuals have found opportunities in recycling waste. These include Waverly Plastics, Gretpro industrial,Daviot Trading among others.

Zimbabwe has a problem with litter. Waste is often discarded on the side of roads, people throw rubbish from their cars, and the problem is compounded by an apparent lack of an effective waste management system and lack of understanding on the part of residents about why they should recycle. The country is still facing challenges in recycling waste because it lacks financial capabilities of investing in cutting edge recycling technologies. Recycling facilities aren't adequate especially for glass recycling Lack of knowledge in the importance of recycling In order to promote sustainable waste management through recycling, Zimbabwe must aim to establish large recycling companies to increase market for recyclables.

World Meteorological Day 2022 is celebrated to showcase the essential contribution of National Meteorology and Hydrological Services to the safety and well-being of society. So this year we are celebrating the success of the meteorology and hydrology services in improved early warning systems and all the achievements in disaster risk reduction. The functions and objectives of the WMO are to facilitate worldwide cooperation in the design and delivery of Metservices, foster the rapid exchange of met information, advance the establishment between met and hydro services, encourage research and training. The World Meteorological Organization plays an important role in contributing to people's safety and welfare.

One might ask, "Why Early Warning, Early Action?"

There are a number of water related hazards that are being faced worldwide caused by extreme climate events such as floods, droughts, hurricanes, typhoons, tornadoes and though their frequency and intensity varies, the society's vulnerability to them also vary from one region to another depending on the level of development. These climatic hazards cause significant damage to infrastructure, people and their properties and they are associated with high economic costs. Climatic weather extremes are becoming more frequent and intense worldwide as a result of climate change, population growth, economic growth, urbanization and environmental degradation. Forecasts on what the weather will "Be" are no longer enough but impact-based forecasts that inform the public of what the weather will "Do" are vital to save lives and livelihoods.

Being prepared and able to act at the right time, in the right place, can save many lives and protect livelihoods of communities everywhere both now and in the future. That is why there is need for "Early Warning and Early Action!" There is need for weather forecasting since it enhances cities preparedness for extreme weather conditions for example, if Zimbabwe is to receive more rainfall in 2025, then the people should prepare for bumper harvest, store produces in granaries so that in times of drought, the people will not suffer from food insecurity.

With potential hazards before they occur Early Warning mechanisms, plans for evacuation, education and training is also needed. Policies are there but they need to be reinforcement, there is need for continual awareness. The government also needs to invest in technical capacity for quick and accurate assessments of disaster situations.

Building from the above, there is need to invest in technical capacity for quick and accurate assessments of hazards. As a nation, we need not to rely on AID but to financially prepare for climate induced multiple hazards and allocate resources to developing sophisticated early warning systems. The community to use their copying strategies (Indigenous Knowledge Systems) as initial early warnings. It is however of significance to note that Zimbabwe has got some "Early Warning" on droughts, floods, cyclones going on for example we have the Meteorology department among many warning people about the activities at the river, GIS and Remote Sensing technologies providing information on surface water dynamics through direct observation and imagery inputs. "On Action" there is growing of drought resistant crops, moisture conservation strategies, water harvesting, abatement, flood proofing, provision of flood relief channels, modification of channels, levees, river bank embarkments, afforestation, evacuation and resettlement of people.

World Cities Day

World Cities Day was officiated on December 27, 2013. The first celebration was therefore held on October 31, 2014 in Shanghai, China, which ran under the theme "Leading Urban Transformation". The day is celebrated annually on the 31st of October. The enduring theme of the day is "Better city, Better life". Each year a different topic is chosen to focus on and a host city is chosen for the Global Observance. This year's topic is "Act local to go Global". The primary vision that the United Nations General Assembly had behind the officiation of this global observance day was to promote and help urban development and tackle the issues pertinent to urban areas in the world. The Day is expected to greatly promote the international community's interest in global urbanization, push forward cooperation among countries in meeting opportunities addressing challenges of urbanization and contributing to sustainable urban development around the world. Act local to go global. Global changes often begin when people take action locally. Communities around the globe are involved in creative community-based actions that promote mutual respect, social and economic justice, and gender and environmental balance. No matter how small one's action is towards creating sustainability, every action is vital. It's us who should start at community level , within our towns and cities , ensuring that we are environment friendly. Little by little by recycling, reusing , we could create an impact that would result in the world at large benefiting. World Cities Day and SDG11 The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity. Key features of a sustainable city Sustainable cities are environmentally sustainable in terms of cleanliness and efficiency. Second, Sustainable cities are resilient to social, economic, and natural shocks. They are well prepared for natural disasters, which are increasing in intensity and frequency due to climate change. //Resources and services in the city are accessible to all. //Public transport is seen as a viable alternative to cars. //Public transport is safe and reliable. //Walking and cycling is safe. Zimbabwe and green cities Zimbabwe is putting its effort in trying to turn cities green as a way to establish sustainable cities. As part of its efforts, most towns are now being encouraged to adopt the use of solar systems. Installation of steel bins is now mandatory. Citizens are also being taught about water conservation. Meanwhile, Victoria Falls would be the first to turn into Zimbabwe's first green city. There will be more bicycles than cars in the city. Pedestrians and electric cars will also be part of the new normal. When we talk of green cities, it's not just a talk. So far, some cities have attained green city status.

1. Copenhagen, Denmark 2 Often ranked one of the greenest on the planet. It has focused on reducing emissions and improving the health of its residents by improving mobility, integrating transport and building super cycle highways.It has also reduced energy consumption by using energyefficient air conditioning systems that save 70% energy. 2. San Francisco, California It is a serious tech-hub and home to innovative companies in the world. Innovations in technology has improved energy efficiency in buildings and has enhanced its transportation system What citizens can do to make cities green. /Greening buildings /Water conservation /Proper waste management /Reduce, Reuse, Recycle /Practice bicycling The future of urbanization The U.N. has predicted that by 2030, there will be 41 megacities cities with a population of over 10 million people. India, with its five megacities, is expected to house seven, other places that are bound to have megacities spring up include the likes of Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic People’s Republic of Congo.Shaping the future of urbanization include connectivity, digitalization, climate change, growing disparities, global values. Challenges and uncertainties surrounding urbanization "Cities are where the battle for sustainable development will be won - or lost_" (UN secretary general, 2015) prosperous, many of them are unprepared for the multi-dimensional challenges linked to this process. *There is a negative trend in regard to disasters. Megacities will be more vulnerable to natural disasters. *Accumulation of risks due to overpopulation Questions for discussion 1. What are the advantages and risks of megacities in terms of global stability? 2. Is urbanization the best tool to achieve SDGs 2030? 3. Is urbanization the future of Africa and what are the implications of the European union? 4. Is the 21st century leading to a more urban inclusive society or a greater polarisation between places that matter and places that don't matter?

TATENDA BRILLIANT WACHEKWA.

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.

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