The time to address the impact of climate change on the globe is now.
Unprecedented crises have been brewing for many years and many nations have not been able to control.
Unfortunately, this has not evaded individuals, corporates and it has long term effect on the global trends and mental wellbeing.
In my rural village indigenous trees have become history.
Lack of the basic water supply is still a dream, Humanitarian crises and events are immensely not be addressed while conflicts arise due to inadequate resources, increase of persons with disabilities is at a frightening stage and many countries are unable to cater for their needs.
I take note that Policy makers at different levels from the globe, regions, continents countries and villages, have continuously having right documentation on what needs to be executed but implementation is still on the shelves. Additionally, The COVID-19 pandemic has taken an unparalleled toll on lives and economies around the world.
I opine, Forests are essential for a green recovery from COVID-19
As countries continue to work to turn the tide of the pandemic, plans and measures should be put in place to set nations on the path to a green recovery. Forests have a key role to play in these efforts.
Forests offer nature-friendly solutions for a green recovery from the pandemic, investing in forests is a critical component in building sustainable, resilient and fair societies, capable of withstanding future pandemics and global challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss,” I observe.
Forests provide a wide spectrum of benefits and services, supporting the health and livelihoods of millions of people. For the rural poor, forests are a critical source of food, fuel, income and well-being. “Historically, forests have provided a safety net in times of crisis, and we are seeing this to be the case during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Ahmed 2018 Forests are a lifeline for some of our most vulnerable populations, including those living in rural areas, indigenous peoples and other forest-dependent communities.
I argue, it is in best interests of the globe to safeguard forests. If current rates of deforestation and forest degradation continue unabated, it could lead to more zoonotic diseases, like COVID-19, in the future. Healthy, well-managed forests, on the other hand, are the foundation for long-term sustainability in addressing water scarcity, mitigating climate change and ensuring energy and food security.
Furthermore, this might reduce the war conflicts and also promote well being of humanity.
In many low-income country’s government have overseen destruction of forests taking place and either contributing to the atrocity thus even interfering with the trajectory of mother nature.
In 2021 I was not surprised by the alarming statement by a Kenyan cabinet secretary of education in the matters COVID-19. He gave advisory that learners should learn under the trees while he is aware that majority of schools do not have those trees!
https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/education/article/2001398764/children-must-learn-even-if-it-is-under-trees-says-magoha
this article has been authored for my love of doing nature walk the spirit of adventure in forests. The disability sausage YouTube channel will dissect the impacts and contribute to this noble debate.
The views expressed here are for the author and do not represent any agency or organization.
Mugambi Paul is a public policy, diversity, inclusion and sustainability expert.
Australian Chief Minister Award winner
“excellence of making inclusion happen”