In the age we live in, now called the
Anthropocene, mankind’s impact on our fragile planet has been as consequential
as natural catastrophes – volcanoes, hurricanes and even Tsunamis. We are now
the most virulent biological agent on the universe.
For far too long we have been led to
believe that economic growth and prosperity are only attainable through
rapacious harvesting and plunder of the planet’s resources. We have fouled the
air and damaged our soils. Our forests have been decimated. Our oceans are
trawled relentlessly for food and treasure. Thanks to our energy systems, the
planet is warming up inexorably.
It might seem like we have a suicide
pact as a species. We are all hurtling down the path of irreversible disaster.
Committed action to forestall dangerous global warning is not forthcoming.
Somehow we are convinced that reigning in our fossil fuel and carbon addiction
will leave us poorer. Nothing could be more delusional. Somehow we believe
killing ourselves into prosperity is cool.
Here is why. According to the World
Health Organization 23 percent of all deaths – estimated at 12.6 million people
in 2012 – are due to environmental causes. Children in low and middle-income
countries bear the biggest burden of environment-related morbidity and
mortality. This is certainly not a great outcome in the pursuit of growth and
prosperity.
The report “Towards a pollution free planet” submitted
the Executive Director of UNEP at the just concluded United Nations Environment
Assembly is depressing. According to the report, 4.3 million people die
annually owing to indoor air pollution. About 3 billion people, that include
all Kenyans, do not have access to controlled waste disposal facilities. Lower
respiratory infections owing to household or ambient air pollution causes 52 million
years of life lost or lived with disability annually.
What is most disconcerting is that many
of the harmful effects of chemical pollutants are not fully known; these
include the hormonal disruptors and neurological impacts related to human
development as well as the effects on biodiversity and ecosystem level
processes.
Deforestation and poor land use
management, as well domestic and industrial waste is killing inland lakes and
rivers in Africa. For instance, Lake Victoria is eutrophic, fertile and
chocking with invasive plant species. As consequence of dramatic changes in
water quality and the introduction of the Nile Perch, the lake’s native fish
species are at risk of extinction.
The United Nations Environment
Assembly, which just ended here in Nairobi, passed 13 non-binding resolutions.
Among these were protect water-based ecosystems from pollution, remove lead
poisoning from paint and batteries, prevent and reduce air pollution, and
address marine litter and microplatics.
According to a recent report by the
Business and Sustainable Development Commission combating pollution makes
business sense. Business opportunities arising from reducing waste, recovery
and recycling of materials could be worth $12trillion globally.
A cleaner and healthier planet is good
for the business bottom-line, for people and for the planet. We must find the
courage to act now and save ourselves.
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