FOR THE LOVE OF TREES

THIS POST TALKS ABOUT TREES, FORESTS AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

IF ALL TREES DIED, WOULD HUMANS LIVE?
BY: FUNMITO ODEFEMI

Carbon dioxide is the climate’s worst enemy! It is released when oil, coal, and fossil fuels are burned for energy and even when you breathe!!! Mother Nature provided us with trees and forests to help in mitigating some of the effects of this by ensuring they soak up the carbon dioxide that would otherwise be free in the atmosphere and cause harm to our planet and by extension our lives. If we do not take proper care of our trees and forests, our planet might be in grave danger; if it is not already endangered. 

Forests are more than just a collection of trees; they are integrated ecosystems and home to some of the most diverse life on Earth. They are also major players in the carbon and water cycle that make our life possible and they play a critical role in mitigating global warming which occurs when carbon dioxide and other air pollutants collect in the atmosphere and absorb heat from the earth that normally should escape into space.

“Forests may look commonplace and ordinary, but they are responsible for our survival as humans”

Sadly, only about 30% of the land area on our planet today are forests, half of what it used to be, implying there are less forests to combat the ever increasing level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere which result from our high demand for energy – the energy we use to power our homes, cars, computers, and smartphones. According to a World Wildlife Fund report, about 48 football fields worth of trees are lost every single minute worldwide. This continuous deforestation of trees is considered one of the highest contributor to global climate change. This in my opinion is a critical emergency and we must begin to think of better and more sustainable ways of doing everything we do as humans.

“By reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, we are effectively curbing our own contribution to climate change”.

Global warming is changing our world and we all are at risk.You and I can reduce our carbon footprint by following a few easy steps and making conserving energy a part of our daily routine. I have listed Seven! I’m sure you can think of more!

o Use renewable Energy. Unlike fossil fuels which are finite, renewable energy sources regenerate naturally. Renewable energy plays an important role in reducing the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and provide cleaner sources of energy, helping to negate the effects of certain forms of pollution. When renewable energy sources are used, the demand for fossil fuels is reduced. The most commonly used renewable energy sources are biomass, hydropower, geothermal, wind, and solar.

o Plant a tree. An old Chinese proverb said “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is now”. I mean this Literally. A few trees planted today could become a forest in the next few years, helping to cushion the effect of climate change for the coming generations.

 Buy Appliances with the Energy Star Sticker

o Invest in energy-efficient appliances. Whenever you shop for new appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, or dryers, look for products with the Energy Star label; they meet a higher standard for energy efficiency than the minimum federal requirements.

o Drive fuel-efficient vehicles. Buy cars with the highest gas mileage and lowest emissions. You can also reduce your emissions by taking public transportation or carpooling when possible.

o Eat the food you buy. Waste less. Many people probably don’t think much about things like this, but a lot of energy goes into growing, processing, packaging, and shipping food – about 30% of which eventually end up in the landfill. It we waste less food; we are cutting down on our energy consumption.

o Buy better bulbs and turn off the lights when not in use. LED lightbulbs can save up to 80% of energy than conventional bulbs. Use them more. Also, remember to turn off all light bulbs whenever they are not needed. A lot of energy ends up being wasted this way. 

o Speak up. Talk to your friends and family about renewable energy and sustainability. Voice your concerns – via social media or any medium available and at any time there is an opportunity. 

In conclusion, individuals, governments, corporate bodies and civil societies all have a part to play to slow down and eventually halt the upward climb of Carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere. By doing all that has been mentioned and becoming more conscious of the impact of the little things we do, the world we live in will not only be safer for us, it will be for the generations yet unborn.

This post is written in commemoration of the World Earth Day.
Thank you for taking time to read and share this post. Should you have any questions, comments or suggestions do not hesitate to use the comment box.

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FOR FURTHER READING

http://www.theoec.org/campaign/global-warming?gclid=Cj0KEQjwt6fHBRDtm9O8xPPHq4gBEiQAdxotvN9ALc_0BMrLx_NwmXxkQWm7pOubj8B15trftkn9sAMaAvGI8P8HAQ

https://www.nrdc.org/stories/how-you-can-stop-global-warming

https://www.nrdc.org/stories/global-warming-101

http://www.climatehotmap.org/about/global-warming-causes.html

http://www.nmsea.org/Curriculum/Primer/Global_Warming/fossil_fuels_and_global_warming.htm

https://climate.nasa.gov/effects/

https://climate.nasa.gov/causes/

http://worldwildlife.org/threats/deforestation

http://www.livescience.com/27692-deforestation.html

http://www.fao.org/docrep/016/i3010e/i3010e01.pdf

https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/?page=renewable_home

Uju Silver: Through the lenses of Volunteering.

Are you just like many who are confused about the reason every application asks for volunteer work experience? This was not the case in many countries until recently.

The need for charitable persons especially youths in the world today in the face of emerging and persistent global crisis has never been so profound . To this extent, organizations, schools  and even peer groups have felt the need to recruit people who are willing and ready to give back to the society.

However, many do not understand what volunteering is about, how to secure opportunities or even know what aspects of volunteering they want to engage in. The concept of volunteering stands misunderstood by many today. To this extent, the Nineteen Initiative is organizing an online Question and Answer on Volunteering session.

To kick off this innovation of the Initiative, we are privileged to have an international, renowned volunteer, Okwaraogoma Uju Silver. He will be answering questions on volunteering. The session seeks to highlight the importance of volunteering, the  benefits of volunteering and the intricacies of volunteering.

Uju Silver is no novice to volunteering as he has gained experience through local and international volunteering with organizations such as the United Nations, African Union and CIVICUS among others. He will be sharing his experience as well as answering your questions about volunteering on this platform in the month of May, 2017.

ABOUT  OKWARAOGOMA UJU SILVER

 Uju spent his years while growing up in the busy environment of Lagos State, Nigeria where he acquired his basic education. He proceeded to Babcock University, Ogun State where he acquired his undergraduate education in International Law and Diplomacy. Given his ardent belief in knowledge and skill acquisition, he proceeded to the University Of Ibadan where he had his Masters education in Peace and Conflict Studies.

Uju is well versed in global concerns as has acquired quality knowledge through the finesse of work experience he has acquired while volunteering. In 2011 to 2013, he worked with the West Africa Network for Peacebulding (WANEP) as a volunteer intern while playing the role of an assistant in research drafting, developing project initiatives among others. Upon the conclusion of his service with  WANEP, Uju moved to the GLEEHD Foundation where he worked as a Volunteer Program Associate. at GLEEHD, he helped to develeop work plan in the areas of good governance and social justice.

His strides as a global citizen took a new turn when he served as a United Nations Exchange Learning Intern with CIVICUS; World Alliance for Citizen Participation in Geneva, Switzerland. In the course of his service, he delivered an address at the Human Rights Council on the Gambian UPR
on behalf of CIVICUS.

Uju currently works at the UNESCO Liason office to the AUC and ECA as an African Youth Volunteer in Ethopia.

The fact that Uju Silver is in the best position to give information as regards volunteering admits no further arguments, to this extent we submit that we all are blessed to have him on our first Question and Answer session coming up in May.

Thank you for taking time to read and share this post

 Should you have any questions or concerns about volunteering, please leave them in the comment box or send us a message on 08143840468 or any of our social media accounts;

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CARS ARE NOT LUXURIES

The truth about cars is not far fetched! They are needed to guarantee comfort. Who wants to go cycling under the sun or wait for the bus when you can just get in your car and get to your destination real quick? Who wants to get all dressed up for an event and have to walk or get stuck in public transport with a bunch of people?

These thoughts pervade our minds a lot of times we make decisions as to what means of transportation to adopt in our journey every time there is a need or maybe not a need to be fair.

Cars have been very beneficial to the human race, in our personal lives, businesses, and our existence on a whole. However, what we would realize is that we have placed so much reliance on it that we have shut our eyes and minds from the harmful effects of misuse and alternative means of transportation that are sustainable.


The need for sustainability of actions at this point in history admits no further argument, we must think of the lasting impact of our actions and make decisions based on expediency and the lasting effect of such decisions.

 

Innumerable cars are seen on roads today, causing heavy traffic and carbon emissions into the air . The use of cars are now driven by motives of luxury than expediency, forgetting the lasting impacts of this situation.Surprisingly, there are more cars than licensed drivers in the world today! It is possible to see afamily of 3 with 5 cars. Really absurd!.

Carbon emissions from vehicles contribute largely to global warming and its effects, putting all our lives at risk of extreme weather, rising sea levels, health challenges, flooding because Increase in temperature increases rainfalls and storms, drought in some areas , risk of wildfires, reduction in food production as a result of extreme weather, disruption of our regular patterns of living as we need to change our lifestyle as the ills caused to the environment increase, endangered plants and animals, and at worst, an unpredictable climate.

I bet you are asking yourself what you could do to avoid these effects... we all have roles to play in the protection of our environment, to this extent we advise that we opt for alternative means of transportation. These include,

1. Bike

2. Walk
3. Car pool or Share-a-Car
4. Bus
5. Boat or any means on water
6. Solar powered vehicles
7. Electric cars.
This list is not exhaustive.

We have the following recommendations and benefits to share in this regard;

1. It is important that these means especially those powered by  fuel use clean fuel that is less harmful on the environment. Cleaner fuels reduce emissions in the environment. Fuel efficient vehicles should be embraced.


2. Alternative means of transportation also guarantees good health, reduces obesity and encourages  exercise in a busy world amongst others.




3. These means of transportation improve relationships as commuting together increases time spent with each other, increases the avenues to meet new people,  increases and improves networking opportunities amongst others.




4. Saves cost and increases net worth of individuals and families.
5. Improves the quality of time and relationship built with family as commuting to get as a family give you the opportunity to share daily experiences. Imagine a road trip with friends, going to work daily with work trip buddies ! Amazing right?!



6. Ultimately, the world is better and more sustainable.
We have a shared responsibility in ensuring that the world is safer and better, we must all work bearing in mind the importance of a safer world for the next generation to inherit from us.

 Before you visit the car mart or get in your car for no expedient reason or seemingly expedient
reasons, think of the long lasting harmful effects.

If we must persist in our use of cars we must plant trees! How?! Look out for the next blogpost for more information in this regard.



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6 HOURS FOR THE BWARI CHILD; A Book Reading Event.

Over the last two weeks we organized two book reading events tagged 6 Hours for the Bwari Child to encourage a reading culture among children in Bwari, Abuja, Nigeria. The events held on the 18th and 25th of March,2017 respectively at the Holy Sisters of The Needy Children's home.

The event was organized by the Nineteen Initiative and supported by Voluntary Service Overseas (International Citizens Service) Kwali team and the Bwari Child Foundation, Abuja.

A Book drive preceded the events to garner support for the event through donation of books.

The event saw a series of activities put together to encourage the children to read, show them the benefits of reading and motivate them to be ardent and consistent readers.

 Three books were read to the children who were categorized into three groups based on their ages ranging from 4-17 years. The books were carefully selected to reflect how interesting and enlightening reading can be. The books include:
1. The World we Want by UNICEF.
A publication of UNICEF to simplify and teach the Sustainable Development Goals to children. The book explains the targets of the goals and the essence of the goals to children in an exciting yet educative manner.
2. A Holiday to Remember by Ben Akponime Samuel.
The book explains the educative essence of traveling to children and teaches new words.
3. The Quiz Competition by Ben Akponime Samuel.
An apt book written to encourage children to read and the effect of reading. It encourages children to task their brain by reading and read wide not merely concentrating on the school curriculum.

The children were also taught the use of a dictionary and the importance of having one.

Volunteers took turns to read and explain the contents of the books to the children. They were given assignments which they executed excellently.

The event was colored with exciting activities, games , icebreakers, face painting and a dancing competition.

The event was attended by a total of 59 persons. A total of 48 novels, drawing books, coloring pencils, poster colors , LEGO and paint brushes were donated to the home. The books donated had attached to them quotes and personal notes from various individuals about the importance of reading and how reading has changed their lives.

The event was held in commemoration of the World Books Day and in furtherance of our earlier post on the essence of reading ( Unlock Your Mind; Read https://thenineteeninitiative.blogspot.com.ng/2017/03/unlock-your-mind-read.html?m=1 )

Finally, this blogpost is dedicated to our amazing volunteers from the Nineteen Initiative, Bwari Child Foundation and VSO ICS Kwali Team, Contributors and book donors. God bless you all.

Thank you for taking time to read and share this post. Should you have any questions, comments or suggestions do not hesitate to use the comment box.

Please visit and follow us on our social media accounts:

Facebook: The Nineteen Initiative
Instagram: @thenineteeninitiative.
Twitter: @19_thenineteen.

THIS BLOG claims no credit for any images posted on this site unless otherwise noted. Images on this blog are copyright to its respectful owners. If there is an image appearing on this blog that belongs to you and do not wish for it appear on this site, please E-mail with a link to said image and it will be promptly removed.

Children not Soldiers!

CHILDREN IN ARMED CONFLICT: DIAGNOSIS, PROGNOSIS AND INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

-OLUSOLA ALERU.



The subject matter of Children in Armed Conflict also popularly known as Child Soldiers is as age-long as time itself. History records the constant and various use(s) of children during periods of wars and hostilities, most notable internationally being the World Wars.

The Neo and Post World War evidenced mass dementation in our social stability especially as regards children who were forcefully and largely conscripted into armed forces internationally.

Glancing our minds back to the various world wars and civil hostilities, many children were subjected to the violent and obnoxious whims of leaders with obviously questionable stable minds. Many of them were made to fight at the front lines, subjected to a hazardous lifestyle consisting of forcefully killing, raping and several other acts of inhumane brutality towards others. They were largely underfed whilst strong liquor and smoking of hard substances became their staple meals. These children were wholly robbed and denied of the sanctity and innocence that comes with childhood. The females were used as young as twelve-thirteen years as sex slaves. I vividly recall the true life story of a mother during a period of civil hostility in Africa who was viciously raped by 8 men and was subjected to watch her girl child less than thirteen years of age, go through this same torture of being molested by 8 insatiable savages.

These Children who in the first instance were inhumanely made into savages and plunged into a life of gloom, the only life they know really, are now being turned against and stigmatized by the same society that made them what they are. This in itself is hostility against nature and nature sure has a way of fighting for itself. The question is, who can stand the wrath of nature when it comes?

This quare has in a lot of ways led to International disarray with many countries countering themselves even on the most mundane of issues.

As such, the issue of Children in armed conflict and the society's approach to them is indeed a great threat to Global Economic development. More so, the future of International development, in terms of trade, treaty, tourism and in fact all aspects of humanity is under serious threat as the supposed holders of the fort have been handed down a warped system where aggrieved children born into unlikely circumstances can no longer trust their neighbouring countries with anything and if this Trust which is the fulcrum of any dealing Internationally is already breaking within itself, we can only hope that Things do not fall apart, as the center of trust is fast crumbling and not holding together.

Queen Mathilde of Belgium on this notably remarked at a conference on February 10, 2017, that there is an urgent need to provide a stable and secure environment for our children and for those already affected, patient rehabilitation as “Peace, Justice, Strong Institutions, Social Cohesion and Investment Partnerships are all equally essential for the protection of vulnerable people”.

The crux of the matter is this, there is the need for urgent attention to ensuring that countries all over avoid civil conflicts on the one hand and foster peace on the other. Also, Sound laws and legal institutions should be created to serve as a fortification against the use of children or other vulnerable people should there be civil hostility or armed conflict. This will help in the security and stability of the children in the society against the pre and post effect of hostilities.

With regards to the Child soldiers, formidable institutions should be properly established and run by individual countries and even by partnerships internationally. And the personnel involved should be well trained professionals who will patiently guide these children through appropriate rehabilitation and therapy. Also, vocations should be taught to them, so they can be stable and balance by the time they are released back into the society. Finally, the Employment sectors should have flexible rules as to the recruitment of these ones, because rigid rules can result to unconcious stigmatization of the rehabilitated cbildren which if not properly addressed may defeat the purpose of the rehabilitation in the first instance.

Thank you for taking time to read and share this post. Should you have any questions, comments or suggestions do not hesitate to use the comment box.

THIS BLOG claims no credit for any images posted on this site unless otherwise noted. Images on this blog are copyright to its respectful owners. If there is an image appearing on this blog that belongs to you and do not wish for it appear on this site, please E-mail with a link to said image and it will be promptly removed.

Meet Olusola Aleru

Olusola is one of the most profound and intelligent persons that her generation has to offer.  She has moved ahead of the present into the future and has set in motion the laying of foundations for the guarantee of a better future for generations to come. She has achieved this through leadership training,  hands on roles, research and profound thoughts preserved for coming generations through exceptional articles.

Olusola believes in investing in every child. This profound belief propelled her to research possible impediments to the successful growth of children of which she found the conscription of children into the army as one.

Olusola will be giving an apt discussion centered around child soldiers around the world. The story, the bane and the struggles of the children.
She takes a look at the long and short term effects of involving children in armed conflict.
She is well informed and poised to make suggestions about this issue as a result of the wealth of knowledge she wields to this extent.

She is a law student with keen interest in Forensic law and Arbitration. In her spare time, she reads, writes, inspires others and loves to research.
Olusola is a graduate of Law from the University of Ibadan and is currently a student at the Nigerian Law School, Abuja.

There is no doubt that Olusola is set to change the world and it is a privilege to have her enlighten us about Child Soldiers and the likely consequences of engaging children in armed conflict.

Thank you for taking time to read and share this post. Should you have any questions, comments or suggestions do not hesitate to use the comment box.

On Celebrating Women.

On celebrating her victories not variance; a discuss on heightened zeal in the international scene.

It is no news that the quest to ensure the freedom of women, their total emancipation from whatever limitations they are or were made to face is one which has been recurrent and has attracted actions by major players all over the world. However, the question as to whether these actions on the whole are properly guided or driven by uncontrolled zeal is to be asked.

The possibility of women being further repressed by misguided actions is one which hovers and seeps through actions and campaigns centered around women at any given opportunity. How do i mean? Often times, in the celebration of women, there is the possibility of exalting the barriers, challenges and hurdles that women face through ideas or talks that expose the daily challenges of a woman over her victories and success.

The celebration of a woman should mirror her strength, her capacity and her achievements amongst others. Her challenges may be mentioned but it must not become the crux of the celebration of the woman.

The time for women to really be seen as having requisite capacities to take on the world and maximise their potentials is now in its fullness. The opportunities made available to a woman must not be borne out of pity, or a disguised means of reemphasising the stereotypes. No one wins a war by playing small for the enemy to pity or be lenient with him. A woman must be celebrated by her capacity and ability to break out of the shackles and barriers that the society has placed on her.

The need for moderation in the expression of zeal geared towards the achievement of gender equality (Goal 5, SDGs) cannot be over-emphasised. Uncontrolled zeal has done more harm than good. It has passed on the wrong message to girls growing to become women. Girls are first made to understand the likely problems they may face instead of their capacities. They are made to attack their future and not ease into it based on the possibilities it holds and the requisite capacities they possess to take on the world regardless of stereotypes. 

It is agreed that girls must be made to understand the walls built by stereotypes but not at the expense of training them to first be graceful, strong and focused women.

The antagonistic approach towards the world as expressed by many women support groups or individuals has further plunged the modern woman into an imaginary battle that she may never have to fight or one that she could have handled better but for the mismatched weapons of antagonism, anger and improperly emphasised limitations placed in her arsenal by the persons given the responsibility of passing on knowledge and tradition to her.

The woman must understand that the battle geared towards the  understanding and respect of a woman is taking too long and as such a new plan of action must be devised. A plan of action that does not magnify her barriers or further perpetuate the societal woes she may have to face, rather a plan of action that demands respect not begs for it. A plan of action of conviction; not conviction for the world but a personal conviction about her abilities, her strength, her goals, her big dreams and her ability to take the world without calling for sentiments but merit, for the worth of the work she has put into becoming who she desires to be while achieving them on a level playing ground with male counterparts.

Women must not be carried away by the patronising undertones that the excessive zeal in promoting a woman carry.   They  must be wise to pick the lessons and ignore the excessive zeal as it may push them to either go overboard, lose faith in their abilities or seek opportunities specially created (which often times, further perpetuates the societal ills against women, why seek a quota for a position that involves competing with male counterparts?). The modern woman must embrace her strengths and forget the barriers, do that which she is perceived incapable of, be a silent worker but a loud achiever, that way, the societal stereotypes will fizzle out in the face of her acts for change and not mere call for change.

This post is published in commemoration of the International Women's Day!

Thank you for taking time to read and share this post. Should you have any questions, comments or suggestions do not hesitate to use the comment box.

THIS BLOG claims no credit for any images posted on this site unless otherwise noted. Images on this blog are copyright to its respectful owners. If there is an image appearing on this blog that belongs to you and do not wish for it appear on this site, please E-mail with a link to said image and it will be promptly removed.