very one in six people in the world are youth, according to the World Youth Report (2018), which defines youth as persons between 15-24 years. In Uganda, the youth are considered those between the ages 18-30, who constitute about 24% of the population (National Youth Action Plan 2016). The youthful experience is considered the climax of ingenuity, energy and formative years for any society. It is for this reason that all countries rally their youth in all sectors in a bid to secure a sustainable society. Environmental degradation has become a big concern in the world today.
Developing countries especially, the tropics like Uganda are likely to suffer the brunt of environmental degradation, some of which are now evident. The unusual rain patterns, increase in pests and diseases, extreme weather conditions not experienced before among others. The growing population demands sustainable exploitation of natural resources, sustainable food production and healthy persons to ensure the safe perpetuity of the human race, whose custodians are non-other than the youth. The government of Uganda blue print, the National Development Plan III states that the national forest cover has dropped from 15% in 2010 to 9.5% in 2017. Out of this loss, 60% or 72,000 hectares is used for charcoal or firewood.
With over 95% of persons using biomass as a primary cooking source, the pressure on forest cover remains high. The growing timber and logging trade certainly adds more pressure on the forests whose value chains are dominated by the youth. The proliferation of plastic waste remains a huge threat to the environment for agriculture and water bodies. Scientists have raised a red flag on the discovery of micro-plastics in the lungs and blood streams. This puts plastics which are very important especially in the packaging industry as a direct threat to health and scientists are grappling with finding out the magnitude of this problem. Life under water has not been spared either, fish have been found to have plastics in their bodies and some have died due to plastics ingestion. Whereas government and the rest of the public are aware of the dangers of environmental degradation, the action is not commensurate with urgency of the matter. And if urgent action is not taken, the earth’s temperature will rise by 1.5 degrees centigrade by 2030.
YOUTH TAKING ACTION
There are youth led enterprises in Uganda reversing the impacts of human activity on the environment. Takataka Plastics of Gulu, Ecomak Recyclers of Kyegegwa, Youth Go Group Network and several other youth led initiatives have taken note of the urgent need to save Mother Nature. Community Based Organisations have also played an important role in taking the initiative with still a lot more to be done, with efforts being registered in areas of promotion of renewable energy, Water and Sanitation and smart agriculture.
MORE HANDS ON DECK
National Policy: All government policies should embody youth contribution in combating effects of environmental degradation. This should be followed by a robust activity plan which is often reviewed by the stakeholders. Localisation of the challenge: The fight for a good environment is largely supported by development partners. Whereas most goals are global, there is need to customize or redefine these goals to suit the understanding of the locals. For example, it is clear that there is need for reforestation, and a specific acreage to be replanted within a certain period should be made. Likewise, if plastics either choke drainage or, find their way to farms, or are an eyesore, the problem should be clearly matched with solutions and expected benefits.
3Rs: The youth are the greatest appreciators and implementers of trends and therefore their consumption habits are huge and dynamic. In doing this, they
create a lot of waste, use more energy and water among others. Once information is shared, they will be involved in Reducing their carbon foot print or use Reusable items like; face masks, water bottles other than disposable bottles and finally Recycle.
Responsible consumption: Once the youth are made aware and later supported to get actively involved in improving and preserving the environment along with responsible consumption, they will tend to rub this on to their communities, creating a massive progress in the desired direction. Responsible consumption of water, energy, textiles, paper and plastics will mean that fewer resources will be exploited, thus reducing pressure on the resources being used. Moreover, with diverse communication tools available and use of brand ambassadors, a lot of traction can be achieved for the environment.
Commercialisation: The youth need to be shown and supported to execute some of these activities as financially rewarding, instead of the current model of donations or grants. For the enterprises to be sustainable, they should make commercial sense. This ensures that even if the grants cease, the gains are sustained and such entrepreneurs should be rewarded. Such enterprises including; recycling, protection of water sources as well as environmentally themed entertainment can go a long way in highlighting and bridging the gap.
More than ever, there should be a sense of duty for all youth world over to take action against environmental degradation. Like legendary pop icon Michael Jackson sang, “Heal the world, make a better place for you and for me and the entire human race,” we ought to act and act now.
By Eng. Olaro Oscar
