I-Green, U-Green – We Clean

The “I-Green, U-Green – We Clean” event will take place in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria.

Why intervene?

The city of Aba is experiencing severe environmental degradation and the brunt of climate change. This city is met with gravest degree of damage from climate change because she is least endowed with resources to combat the scourge. More so, her economy is based largely on natural resources-dependent sectors that are climate-sensitive. Climate change has marred seasonal cycles–harmed ecosystems and water supply–affected agriculture and food production in this city.

Malnutrition and vector-borne diseases are prevalent in Aba. Malaria remains the number one disorder in this city. It has kept us in a constant state of war and poverty because we lose money, lives and time. Obviously, these are adverse effects of climate change.

Unfortunately, the greater proportion of my city’s population are not aware of climate change and its drastic concomitant effects on us all, neither do they know the concrete steps they can take as individuals or groups to mitigate the effects of the scourge.

My city is in dire vulnerability as there is a dearth of public policies that target mitigation and adaptation–those that do exist are inadequate. Nevertheless, Big Brother will not take care of it all for us. There are some who believe that the government will do all that we need to do. That means leaving the course of our future to politicians–to special interest groups and to government workers.

How “I-Green, U-Green–We Clean” Initiative Will Work?

By committing to a life of voluntary simplicity and earth stewardship we can lower Carbon Dioxide levels below 350 parts per million–the safe upper limit in our atmosphere. Imparting the right environmental habits to city dwellers requires sensitization and edification.

Thus, “I-Green, U-Green–We Clean” Initiative will use posters, stickers, flyers, wristlets, T-shirts, drawings and paintings to beef up climate change awareness in the city of Aba. It will bring people’s attention to the grave dangers climate change portends to posterity. While also teaching them how to reduce Carbon Dioxide levels to 350ppm–the number we need to save the planet–by making less polluting choices–like:
Walking, biking, carpooling, and using mass transit, as well as limiting travel by using communication technologies. Secondly, planting of deciduous trees to shade houses, since trees can remove fifty pounds of carbon from the air each year. Thirdly, replacing incandescent lights with energy efficient fluorescent bulbs or light fixtures. Fourthly, purchasing energy efficient appliances that display the Energy Star Label. Fifthly, turning off lights, televisions and other electronic devices when not in use. Sixthly, purchasing a fuel-efficient car or alternative fuel vehicle, like fuel cell vehicle or solar-powered vehicles; and persuade them to model these practices by committing to a life of voluntary simplicity and earth stewar