ESSAY: CLIMATE CHANGE, THE WORLD MORE VULNERABLE THAN EVER

Abstract
From contemporary mega-cities of socio-economic and political prosperity down to acephalous, remote, obscure traditional and cultural primordial societies, contemporary humanity desires green security.
Zimbabwe’s contribution to climate change is driven by carbon emissions from coal and thermal electricity production, vehicles and steam locomotives, farm and industrial processes, and poor solid waste management systems. Effects of global warming in Zimbabwe are infrastructural destruction due to floods, recurrent droughts, shifting of green zones and altering agricultural seasons. Climate change has direct and indirect effects that are affecting public health, water supply, land-use, and food security. Climate change threatens human life and claim to basic human rights. Industrialisation is important for global economic transformation and satisfying basic human needs, however, 21st century industrialisation must be driven by investment in alternative sources of energy and green technology.
Arguments posited are underpinned by empirical evidence that; climate change will affect, at a much greater level, the populations that are least able to deal with it. In the developing world, it will affect nations least able to respond to these stresses and threats. The essay delves into possible and current practical solutions that are being carried out by youths in Zimbabwe to address climate change.
Active engagement in climate change efforts by youths in the developing world epitomises a departure from the victim mentality. Youths have the energy, talents and ideas to reverse climate change. Youth initiatives and ideas must be implemented as a matter of urgency.

Introduction
Contemporary debate about the world today revolves around change,
It is change that promises to bring hope,
It is change that promises to guarantee human security,
It is change that promises economic transformation of the global economy,
However, at the same time it is change that threatens the world… to be precise, climate change!
Industrialisation and mass consumption are key to sustaining the world economy; however industrialisation today must be premised upon alternative sources of energy and investment in green technology. In reducing carbon emissions the concept of urbanisation must not be sacrificed. Cities offer opportunities for better access to health care, education, employment and personal development to citizens of the global south.
Unusual weather patterns threaten to construct a new paradigm in the understanding of weather phenomena. Zimbabwe now experiences summer seasons characterised by torrential rains within a short period of time and a largely dry summer season. Wet summer seasons have become infrequent and when they do occur they are characterised by abnormal rains.
Climate change impacts in Zimbabwe are related to food security, water supply, land-use, infrastructure and economic growth and development. The geographical location of Zimbabwe in the tropics makes it more vulnerable to shifting rainfall and agricultural patterns, water resources, vegetation and forestry resources. Climate change poses threats related to public health. Diseases such as dengue fever are moving into high altitude areas and Zimbabwe has become vulnerable.

The challenge that befalls young people today is about ideas. As young people today, we have an obligation towards international society. The obligation is based upon the realisation that we are the future, and the future has to be built today. The future can only be built and guaranteed by a robust and creative global youth. Youths are leaders and dealers; they lead in ideas and deal in ideas. This world is built on ideas and shall continue to be built on ideas.
Youths in the global south desire economic, environmental and political change. It is change that will usher in a new dispensation of economic transformation. However, in our desire for economic transformation we face climate change. In that respect, the word change has adopted an ambiguous definition to global youth, in that, it represents hope for global renewal and fear in terms of climate change.

As young people we have the potential and willpower to contribute towards the transformation of the social matrix of society. Youth leaders, like I, are part of the 21st century young African generational thinkers who seek to influence and lead social change processes rather than being targets of them.

Using an alternative and concerned voice, innovativeness and creative ingenuity young green and social entrepreneurs across the hemispherical divide must commit time to change processes, arising through a holistic approach that engages all aspects of culture at the grassroots to ensure acceptance and therefore sustainable green development.
Agriculture: food security under threat

“If Zimbabwe is to [become] the breadbasket of the SADC [Southern Africa Development Community] Region and meet the growing demands for food locally and regionally, the sustainable growth of the agricultural production sector should be given the highest priority in all national development programs [and such programmes must involve youths].” Matarira et al (2005)

Zimbabwe’s economy is largely agro-based. Agriculture contributes 16 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Agriculture is the most important sector of the economy supporting 80 percent of the population, with the rest of the economy being linked to agriculture through the manufacturing sector. Agriculture provides the bulk of raw materials that are required in manufacturing. In turn, manufacturing contributes about 25 percent of the GDP and employs 17 percent of the total employed labour force.
In Zimbabwe, climate change effects can be looked at from the following points,
· changes in land and water regimes that affect agricultural productivity;
· changes in crop yields;
· rural poverty increases as livelihoods are threatened.

The process of global warming has led to an average increase in temperatures. The increase in temperatures coupled with unpredictable and ever-changing rainfall patterns has led to the elimination of green zones in areas with fertile soils and the creation of new green zones in areas with infertile soils. Food crops are failing to adapt to changes in temperature and rainfall leading to crop failure and poor harvests.
Farmers in Zimbabwe and the world are unable to carry out advance agricultural planning because of altered agriculture seasons. The summer season in Zimbabwe now commences in December instead of October. It is becoming increasingly difficult for farmers to plan dates for planting and to prepare for the agriculture season.

Climate change poses challenges to Zimbabwe and the rest of the global south in terms of national and international food security. African countries that have the capacity to extricate the continent from the food crisis are either locked up in civil strife or are pre-occupied with efforts to stabilise their infant democracies. The global food crisis is an apparent threat to human security. There is need for young people to act globally since we live in a globalised environment. Concerns of young people in Seoul, South Korea are also concerns of young people in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe as far as climate change is concerned. For example in January and February 2009, the world witnessed a devastating outbreak of dengue fever in Santa Cruz, Bolivia and a scorching heatwave in Australia. In that respect, young people in the developed world have as much a bigger role to play in mitigating effects of climate change as youths in the developing world.
Young people need to come together and engage in global green entrepreneurship. Young people can engage in a global transfer of skills, technology and knowledge to mitigate and reverse climate change. Young people in Zimbabwe are a huge untapped skills resource. Youths must establish organisations with a special focus to address environmental issues, improve farming methods and systems and advocate for private and public investment in green technology.
Currently, there are few organisations involved in environmental and agricultural extension services work in Zimbabwe and their activities are low key. This is hampering efforts aimed at improving agricultural systems and environmental preservation. In essence, few people understand the concept of climate change in Zimbabwe and its effects.
To improve food production, youths must initiate and lead the following intervention strategies,
develop and promote a new concept of national and local food self-sufficiency. This strategy must focus on family and local processes of food production to achieve national and household food security and production self-sufficiency.
engage in food production with a view to transform food productivity to increase food supplies and achieve equitable food security
lead advocacy calls for food policy reforms in the context of climate change
agricultural practice management changes, encourage the use of organic fertilisers and short-season variety seeds to ensure fast maturation of crops in a largely unpredictable climate. For example a youth-led farming initiative in Victoria falls, Zimbabwe is using elephant dung to create organic fertilisers.
in areas previously characterised by average to above average rainfall amounts, the dominant agricultural activity has been crop production, more so, maize, which is the staple crop. With climate change these areas may begin to receive below average rainfall and thus it will be unviable to grow maize. In such cases there is need for adaptiveness on the part of the farmer and diversify and, engage in other agricultural activities suitable for low-rainfall receiving areas such as livestock rearing and small grains production that mainly consist of drought resistant crops. The opposite is also true for areas that were once dry.
education and agricultural extensions services shall form the core of this strategy. There is need for young people to reach out to farmers and deliver this information and also enlighten the populace on climate change.
Agriculture and the economy
Between 2050 and 2100 it is predicted that temperatures in Zimbabwe will rise by a margin of between 2 degrees Celsius and 4 degrees Celsius and rainfall will decrease by between 10 percent and 21 percent. Mean temperature and rainfall estimates have been predicted using global climate models (GCMs). Further reductions in rainfall and sustained increases in temperature will make farming a non-viable business for Zimbabwean farmers. This has negative consequences for the agro-based economy.
Therefore there is need for private-public partnerships that will develop sound and sustainable policies that will help farmers adapt to these changes and ensure economic transformation.
Private-public partnerships can be further extended to investment in harvesting groundwater and rainwater. Groundwater provides a viable solution to water provision for domestic and agricultural activities in the event of water shortages in both urban and rural areas.
Water is life and sustains lives: Climate change a real threat to human existance
My hometown, the city of Bulawayo is constantly hit by water shortages due to recurrent droughts. Water shortages have resulted in the paralysis of the public health system and industry. Public institutions such as health centres and schools at times have to suspend operations due to the unavailability of water.
Zimbabwe derives a significant amount of her national electricity requirements from water. Climate change poses greater challenges in this regard as precipitation levels may substantial fall resulting in less water in dams thus a decrease in power generation.
In solving this challenge there is need to construct more dams to ensure maximum water harvesting of rainwater and storage. Water stored in dams can be used to generate power in the future should the need arise. Conserved water can be used to irrigate crops, in seasons were rains are poor.
Climate Change Axis of Evil: Infrastructural destruction, tropical diseases and human mortality
“Cyclone Nargis slammed in Mynmar’s Irrawaddy delta, causing catastrophic destruction and a death toll estimated at over 146 000”
(Sunday Times- South African Edition, 28 December 2008, p15)
Some provinces in Zimbabwe such as Matabeleland North are prone to Malaria. High temperatures and incessant rains during rare and infrequent wet seasons have led to an upsurge in Malaria cases in this district. Malaria cases are now being recorded in high altitude areas in Zimbabwe. Young people must engage in outreach campaigns to raise awareness on the disease and prevention strategies in new malaria prone areas.
Incessant rains within a short period have further strained a badly managed public health system. Zimbabwe suffered a cholera outbreak that was worsened by incessant rains. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) cholera claimed over 3 000 lives and infected over 60 000 people during the 2008/09 summer season.
To improve sanitation, young people in Zimbabwe can build sanitary blair toilets. Blair toilets are a cost effective means of addressing human waste disposal in overcrowded high-density settlements in both formal and informal settlements. Blair toilets are a mitigatory strategy addressing sanitary effects of global climate change.
Scorching temperatures have led to an increase in cases of heat stress and eye cataracts. To address this challenge young people must mobilise resources and engage in acts of socio-medical entrepreneurship.
Floods and torrential rains have left a trail of destruction in their path in Zimbabwe. Cyclone Eline in 2000 destroyed bridges, roads and schools. This has affected the socio-economic systems of Zimbabwe. Youths in urban centres are engaged in social entrepreneurship activities such as repairing pothole-ridden roads. This act by youths in Zimbabwe demonstrates the power of youth civil authority in tackling challenges that beset us today. Young people offer technical expertise and labour to expedite the reconstruction process. Philanthropic groups at educational, religious and social institutions can further extend their activities to include civil protection in cases of natural calamities.
The new threat: national and global political instability

"If not handled properly, this [climate change] crisis could result in a cascade of others ... and become a multidimensional problem affecting economic growth, social progress and even political security around the world"
Ban Kin Moon, United Nations Secretary General (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/apr/21/food.unitednations)

Politics is about hope and fear. Climate change, if not properly handled brings about fear. In Zimbabwe, where the economy is sustained by agriculture, failure in the agriculture sector might spell doom to political stability. A hungry nation is an angry and politically restive nation. Therefore, climate change poses a real threat to national security in Zimbabwe and fuels terrorism internationally.

In solving this crisis one may propose the following;
§ the transformation and broadening of the economic base. Zimbabwe must broaden her economic base to ensure that economic growth and development is not solely based on agriculture. Zimbabwe has a lot of potential in sectors such as mining, tourism and manufaturing.
§ youth must actively participate in leadership transformation and development programmes. Zimbabwe and the developing world must seek to develop and nurture a new generation of leaders and visionary thinkers who shall transform the social, economic, environmental and political landscape.

The years 2007–2008 saw dramatic rises in world food prices, creating a global crisis and causing socio-economic instability and social unrest in both poor and developed nations. Food shortages result in high food prices which inturn lead to violence.Systemic causes for the worldwide increases in food prices continue to be the subject of debate. Initial causes of the late 2006 price spikes included unseasonal droughts in grain-producing nations.

Young people in Zimbabwe and the world must engage in debate and be active participants in the formulation of national and global policies that will aid the economic transformation of Zimbabwe and the world, so that globally we can be in a position to circumvent economic effects posed by global climate change. This challenge is incumbent upon global youth, for example, from the catbird seat of modern Tokyo, members of Japan's shinjirui (new human race) have much to ponder also. Following their parent's economic, industrial and technological transformation miracle, where next will they take Japan? What environmental policies and investment in green technology are they going to invest in to address global warming?
A new era of responsibility: perspective on fossil fuels management
“We will roll back the spectre of a warming planet” Barack H Obama
As global citizens we have a responsibility to work towards sustainable development moreso in the age of globalisation, were we are constantly reminded of our interdependence with others. The actions of individuals or institutions in one part of the world can, and do, have significant consequences for people elsewhere.

"Responsibility does not only lie with the leaders of our countries or with those who have been appointed or elected to do a particular job. It lies with each of us individually …” The Dalai Lama
Coal is one of the fossil fuels that produce methane and carbon. The production, transportation and processing of coal is a major component in the economic development of Zimbabwe. The Hwange thermal power station produces 920 Mega Watts (Zhakata, 2004:12) of electricity, which powers homes and industry in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe also exports some of her power to neighbouring countries. Again, coal is used to cure tobacco in farms, to power steam locomotives and for heating and cooking.
Reduction in coal production must be gradual and replaced by alternative green friendly sources of energy, chief among them hydroelectric power. There is also need to decentralise energy infrastructure and this requires a new emphasis on development and regeneration of our cities.
The Land reform programme versus land-use conservation
The land reform programme in Zimbabwe has brought with it a number of challenges that are related to global warming. Most of the newly resettled farmers are poor and therefore cannot afford to draw electricity to their homes. Therefore, they use wood to fuel all farm and domestic related processes. This has set in motion desertification and thus increasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere which leads to global warming.
Youth led and focused initiatives in Zimbabwe, must ensure that the general populace in Zimbabwe receives critical information on how to use coal and coal by-products in an environmentally friendly manner. Youth capacity building in this case shall form the core and basis of this intervention strategy. Youths who have graduated from high school and tertiary institutions can volunteer their time and work in urban and rural communities raising awareness on environment issues. Education and awareness programmes are a cost effective way of addressing global warming at local level.
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Nelson Mandela
In addition young people must actively engage in afforestation activities in their respective institutions of learning and communities. Newly resettled farmers must be encouraged to invest and use alternative environmentally friendly sources of energy such as solar power.
Solid waste management in the city of Bulawayo presents a cumbersome challenge in relation to climate change. Due to the failure by the local authority to regularly collect solid waste management from domestic households, undesignated landfills are being created around formal human settlements in the city. There are no proper solid waste management systems at these undesignated landfills and residents burn the solid waste. This has the effect of increasing the amount of carbon in the atmosphere.
It is against this backdrop that I propose the following method to deal with solid waste. Young people in the city can organise door-to-door campaigns encouraging residents to reuse and recycle potential waste. In addition to this some of the domestic solid waste can be turned into artifacts, this shall provide means for economic sustenance for unemployed youths.
Local authorities can improve efficiency in the disposal and recycling of solid waste by privatising solid waste management. The city of New Delhi, India has privatised solid waste management with excellent results.
The future: Opportunities for forging and strengthening global ties in tackling climate change

“Twixt the optimist and pessimist. The difference is droll: the optimist sees the doughnut, but the pessimist sees the hole.” McLandburgh Wilson
We sometimes emphasise the danger in a crisis without focusing on opportunities. We must feel a great sense of urgency because climate change is the most dangerous crisis we have ever faced. However, it also provides us with opportunities to do a lot of things we ought to be doing for other reasons. In order to solve this crisis we can develop a shared sense of moral purpose.

Zimbabwe’s industrial capacity is currently diminished and this provides a good opportunity to plan ahead for the future. There are some greenhouse gases that are not naturally occurring which include byproducts of foam production, refrigeration and air conditioning called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), as well as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs) generated by industrial processes.
(http://www.epa.gov/globalwarming/climate/index.htm)
Eventually, when Zimbabwe and the rest of the less industrialised world does fully industrialise we need to have developed alternatives to the use of the above-mentioned gases. Young people in tertiary institutions in Zimbabwe must engage in scientific and social research of green technology options to power industries. Research and development of alternative sources of green energy must pre-occupy the best of our youth minds in tertiary institutions. At my university they are a number of student clubs and societies drawn from different faculties. These clubs work towards tackling social, economic, technological, environmental and political challenges that affect contemporary Zimbabwe and the world.
Industrialisation is the backbone of most developed economies; therefore in the stages towards attaining economic growth, self-sufficiency and mass consumption, Zimbabwe shall embrace industrialisation. It is estimated that by 2030 there will be more cars in use in the developing world than the developed world. Therefore developing countries must enact legislation and engage in technological renewal and transformation to guard against greenhouse gases emissions. Energy efficient cars must be developed in addition to establishing a reliable and energy efficient public transportation system. An excellent public transport system shall form the basis of encouraging public transport over private transport.
Popular youth culture, media and arts as non-formal pedagogical techniques aimed at raising awareness and calling for the reversal of climate change

“Art [and dramaturgy are] not a mirror held up to reality, but a hammer with which to shape it [and chart a better future].” Anon
Climate change themes should start to be embraced and produced in drama, poetry, music, film, debate, prose, public speaking, sculptures, paintings and other aspects of popular culture in the same way some of the great challenges that have beset the world have been addressed through the media and arts.
Climate change in Zimbabwe must be treated with urgency as other pressing issues affecting the nation-state such as malaria, tuberculosis, governance, human rights, HIV and Aids. Issues highlighted above are being addressed using various media and art forms. Bulawayo is teeming with a number of arts groups. The majority of practitioners in the arts industry in Zimbabwe are youths. It is against this backdrop that I believe that arts and media have a greater role in raising awareness, educating and encouraging community participation in solving climate change.
As a media and arts practitioner I envisage the development of lines, themes and specific scripts of popular radio and television productions such as movies, soap operas and dramas written on, depicting and about climate change.

The need to explore effects of climate change on marine life and our waters

As an extension, it is imperative to look and study changes in the aquatic environment across the globe. Climate change has the potential to affect marine life; their individual and collective assemblage. Due to climate change it is possible that we might have marine life migrating to new habitats. This will affect fishing industries and livelihoods dependent on our waters. In Zimbabwe, communities close to the mighty Zambezi river may fall victim if such a situation would occur as it would affect livelihoods and means to economic sustenance.
Understanding such processes is an aim for current and future work and will give insights into the responses of communities to global climate change. Case studies of particular environments further stress such, for instance, coral reefs, Atlantic fishing grounds, the pacific coast of South America and coastlines (Graves and Reaves, 1996).
Young Zimbabweans with an interest in marine biology should extend their research scope to include research on potential effects of climate change on marine life and suggest possible mitigatory and preventive intervention strategies.

Conclusion
Regardless of what part of the world you live in, it is quite likely you have noticed, or have been directly affected by some unusual weather patterns in recent years. In 1998 alone, for example, eighty separate natural catastrophes were recorded in different parts of the world. Climate change effects range from educational, social, health, information and communications infrastructural destruction; public health; tropical diseases driven by high temperatures and rainfall such as dengue fever are reported to be moving into high altitude areas. It extends to national and international security concerns, threat to human life and denial of basic human rights.
It is against this background that youth across the world need to harness their collective energies and talents and come up with practical ideas in combating climate change. The role of young people in the developed and developing world is to actively engage socio-green entrepreneurship and continuously lobby their respective governments to enact legislation that regulates carbon emissions and to call industry to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Resolutions of the Earth summit and provisions of the Kyoto protocol must guide policy on carbon emissions reduction. The world needs to reduce further carbon emissions than what is stipulated under the Kyoto protocol. This is our responsibility today for a better tomorrow. Global youth citizens are the vanguard of sustainable development.