To celebrate Earth Day on 22 April this year, CapeNature produced a captivating video with the young environmental ambassador, Mbali, explaining what climate change is and how it is linked to waste.

The international theme this year is “Invest in Our Planet.” It speaks specifically to action towards mitigating climate change.

Every time a new product is made from raw materials, energy is used, meaning more fossil fuels are burned. The more fossil fuels that are burned, the more carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. Excess carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases blanket the Earth, trapping the sun’s heat, causing global warming and essentially climate change.

The world is now warming faster than at any point in recorded history. For more than 800 000 years greenhouse gases have made up approximately 200 to 280 parts per million. In the past century, this has jumped to over 400 parts per million. Climate change will bring about increased floods, storms, and drought, disrupting ecosystems that we depend on, increasing infectious diseases.

Preventing waste and recycling is therefore effective at reducing greenhouse gas emissions that result from energy consumption. When we buy less or reuse products, less energy is needed to extract, transport, and process materials to manufacture. We can all play our part by reducing our waste.

To participate in community waste workshops or clean-ups please email learning@capenature.co.za