Green project launched after earth tremor

GSSA Chairperson Lungani Mthembu said it had been the organisation’s wish to empower local communities with insight to the issues surrounding environmental awareness and climate change in particular, Zululand Observer reported.

“I think the earth tremor came at the right time, and this will enhance our campaign of opening the eyes of the South African population regarding climate change and its consequences. Floods, droughts and earthquakes are often a result of global warming,” he said.

Mthembu said his organisation, made up of young entrepreneurs, will use social media and word of mouth to galvanise the public to embark on clean-up campaigns.

“The problem facing this country is huge. The country is running out of water, and only 2% of fresh water is available for human consumption,” Mthembu said.

He added many South Africans, particularly those living in the uThungulu district, depend on recycled water from sewage purification stations.

“The danger,” Mthembu says “Is that there are so many negative health problems related to this, as there is a high level of chemical usage in the purification process.”

“Water is another natural resource that is needed by all living organisms on earth, and the manner in which many exploit this natural resource fuels the current problem.”

Mthembu’s partner Christopher Sakhile Mkhize, who is the organisation’s Treasurer, added the burning of fossil fuels by big industries also had a negative environmental impact.

“We wish to plead with these companies who pollute the quality of our air to stop this, as they appear to be driven by greed and accumulating wealth. Similarly we as humans also contribute by failing to reduce the number of vehicles on the road and don’t use public transport when going to work.”

Both youngsters believe this can reduce pollution and save many lives.

“We want to reach out to rural communities, as many of them cut down trees, not knowing there is a mutual benefit between humans and plants,” Mkhize said.

Read More: 3.1 magnitude earth tremor hits parts of Durban

– Caxton News Service