by Rachel Brooks Humans have been farming for more than 12,000 years, yet no period of history has seen agricultural practice evolve more quickly than that since the First World War. Work by German chemist Fritz Haber at the turn of the twentieth century on fixing that most elusive component of the air around us… Read the full article >
Climate Change Case Studies Series: Farmer, Rwanda
As we enter the new year, we are continuing to use our platform to share the voices of those on the frontline of climate change. This month, we hear from Gaudance; a 50 year old farmer who lives in rural Rwanda and has seen an array of impacts caused by increasingly severe changes to the… Read the full article >
Climate Change Case Studies Series: Project Manager, Rwandans4Water
Up next in our Climate Change Case Studies Series, we hear from Francois Xavier Murinda, a Project Manager from Rwandans4Water, who oversees our borehole projects in Rwanda. Rwandans4Water are an NGO providing training and support to communities for efforts in environment, water, sanitation and hygiene.
Climate Change Case Studies Series: Senior Environment Officer, Kaliro, Uganda
To continue our Climate Change Case Studies Series, we hear from the Senior Environment Officer in Kaliro District, Uganda. CO2balance work closely with government officials throughout safe water projects, from determining which boreholes require rehabilitation to engaging with communities and encouraging them to maintain the functionality of the borehole. To date, CO2balance have rehabilitated 70… Read the full article >
Climate Change Case Studies Series – sharing the unheard voices
This week, discussions continue at COP26 as the conference shines a light on the climate crisis and it’s devastating impacts across the globe. As an organisation that is working to reduce the impact of carbon emissions on our climate whilst improving the lives of those that are on the frontline of the changing climate, we… Read the full article >
Kenya: 2021 Mangrove Planting Underway
CO2balance, in partnership with Natural Capital Partners, are targeting a massive 200,000 trees planted in this year’s planting season. The mangrove rehabilitation project, which saw 54,400 trees planted in 2020, is back underway for 2021. The project is situated along Mtwapa Creek, Kenya and supports two mangrove rehabilitation groups; Abent and Comensum. The groups are… Read the full article >
A small change can make a big difference…
Small alterations can cause large-scale, irreversible changes and, in the case of the climate, this can cause a dramatic shift to an entire climate system. Scientific evidence suggests that irreversible changes in the Earth’s climate systems are underway, meaning we are in a state of planetary emergency. Scientists commonly refer to ‘tipping points’ in this… Read the full article >
Keeping Carbon Locked Up: Realising the Benefits of Our Peatlands
It’s easy to dismiss the earth beneath our feet, but the soil we walk on may have potential for storing significant amounts of carbon. For example, in the UK, the peatlands have been referred to as the ‘UK’s rainforests’ as they act as an important carbon store. Peat is found in almost every country on… Read the full article >
Lockdown emissions and the potential for a green recovery
Emission reductions caused by COVID-19 restrictions From early 2020, when lockdowns were enforced to slow the spread of COVID-19, the effects of reduced emissions were witnessed all over the world. News stories of reduced air pollution in China and clear waterways in Venice circulated the internet. One study found that during the peak of global… Read the full article >
Kilifi Community Mangrove Project Underway
Globally, mangrove deforestation occurs at a rate of 0.17% per year. This equates to roughly 24 million tonnes of CO2 lost to the atmosphere each year. To compare, Myanmar’s annual emissions are of a similar scale[1]. Mangrove ecosystems are hugely beneficial both in terms of carbon storage and the ecosystem services they provide. Mangroves provide… Read the full article >
Earth Day 2020
22 April 2020 marks 50 years of Earth Day, a movement which began in the USA as a unified response to an environment hurtling towards irreparable damage. The past year has seen Climate Change arguably entering the media mainstream for the first time. Activists like Greta Thunberg have provided a focal point behind which people… Read the full article >
Safe Water Project Implementation in Kono and Kenema Districts, Sierra Leone
CO2balance began exploring the feasibility of a safe water project in Sierra Leone in 2018. We have partnered with local NGO ‘Community Organisation for Development and Empowerment – Sierra Leone’ (CODE-SL), based in Bo, who are experienced in delivering high-impact WASH and development projects in the Eastern Province. The CO2balance Safe Water Projects is the… Read the full article >
Economic Development and Opportunities for Entrepreneurialism Through Safe Water: The Story of Jaspher and Susan in Lango sub region, Uganda
Jaspher Opio is a proud beneficiary of the CO2balance Safe Water project in Lango sub region, Northern Uganda. Jaspher lives in a village called Agengi in Dokolo District. He and his wife Susan have two children and 5 dependents. Susan and the family collect water from Aminalucu Borehole which is 250 meters away from their… Read the full article >
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Training in Kaliro, Uganda
In May, CO2balance in-country partner WAACHA conducted WASH training in Kaliro District, Uganda. The purpose of the annual training is to sensitise the communities on important issues such as keeping the area around the borehole clean and storing water correctly. The training takes place every year to reinforce these values. These important visits ensure that… Read the full article >
The Wide-Ranging Impacts of Clean Water: The Story of Gloria
The CO2balance team in Uganda conduct monthly visits to the boreholes to visit the communities, listen to feedback and carry out repairs. In February they met Gloria, who is the caretaker of Aminalucu borehole in Dokolo District, Northern Uganda. Gloria is 39 and married with 5 children. She lives in Dokolo District – Lango, Northern… Read the full article >