‘The Earth Is Important Too’, a new book highlighting the effect of climate change on humanity, has been launched in Lagos.
Written by Irish-Nigerian model and environmentalist, Susan Garland, the book examines causes of climate change and also proffers solutions to the problem.
Speaking at the presentation on Sunday, May 10, Garland, said it was worrisome that some Africans don’t believe in the existence of climate change and its harmful effects on humanity.
She noted that despite some people’s scepticism, climate issues like flooding, drought and loss of biodiversity leading to infectious diseases, are rife in Africa.
The environmentalist disclosed that after the book launch, her foundation, Beyond Garland Initiative, would commence tree planting projects across the world to plant a million trees.
Garland, who listed Japan, Philippines, Germany, Madagascar, India, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Rwanda, Canada and the Fiji Islands as vulnerable to the effects of climate change, said some of them would benefit from her tree-planting project.
“We would go to these countries as we make sales on this book. We are selecting six of them to plant trees and to also make sure that the impact of climate change is eased. It is important to note that each book sale equals two trees planted,” she said.
The ten-chapter ‘The Earth Is Important Too’ explores the effects of climate change in Africa, the impact of biodiversity in the Middle East, and the activities of companies regarding fossil fuel emission. It also reflects on politicisation of climate change, agriculture and the climate change controversy as well as the government’s response to climate change.
The book also proffers answers to the question of what lies ahead, noting that humanity needs to stop activities that cause climate change.
Garland said, “We should all gather around to have a proper discussion about the big elephant in the room. That is the earth, and how we can protect it. The ball is in our court. We have to make sure that we reduce, we reuse, we recycle, and we have to make sure that the generations to come will not have worse adverse effects climate change that we haven’t even experienced yet.”