Earth Day 2015; Protecting the earth

As the 45th observance of Earth Day was celebrated 0n April 22, I  reflected on the significance of this year’s theme, “It’s our turn to lead”.  Our world is under unprecedented threat.  Climate change is rapidly altering the environment on an extraordinary scale with oceans rising and ecosystems changing forever. 

Illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing is emptying our oceans of sustenance on which literally billions of people depend.  Habitat loss, poaching and wildlife trafficking threaten not only iconic species such as elephants and rhinoceros, but lesser known ones such as pangolins and monk seals. 

Here in Ghana and throughout West Africa, the situation is perhaps even more critical.  Growing seasons and rains are becoming increasingly unreliable, threatening farmers and their livelihoods; rivers that provide drinking water to millions are polluted by rampant illegal mining using dangerous chemicals; beaches and fishermen’s nets are clogged with plastic ba