While we commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child, it is crucial to remember the myriad socioeconomic concerns that continue to thwart domestic progress. Climate change and environmental deterioration are intrinsically linked by their very natures. Environmental degradation has had unprecedented negative implications in both developed and developing countries over the last decade. Of particular interest, are developing countries whose development and growth are heavily reliant on the exploitation of natural resources. Since the vast majority of people in sub-Saharan Africa rely on rain-fed agriculture to make a living, the people of these regions have become increasingly vulnerable to climate change and are on the frontlines of this crisis.

Evidence suggests that climate change disproportionately impacts women. According to a 2015 report by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), the agricultural industry employs two-thirds of the female workforce in developing nations, with this percentage being higher in rural Africa. As primary caregivers, women face more hurdles as the resources become limited. Without acknowledging the issues that both men and women are facing, we run the risk of maintaining current gender and socioeconomic inequities, limiting the future potential of large sectors of the population.

In recent years, Tanzania has shown potential to enact policies and facilitate environmental sustainability campaigns. In order to better grasp the situation on the ground in Tanzania, we spoke with a young, environmental activist who has spent several recent years addressing socioeconomic implications of climate change. Caroline Chelsea Manyama is a graduate of the Sokoine University of Agriculture with a degree in Environmental Science and Management. She is a co-founder and managing director of the company ELCA Environmental Advisors, where she works to protect the environment, raise awareness, and provide opportunities for youth to train and work in the environmental sector. She kindly agreed to respond to some of our questions, and and below is a transcript of our interview:

What motivated you to pursue your current career path in Environmentalism?

Growing up, I was drawn to pursue a degree in environmental science and management. My primary motivation was to protect the environment, to ensure we have a sustainable ecosystem that can be enjoyed by future generations. I want to make the world a better place to live.

What would you say about global climate change as an environmental pioneer, and do you think there’s a chance we can stop it?

Climate change is a man-made plague that is wreaking havoc on our globe; it knows no bounds and it affects everyone, regardless of their role in causing it. Its consequences may be seen all over the world, from harsh droughts in Sub-Saharan Africa to extreme floods in New York City. All parts of the globe are vulnerable to climate change.

There definitely is an opportunity to change what is happening, mostly by restricting environmental exploitation and choosing more environmentally friendly alternatives while still meeting our daily needs. Governments should enact laws and policies that monitor such efforts and firmly enforce them, as well as ensuring effective waste management/disposal from houses to city areas, and use garbage to generate renewable energy, as Sweden, Norway, and Finland are successfully doing now.

We have noticed a surge in the quantity of rubbish and masks washed up on the beach recently. Could the pandemic have caused more harm or strained the environment?

It is a 50/50 situation, in my opinion. The better side of the pandemic is that it has made us understand how much human activity has polluted the environment, and it has served as a wake-up call to take immediate action to mitigate the effects of pollution. At the same time, it resulted in an unavoidable overuse of disposable masks, which ended up in water bodies and polluted the environment; however, this is not due to the pandemic, but rather to irresponsible end-user behaviour that needs to be addressed.

What are your thoughts on teenage or youth involvement in climate change? What do you think of their level of awareness regarding this issue? Do you think more education is needed?

Climate change is not well understood by the youth, and involvement of youth in climate change issues is insufficient because many do not aspire to work on climate change issues or understand the importance of environmental sustainability campaigns. Nevertheless, countless organisations are working tirelessly to inform kids about climate change. We hope that within the next 5 to 10 years, young people will view combating climate change and protecting the environment more as a necessity than a choice.

In your opinion, what role do youth play in climate change?

To me, the most important role that youth play is adaptability; youth are more adaptable and can quickly adapt to low-carbon lifestyle and career choices as part of their daily lives; they are innovative, which means that they can help shape the future; they play a critical role in decision-making; and they are the workforce required to combat climate change.

Do you believe that inspiring the youth is enough to accomplish this mission? 

No, we can provide information and training, but their resolve to persevere in this path must be greater than the motivation provided. I know individuals who have excelled in climate courses without getting a degree in the field. I believe that having youth who are environmentally conscious, regardless of what career path they choose, will have far more impact on the mission than simply motivating them.

Do you think climate change to be a real concern in Tanzania, based on current conditions?

Climate change is a serious issue for Tanzania. There has been an increase in strong rainfall events resulting in flooding, as well as an increase in temperatures (as you can see from the temperature levels at this time of year). According to the National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPA), agriculture, water, health, and energy are among the sectors most affected by climate change. Several of these sectors directly affect Tanzanians, such as agricultural productivity (agriculture is the country’s dominant industry), health impacts (cholera and malaria are on the rise), and so on.

Do we put enough emphasis in Tanzania on environmental sustainability and climate change?

We do not devote enough attention to it, though there are efforts being made by private organisations and the government. Climate change and environmental sustainability have not been high priorities for Tanzania; they are seen as a subsidy, so they are neglected. There has been some progress in incorporating climate change into policy making and introducing regulations that promote environmental sustainability, but they are still not on the priority list; however, we are hopeful that the emphasis will shift toward environmental sustainability and that we will move towards a more sustainable environment.

Does the country offer any solutions to the climate problem?

Several climate change solutions exist in the country; individuals and youth-led organisations that are working to resolve the country’s climate change challenges. Some of the most common options include recycling rubbish, providing renewable energy, drip irrigation, alternative energy solutions such as “mkaa mbadala”, reducing single-use plastics, and finding alternatives to plastics. Many environmental stakeholders are working to solve climate change, despite the fact that it is not widely known, and it meets the needs of the people.

Have you encountered any roadblocks so far? What solutions would be most beneficial to fulfilling this mission?

Yes, problems such as a lack of political will, community illiteracy, and behavioural change, as well as public resistance to change, have been encountered. All of these challenges can be addressed with government support for climate change. Rather than being an afterthought, this should be treated as a top priority. Second, continued efforts, public education, and outreach can all help reduce climate change illiteracy and raise public awareness.

We would like to thank Caroline Manyama for taking the time to answer our questions, and for the work that she puts in to spreading the word about climate change. We would also like to thank our very own Asmini Gombo and Success Hands (@SuccessHandsTz) for organising this interview and asking our questions to Caroline.