The Zimbabwean Gardener Issue 10 Spring 2014 | Page 3

Welcome letter
There is

no time

like the

present!

Do you ever sit and wonder about what lies ahead for our future generations? When
I say future, I am not saying a thousand years from now, where we imagine everyone
to be wearing slinky grey suits and flying about in cars; I am talking about your
grandchildren or great grandchildren’s future. If you look back a hundred years or
less, you can see how much our world has changed - and so rapidly. Technology has
been a big contributing factor towards the rapid change we have seen.
Unfortunately, as this technology has advanced so quickly, there have been
some major drawbacks, which have come with it – one of the biggest being CO2
emissions! We are all partly to blame for this, some countries more than others, due
to the ever-increasing factories, power plants and the number of cars on the road.
Have you thought much about the negative effects that emissions bring, such as
the devastating effects of climate change?
In the beginning of August, I was invited to Berlin on a fascinating fact finding trip
with several other journalists. One of our visits was to the Potsdam Institute for
Climate Impact Research where we were updated on the effects that climate change
might have on Southern African. The results weren’t exactly pleasing, if anything
dismal - we are in for a hotter and drier climate in Zimbabwe! By 2100, they say
summer mean temperatures are projected to increase by at least 1°C and up to 4°C
in Southern Africa and our rainfall (October to March) is projected to decrease by
at least 5-10%*. With the combination of increasing temperatures and less rainfall,
the results may not be very pleasant; food production could be affected and
consequently food security and rural livelihoods. Yet the most worrying is going to
be the lack of water.
In fact, I am sure many of you are aware of the changes affecting us already, but
can you imagine what your grandchildren will have to endure? Not a very pleasant
thought! So, how can we make a difference to our future generations or even to our
future?
Unfortunately, we cannot change the damage emissions have done but you can be
realistic and change certain everyday habits to make our and their life easier.

“Let us make sure that future generations
write our biography.”
Amit Kalantri

Sans Souci
Potsdam, Germany

r
e in fod
r
We a ter an
a hot limate in
c
drier babwe!
Zim

So what can we do to make a difference? Well, the answer is obvious, we have to
start using more sustainable techniques now, such as changing the way we garden
to more water wise landscaping and techniques, conserving water by using grey
water or setting up rain harvesting systems, teaching our children about sustainable
gardening. And if you are thinking, where do I begin? Simple compost and mulching
is a great place to start!
Even with at least a 50% chance of the El Niño developing, and thus the possibility
of drought this summer, there’s no time better than the present to start changing
your habits.
Happy gardening!

Kari

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*Dr. K Waha, Research Scientist in Research Domain, “Climate Impacts & Vulnerabilities”

Potsdam Institute
for Climate Impact
Research
3