New and Larger Wave of Locusts Threaten East Africa and Beyond

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Before the current pandemic that the world is battling, East Africa and neighbouring regions of the globe experienced the biggest locust infestation in the past 70 years. That event was devastating. Then the Covid-19 pandemic started to move across the globe. And just as a viral plague can resurface if adequate measures are not taken and sustained for a long enough period of time to interrupt the spread of the virus, the locusts have returned. The locust plague has reappeared in East Africa and is said to be 20 times the strength of the earlier infestations.

The Fight for Food

Billions of young, hungry locusts are swarming across the continent from their breeding grounds in Somalia. As the summer season is fast approaching, fresh, young vegetation is starting to flourish with the help of the seasonal rains.

Rural people are in a double whammy situation, needing to protect their crops by whatever means are available while the spread of coronavirus is over-shadowing them as well. The fight for food will win out over the fight for prevention of the virus. Its another catch-22 where humanity suffers from infection or dies of starvation. These are impossible situations in which to have to make choices. The most destructive impact obviously wins out.

The nations affected include Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan. The swarms have also been sighted in Djibouti, Eritrea, Tanzania and the Congo.

Village farmers have very limited means of defeating the locusts and driving the swarms off their lands onto neighbouring lands. The farmers even resort to bang metal pots and pans, throwing stones, and whistling and shouting. Others merely watch and stare. Their main crop is a starch-food, cassava that helps ward off the village people from starvation.

The Role of Climate Change

The UN Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) attributes the locust infestations partly due to the change in the regional climate. In other words, climate change. New swarms keep appearing because of the ideal breeding conditions. These favourable conditions could last through May, meaning that more swarms of the locusts could appear during the harvest months, June and July.

To counterattack the locust swarms, the UN is appealing for financial aid to be freed up and made available for combat measures. The young or juvenile locusts are far more voracious that the mature adult locusts. The scientists, satellite information analysts to be precise, at the Nairobi-based Climate Prediction and Application Centre are analyzing satellite imagery.

The Difficult Fight Against Locust Swarms

The ability to fight the swarms with the spraying of pesticide is severely restricted by the Covid-19 regulations that have significant restrictions on travel and delivery of the much needed pesticides. The dilemma is which infestation takes precedence. Field verification of the severity of the locust swarms is also hampered majorly. Overall, the world is stretched to its limits dealing with the global pandemic that other regional plagues are not receiving the attention that they also need in terms of combating the devastating situation.

The extent of these swarms is vast, that aerial top-spraying is the best option but there are border control issues as well as the challenges of securing aerial flight crews and delivery of pesticides via road or air. There is major concern, that the importation of pesticides from suppliers around the globe is also hampered by the interruptions in international cargo shipments during this pandemic.

Bottom Line

The food security in East African nations are seriously threatened by crop devastation, loss of pasture cover used as fodder for livestock and forest cover could also be denuded. The final note of gloom is that these swarms are appearing in regions previously not subjected to locusts.

The solutions are not obvious while the situation is dire for all concerned individuals. Researchers prefer to write on situations and propose solutions or at least recommendations. In this case, nature is proving stronger humankind in its ability, not to control, but even to work with nature.

How to Use Your Whirlpool Bath More Sustainably

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We all know that whirlpool baths are truly a luxurious addition to any home bathroom. They offer a relaxing and soothing experience – an experience we all need in our ever-hectic and demanding lives. However, we also know that whirlpool baths can be quite energy-intensive and, thus, can significantly impact the environment. But fortunately for you, if you’re concerned about your environmental impact but still want to enjoy your whirlpool bath, there are several ways to use it more sustainably and in a more eco-friendly manner. So how can you use your whirlpool bath in a more sustainable way? Let’s learn more about it, shall we?

eco-friendly ways to use whirlpool bath

Choose a model that’s energy-efficient

The good news is that whirlpool baths are now more energy-efficient. For instance, you can look for models with a high Energy Factor or EF rating or are ‘Energy Star’ -certified. An Energy Star-certified whirlpool bath can save up to 60% in energy expenses compared to a standard model. Meanwhile, the EF or Energy Factor rating indicates the model’s energy efficiency, with higher ratings indicating greater efficiency.

2. Use eco-friendly cleaning products

When cleaning your whirlpool bath, choose eco-friendly cleaning products. Harsh and strong chemicals can damage the bath’s surface – and even worse, harm the environment. You can instead opt for natural cleaning solutions such as lemon juice, vinegar, or baking soda. These natural cleaners are not only effective – they are also safe and environmentally friendly.

3. Fill the bath with cold water

In order to save energy, fill the bath with cold water as opposed to hot water. With this, you can reduce the energy required to heat the water, saving you money and reducing your environmental impact.

4. Limit the amount of water you use

To reduce water usage, only fill the tub with the amount of water you will need. In other words, avoid overfilling the bath, as this wastes water and can put additional strain on the motor of the whirlpool. If you want, you can use a bucket to measure the amount of water you require before turning on the jets.

5. Use the timer function

Most whirlpool baths today come with a timer function that allows you to set the amount of time the jets will run. You can use this function to limit the time the jets are running. Keep in mind that the longer the jets run, the more energy they consume.

6. Opt for a water-saving showerhead

If your whirlpool bath comes with a showerhead, consider replacing it with a water-saving showerhead. This can help you reduce the water used during your bath, saving you money and decreasing your environmental impact.

7. Don’t forget to maintain your whirlpool bath

Regular upkeep and maintenance are crucial to keeping your whirlpool bath operating efficiently. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance, and have the unit serviced regularly by a professional. When you have a unit that is well-maintained and cleaned regularly, your whirlpool bath will use less energy and last for a longer time, reducing the need for parts replacements.