viii
Foreword
Today, we are far from meeting the 17 Sustainable Development Goals 1 (SDGs)
set by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Ironically, Akinsemolu first highlights the 17th goal: the need for partnership in turning these goals
into our greatest accomplishments. Although some think of humanity as owning the
planet, much of humankind has long viewed itself as stewards of the Earth. Yet,
we have damaged the ozone layer, destroyed forests, littered the marine world, and
threatened the animal kingdom. This text illuminates the path towards repairing this
relationship with our environment by working together towards a more sustainable
future. Akinsemolu takes an aspirational approach and reminds us that anyone can
join the effort.
The book offers immediate actions that the individual can take. Akinsemolu
adopts a practical approach which examines how everyday activities affect climate,
ecosystems, and more. As such, the book presents both a top-down methodology
and a grassroots vision. While covering broad topics, the text offers practices for
readers to put into action in their everyday lives. It is an invitation to explore the
mindset of sustainability and take action. A consistent source of inspiration and
illustration throughout the text is the use of examples of sustainability contributions.
Each chapter highlights a prime example of a single person’s ability to bring about
a greater balance with the environment.
This text is not a stand-alone effort. It is born within a culture of progress towards
sustainability. The book enriches a global movement while highlighting efforts in
Africa. Africa has seen examples of substantial initiatives towards sustainability
and Green living. One such example is the Green Institute in Nigeria, which
aims to “build the next generation of sustainability innovators through education,
advocacy, and social entrepreneurship.” This type of education will prove vital
to global sustainability. Indeed, a 2016 Forbes report by Amy Jadesimi stated
that Nigeria “lies on the cusp of greatness” as the country has an abundance of
resources and an economy which has grown annually. One way this is becoming a
reality is through education that challenges traditional forms of education, which at
times have thwarted the progress of humanity. This text carries the same spirit of
presenting an updated conversation on the topic of sustainability.
Akinsemolu views sustainability as progress. The benefits are manifold when
social, economic, and environmental equilibrium is found. Applying sound principles of sustainability science is needed to avoid damaging Earth, our home, and the
life and civilization on it. With this in mind, it is my hope that this text becomes a
standard choice for inclusion in the education of readers globally on the challenges
and threats to sustainability and the best practices to protect the environment and
promote a balanced ecosystem.
The material and educational approach in this book are past due. At this stage,
we must live in a more green and sustainable manner if we are to thrive. We must
1 https://www.undp.org/content/dam/undp/library/corporate/brochure/SDGs_Booklet_Web_En.
pdf.
Foreword
Today, we are far from meeting the 17 Sustainable Development Goals 1 (SDGs)
set by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Ironically, Akinsemolu first highlights the 17th goal: the need for partnership in turning these goals
into our greatest accomplishments. Although some think of humanity as owning the
planet, much of humankind has long viewed itself as stewards of the Earth. Yet,
we have damaged the ozone layer, destroyed forests, littered the marine world, and
threatened the animal kingdom. This text illuminates the path towards repairing this
relationship with our environment by working together towards a more sustainable
future. Akinsemolu takes an aspirational approach and reminds us that anyone can
join the effort.
The book offers immediate actions that the individual can take. Akinsemolu
adopts a practical approach which examines how everyday activities affect climate,
ecosystems, and more. As such, the book presents both a top-down methodology
and a grassroots vision. While covering broad topics, the text offers practices for
readers to put into action in their everyday lives. It is an invitation to explore the
mindset of sustainability and take action. A consistent source of inspiration and
illustration throughout the text is the use of examples of sustainability contributions.
Each chapter highlights a prime example of a single person’s ability to bring about
a greater balance with the environment.
This text is not a stand-alone effort. It is born within a culture of progress towards
sustainability. The book enriches a global movement while highlighting efforts in
Africa. Africa has seen examples of substantial initiatives towards sustainability
and Green living. One such example is the Green Institute in Nigeria, which
aims to “build the next generation of sustainability innovators through education,
advocacy, and social entrepreneurship.” This type of education will prove vital
to global sustainability. Indeed, a 2016 Forbes report by Amy Jadesimi stated
that Nigeria “lies on the cusp of greatness” as the country has an abundance of
resources and an economy which has grown annually. One way this is becoming a
reality is through education that challenges traditional forms of education, which at
times have thwarted the progress of humanity. This text carries the same spirit of
presenting an updated conversation on the topic of sustainability.
Akinsemolu views sustainability as progress. The benefits are manifold when
social, economic, and environmental equilibrium is found. Applying sound principles of sustainability science is needed to avoid damaging Earth, our home, and the
life and civilization on it. With this in mind, it is my hope that this text becomes a
standard choice for inclusion in the education of readers globally on the challenges
and threats to sustainability and the best practices to protect the environment and
promote a balanced ecosystem.
The material and educational approach in this book are past due. At this stage,
we must live in a more green and sustainable manner if we are to thrive. We must
1 https://www.undp.org/content/dam/undp/library/corporate/brochure/SDGs_Booklet_Web_En.
pdf.