Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, the mayor of Freetown, addresses the climate emergency through initiatives such as appointing Africa’s first chief heat officer and launching the “Freetown the Tree Town” project. She emphasizes the significance of traditional customs and has overseen the planting of over 1.2 million trees, showing impactful leadership in climate adaptation.
In Sierra Leone, particularly in its capital Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr recognized the severe consequences of deforestation, catalyzed by urban development for housing and fuel. This realization struck her profoundly when she observed the loss of tropical rainforests, prompting an emotional response. The subsequent removal of natural drainage systems led to devastating mudslides in 2017, further emphasizing the urgency of addressing the climate crisis.
Aki-Sawyerr was elected mayor in May 2018, taking on the formidable challenge of leading one of the poorest and most climate-vulnerable nations. Despite the grim prospects, her activism against the blood diamond trade and her service to marginalized groups instilled an optimistic vision. She stated, “Things that aren’t right don’t need to stay that way.”
With her background in finance and property development, Aki-Sawyerr returned to help combat the Ebola outbreak, and she initiated substantial climate-related reforms. One notable measure included appointing Africa’s first chief heat officer, Eugenia Kargbo, who has implemented projects to shield market vendors from the heat using canopies and is researching heat-resistant building materials for vulnerable populations. Kargbo noted that funding remains a significant obstacle to these initiatives.
In spite of these hurdles, notable achievements have been made in reforesting areas affected by deforestation. The project “Freetown the Tree Town” has seen over 1.2 million trees planted in the past five years, with an impressive survival rate of 82%. This initiative not only provides shade but also establishes root systems that help prevent mudslides.
Aki-Sawyerr cherishes traditional practices that intertwine personal identity with nature, recalling a ritual in which a newborn’s umbilical cord was buried with a tree. She strives to revive these customs, emphasizing their cultural significance: “Just bringing that tradition back is something very powerful.”
The efforts led by Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr highlight the urgent need for proactive measures against climate change in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Despite significant challenges, her leadership has resulted in key initiatives like the appointment of a heat officer and massive tree-planting campaigns. By rekindling traditional practices and advocating for environmental stewardship, Aki-Sawyerr offers hope for a resilient future against the backdrop of climate vulnerability.
Original Source: www.nationalgeographic.com
