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Business Daily - Environmental Sustainability interview with Keira Tano

Business Daily

 

June 1423

 

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Sefo Wils, Senior Reporter
Business Daily

Keira Tano, Senior Advisor for Environmental Sustainability
Bureau of Environmental Sustainability

Sefo Wils: Welcome to today's special interview on environmental sustainability. I'm Sefo Wils, Senior Reporter for Business Daily, and joining me today is Keira Tano, the Senior Advisor for Environmental Sustainability from the Bureau of Environmental Sustainability. Welcome, Keira. Thank you for joining us today.

Keira Tano: Good morning, Sefo. Thank you for having me. It's a pleasure to be here and discuss the crucial topic of environmental sustainability. I appreciate the opportunity to shed light on the government's efforts and initiatives in this field.

Sefo Wils: Keira, let's start by discussing the importance of environmental sustainability and its impact on society and future generations. How would you describe the significance of prioritizing environmental sustainability in our current context, and what are the potential consequences if we neglect this responsibility?

Keira Tano: Thank you for the question, Sefo. Environmental sustainability is of paramount importance for our society and the well-being of future generations. By prioritizing sustainability, we ensure the responsible management of our natural resources, protect ecosystems, and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Neglecting this responsibility could lead to severe consequences. We risk depleting essential resources, compromising biodiversity, and exacerbating climate-related challenges such as extreme weather events and rising sea levels. Additionally, it could hinder economic development, impact public health, and create social inequalities. It is our duty to act now and ensure a sustainable and prosperous future that everyone in Apexiala can enjoy.

Sefo Wils: Could you tell us about specific initiatives and policies that the government has implemented or plans to implement in order to meet these goals?

Keira Tano: Absolutely, Sefo. The government, through the Bureau of Environmental Sustainability, has been actively working to promote eco-friendliness, protect the environment, prevent climate change, and preserve biodiversity. We have implemented a range of initiatives and policies to address these critical issues. For instance, we have introduced stricter regulations on carbon emissions, encouraging industries to adopt cleaner technologies and reduce their environmental footprint. We have also initiated renewable energy programs, incentivizing the transition to clean and sustainable energy sources. To protect biodiversity, we have established protected areas and nature reserves, ensuring the preservation of fragile ecosystems and the species that depend on them. Additionally, we have implemented waste management strategies, promoting recycling, reducing waste generation, and encouraging sustainable consumption patterns. These are just a few examples of the comprehensive approach we are taking to promote environmental sustainability across various sectors. We remain committed to continually evaluating and updating our policies to meet the evolving challenges and ensure a greener and more sustainable future for our nation.

Sefo Wils: Keira, I'd like to delve further into the government's efforts to transition towards renewable and sustainable energy sources. Could you provide some insights into the specific measures being taken in this regard? How is the Bureau of Environmental Sustainability contributing to this transition?

Keira Tano: Certainly, the Bureau of Environmental Sustainability recognizes the importance of transitioning to renewable and sustainable energy sources. We are actively exploring various avenues to achieve this goal. Firstly, we have been conducting geothermal surveys to assess the viability and potential of geothermal energy as a future source of energy. Preliminary findings have been promising, and we are providing government grants to support research and development in this sector.

Additionally, we have been expanding wind farms both on land and at sea, as these continue to be highly eco-sustainable and successful in generating clean energy. Wind power continues to provide a growing contribution towards meeting our energy needs while reducing carbon emissions and minimising our dependency on fossil fuels.

Furthermore, the government is in the early stages of planning a new nuclear power plant. While some may have reservations about nuclear energy, we believe that clean nuclear power can play a significant role in our energy mix. It offers the advantage of low carbon emissions and a consistent energy supply, making it a valuable component of a diverse and sustainable energy portfolio.

In line with our commitment to environmental sustainability, the Bureau of Environmental Sustainability has also rejected new licenses for oil exploration and fracking. These decisions were made to protect our ecosystems, water sources, and mitigate the potential environmental risks associated with these activities. We believe it is crucial to prioritize the long-term well-being of our environment and communities over short-term gains.

Through these measures and more, the government and the Bureau of Environmental Sustainability are actively working to transition to renewable and sustainable energy sources, ensuring a cleaner and greener future for our nation.

Sefo Wils: Keira, some critics argue that being too strict on regulations and sustainability measures may impose economic risks. They claim that stringent environmental regulations could hinder economic growth and competitiveness. How does the government address these concerns?

Keira Tano: It's a valid concern, and one that we take seriously. We understand that balancing environmental sustainability with economic growth is a delicate task. While stringent regulations may have short-term costs, I firmly believe that the long-term benefits outweigh these concerns.

The government recognizes that businesses may face additional compliance costs and operational challenges due to environmental regulations. However, it is also crucial to consider the potential risks of not being strict enough. Failing to address environmental concerns can lead to severe consequences such as environmental degradation, resource depletion, and the exacerbation of climate change. These risks can have far-reaching economic implications, including increased costs due to natural disasters, loss of ecosystem services, and negative impacts on public health and well-being.

Moreover, by taking a "hands-off" approach to environmental sustainability, we risk falling behind in the global transition towards greener economies. Many countries and businesses are embracing sustainable practices and renewable energy, creating new markets and opportunities for innovation. By prioritizing sustainability, Apexiala can continue to have pride in itself for being at the forefront of these emerging industries and foster economic growth and job creation in sectors such as renewable energy, clean technology, and sustainable agriculture.

It's important to strike a balance, and the government is committed to working collaboratively with industries and stakeholders to develop practical and achievable regulations that protect the environment while also considering the economic implications. Through dialogues, incentives, and partnerships, we aim to foster a sustainable and prosperous economy that benefits both present and future generations.

Sefo Wils: Keira, there is growing interest in the transition to electric vehicles and reducing reliance on internal combustion engines (ICE). Are there any plans in place to limit or prohibit the sales of cars with ICE or to insist that all new vehicles must be electric?

Keira Tano: Thank you for raising this important topic, Sefo. The government recognizes the importance of a more diversified mix of vehicle propulsion for a sustainable transportation sector. While there are significant advantages to electric vehicles, such as utilizing clean electricity over fossil fuels and producing zero harmful emissions, we have not yet committed to a specific timeline for phasing out ICE vehicles.

It is true that electric vehicles offer a promising pathway toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality. However, it is important to address the reservations surrounding their production. The extraction of rare earth minerals required for electric vehicle batteries can have negative environmental consequences. The government is actively exploring ways to promote responsible sourcing of these minerals and minimize environmental impacts associated with their extraction.

I think it is very reassuring to see many more Apexialans are becoming ever more environmentally conscious and making their own personal choices to opt for sustainable forms of transportation, including electric vehicles. Consumer demand plays a significant role in driving market innovation and creating a sustainable transport ecosystem.

Ultimately, our goal is to foster an environment where various options for cleaner transportation are available, including electric vehicles, while addressing the environmental challenges associated with their production and ensuring a sustainable and efficient transportation system for the future.

Sefo Wils: Could you shed some light on the government's efforts to raise public awareness about environmental sustainability and engage people in adopting eco-friendly practices?

Keira Tano: Certainly, I think as Apexialans we are quite lucky to always be surrounded by nature and to have such amazing biodiversity and that helps us all to place a high value on our environment. However it is something that all too often we may take for granted and forget the real impact that our actions have on the environment around us.
One of our key strategies is the implementation of public awareness campaigns. These campaigns aim to educate the public about the importance of environmental sustainability, the impacts of individual actions on the environment, and the steps we can all take to reduce our ecological footprint. We collaborate with media outlets, educational institutions, and community organizations to amplify the reach and effectiveness of these campaigns.

Additionally, we have developed educational programs that focus on environmental sustainability at various levels, from schools to community centers. These programs aim to instill environmental values, knowledge, and skills in the younger generation, empowering them to become future stewards of our planet.

Furthermore, we actively engage with community groups, non-governmental organizations, and businesses to collaborate on environmental projects and initiatives. By fostering partnerships and involving various stakeholders, we create a sense of shared responsibility and collective action towards environmental sustainability.

It is through these combined efforts of public awareness campaigns and educational programs that we strive to engage citizens, empower communities, and encourage sustainable practices. I believe that by working together, we can make a significant positive impact on our environment and ensure a sustainable future for all.

Sefo Wils: Thank you, Keira, for sharing your valuable insights on sustainability, we appreciate your time and expertise in shedding light on these important matters.

Keira Tano: Thank you, Sefo, and Business Daily, for having me. It has been a pleasure to discuss environmental sustainability and the government's commitment to protecting our planet. I encourage everyone to play an active role in adopting eco-friendly practices and supporting sustainable initiatives. Together, we can make a significant difference in preserving our environment for future generations