GreeenBlogs

Forests are the lungs of our planet. They store carbon, filter our air, provide habitats for millions of species, and supply essential resources for human survival. Yet, the world is losing forests at an alarming rate. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), about 10 million hectares of forest are destroyed every year an area roughly the size of Portugal. The question we must ask is: Can technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI) help us reverse this crisis? This week on GreeenBlogs, as part of my GreenTruthsWithSa’adatu series, I explore why AI might be one of the most powerful tools we have to save our forests and how this innovation is already making a difference globally and locally. The Forest Crisis at a Glance Before diving into AI, let’s understand the scale of the problem. Deforestation is driven by logging, agriculture, infrastructure expansion, and in some cases, illegal mining. In Nigeria alone, we lose over 350,000 hectares of fores...

Linking Back to the SDG Report 2025 The UN SDG Report 2025 underscores significant global progress in education: declines in child marriage and increases in youth school completion. Still, around 244 million children and young people worldwide remain out of school, with girls disproportionately affected . This global snapshot sets a critical backdrop: while there are hopeful strides, gaps remain and Nigeria’s education crisis is alarmingly severe. The Stark Reality: Out-of-School Numbers in Nigeria Nigeria now tops the world with an estimated 18.3 million out-of-school children (2024), up sharply from earlier estimates. As of early 2025, 10.5 million children aged 5–14 were already not attending school, often due to poverty, insecurity, early marriages, and insufficient infrastructure. What's Driving the Crisis? 1. Insecurity & Kidnappings Northern Nigeria faces frequent school closures and withdrawals due to widespread kidnappings. As of March 2024, armed groups ab...

 “It says biodegradable. So, it must be safe for the environment, right?” Not so fast. Welcome to another episode of #GreenTruthsWithSaadatu, where we unpack the good, the bad, and the misleading in the green world. Today, we’re peeling back the label on something we all think is green and clean: biodegradable products. From shopping bags to packaging and even straws — biodegradable products are flooding the market. But are they really what they claim to be, or is “biodegradable” just the new greenwashing buzzword? Let’s break it down: What Does "Biodegradable" Really Mean? At its core, biodegradable means that a product can be broken down naturally by microorganisms like bacteria and fungi into water, carbon dioxide (CO₂), and biomass. But here’s the catch: ➡️ It doesn’t say when or under what conditions. A biodegradable plastic cup may take 1 year or 100 years to degrade  depending on heat, moisture, oxygen, and where it ends up. Many so-called “biodegradable” p...

The Talk of the Town Lately, if you’ve scrolled through Facebook, Twitter (X), TikTok or even WhatsApp groups in Nigeria, chances are you've come across heated arguments about GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms). From conspiracy theories about foreign seeds killing our crops to serious health concerns Nigerians are debating like never before. But wait—what exactly are GMOs? Why all this noise now? Are they harmful or helpful? Is it just another imported wahala or a solution to our food challenges? Let’s break it down in simple English.   What Are GMOs, Really? A GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) is any living thing usually a plant or animal whose DNA has been altered in a lab to give it a trait it wouldn’t naturally have.  Example: Scientists might take a gene from a bacteria that kills pests and insert it into maize so it can protect itself from insects without needing pesticides. This process is called genetic engineering, and it's not new. The first GMO crop was ap...

Did you know that your “compostable” takeaway container can still end up polluting the planet—just like plastic if tossed in the wrong bin? That’s because compostable doesn’t mean composted. This critical misunderstanding is fueling a silent environmental backfire, even among well-meaning green consumers. While biodegradable packaging is on the rise, most people don’t realize these materials require specific conditions to actually break down—and Nigeria, like many countries, isn't fully ready.  What People Think They Know The word compostable evokes nature friendly images: banana peels, garden mulch, maybe even green-tinted paper plates. Most people assume that if a product is labeled “compostable,” it will decompose naturally and safely in any environment, whether tossed into the backyard or dumped with general waste. In many Nigerian homes and marketplaces, these items are treated like regular organic waste burned, buried, or left out with the hope that "nature w...

Ever flipped a plastic bottle or food container and seen a triangle with a number inside? That’s not just a design—it’s a clue to what that plastic is made of, how (or if) it can be recycled, and where it might end up. Yet, most people either ignore it or don’t understand it. But what if understanding these little numbers could help you reduce waste, make smarter choices, and even protect your health? Welcome to your ultimate guide to decoding the 7 plastic recycling codes—with a twist: We’ll not only break down what each number means, but also show you how to audit your own plastic use at home in a fun, interactive way.  Quick Plastic Check-In: How Many of These Have You Used Today? Before we dive into the numbers, grab a pen or open your phone notes. Walk around your kitchen, bathroom, or office. Count how many plastic items you can find with a recycling number. List the numbers you see. Hold onto that list—we’ll use it later to rate how recyclable your household plas...