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"content": "Government in Washington, there have been some very positive statements coming from the White House and the USA Congress. The USA is no longer the stumbling block that it used to be in the past. Mr. Speaker, Sir, it is true that a major percentage of the green house gas emission was coming from the developed northern countries such as the United States of America (USA), Japan and Europe but a number of these countries are now committing themselves to reducing this emission. It is only the figures that have not yet quite been agreed upon. The final figures are going to be negotiated in Copenhagen. There are also new industrial countries, which have now become even bigger polluters. As you know, most of the economies in the north have now converted to service economies. The production processes that pollute the environment have now been transferred to the south. India, China and Brazil have become the new factories of the world. So, the emissions coming from China, India and Brazil are just as high, if not higher than the emissions coming from the European Union. In that league, there are also Indonesia, Mexico and Malaysia. Mr. Speaker, Sir, Africaâs green house gas emission is negligible. Africa contributes to less than 3 per cent of the worldâs green house gases. Of the top 20 green house gas emitting countries, only three are from Africa â Republic of South Africa, Nigeria and the Republic of Congo. In respect of the Republic of Congo, it is more because of the burning forests. As you burn forests, you emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. When we plant trees, we increase the forest cover and hence the carbon sinks. Forests are carbon sinks. Africa has the second-largest carbon sinks in the world, namely, the Congo Forest. When we plant trees, we increase that cover, which helps in reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the environment. So, we have a responsibility. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Member of Parliament for Lari wanted to know when the funds for tree planting for primary schools will be released. This is part of the economic stimulus package. To my knowledge, most of the funds were released by Treasury over two weeks ago. With regard to Ms. A. Abdallaâs question, I agree that we need to be compassionate but those countries must also be compassionate with us in re-negotiating the Nile Treaty. I agree totally. I did not say that we should spoon-feed them. We also say that they must reciprocate our generosity by agreeing to a re-negotiated agreement that is beneficial to all the parties that are involved. For instance, we must be allowed to make use of our rivers, which drain into Lake Victoria, for purposes of food production in our country. We have the highest number of rivers draining into Lake Victoria. Kenya has eight permanent rivers flowing into the lake. Tanzania has only one major river, namely, River Kagera flowing into Lake Victoria. Uganda has none. It has only the Nile River, which is drawing water from Lake Victoria. We also need to be allowed to make use of waters of Lake Victoria itself for purposes of irrigation. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I agree with Mr. Jamleck Kamau that the Blue Gum tree is a water sucker or water âguzzlerâ. Scientists have now come up with a special Blue Gum tree that matures much faster and consumes less water. That is the species of Blue Gum that farmers are now being encouraged to grow. The older species that drain ground water should be retired and new ones planted in their places."
}