If you’re a final year student, a recent graduate or starting in your professional career, join Youth Energy Day on Friday 10 November. It will be a virtual program tha aims to find out about the incredible range of job opportunities the energy sector has to offer – there might be one that’s just perfect for you.
Carbon projects are no different from other environmental initiatives that bear their pros and cons. Various reports, including one by Survival, reveal significant flaws with African carbon offsets, a worrying factor in the long run.
According to Survival and EcoWatch, the residents of isolated carbon regions stand to suffer more from the preceding impacts. For instance, the indigenous area of Samburu, Kenya, is already facing effects such as food insecurity and losing the pastoralist culture.
True to that, carbon marketing mechanisms in pastoralist regions like Samburu require the communities involved to stay in one place for a specific period. Therefore, it’s only automatic for the grazing, farming, and settlement cultures to be disrupted, highly affecting the ecosystem cycle.
Pro-carbon credit supporters argue that these communities are compensated, but the carbon finance sector also has loopholes. The Survival report highlights that fewer proceeds are channeled back to the environment, which is raising a lot of questions.
For instance, the Northern Garissa Grassland Carbon Project has seen a 48.9% decline in vegetation. This is contrary to the projected increase in vegetation between 2012-2020. This does risk the contents of carbon in the soil, which directly impacts climate change.
Therefore, there’s a growing need to re-strategize the carbon offsets approach, especially regarding transparency on the carbon finance sharing. Relevant authorities should be accountable on how funds are shared, as emitters such Meta, and Nivea continue to channel funds to the carbon schemes.
Kenya will host the 25th edition of the Africa Energy Forum journey to Nairobi, Kenya, from 20-23 June 2023.
The forum aims to unite governments, utilities and regulators with development finance institutions, commercial banks, power developers, technology providers, EPCs and professional services.
Over the last 24 years, the Forum has earnt a reputation as the most meaningful gathering of decision-makers in African energy to form partnerships, identify opportunities and move the industry forward.
Register to participate here
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has launched a new initiative called the Young Talent Pipeline in partnership with the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program. The initiative aims to tackle the pressing global issues of climate change, nature loss, pollution, and waste by harnessing the energy and expertise of young professionals.
You can apply if you’re 33 years or younger, as the program targets dynamic thinkers within this age group. You must also have a postgraduate degree and at least three years of relevant work experience. And, of course, a strong passion for environmental issues and a commitment to better the people and planet are must-have traits.
In a video message, Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP, expressed her excitement about the initiative. She stated that it’s a chance for youths and professionals to work together in an effort to protect the Earth.
Moreover, UNV Executive Coordinator reiterated the initiative’s significance by highlighting that UNEP and UNV are joining forces to provide a global platform for emerging environmental leaders.
Note that the application duration is between 1 April and 15 May 2023, and if you’re interested, visit UNV’s website to apply. The initial cohort will consist of 12 young professionals who will start working with UNEP at its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, in September 2023.
These candidates will work for one year and will have access to dedicated mentorship and training programs. This will give them valuable opportunities for learning and professional development.
