carbon-offsets-dar-side

The Dark Side of Carbon Markets in Africa? 

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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.  

Agneds

What to Expect from the Western Africa Regional Upcoming Meeting on Climate Change, on May 22nd-24th

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Following the ongoing climate crisis, AGNES Africa is organizing a major stakeholder meeting to look into the agenda broadly, including finding solutions. The western African region has recently hit the headlines due to climate-related matters, with some like rising sea levels displacing hundreds along the coastlines. 

The May meeting will involve the parliament of Nigeria and major climate entities like the National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) and the National Climate Change Council (NCCC). 

Nigeria especially has been worst by different setbacks. Its populated cities have the highest rate of pollution, 44.8%, which contributes to the country’s 10th rank in the continent. Additionally, Lagos ranks 133rd amongst the most polluted cities in the world. 

It is upon such meetings to address such factors, highlighting the way forward for the people of Nigeria and Western Africa. Human pollution will be looked into, with factory emissions resulting in unhealthy air and water in the cities of Lagos and Abuja. 

AGNES Africa is also looking to raise awareness of climate change through the meeting. This is considering that a large population is already suffering from tough economic times, thus not considering the impact of climate change.  

Therefore, the parties and entities involved are looking to have a successful meeting, especially in mobilizing resources for respective projects. The government should also actively participate, especially in funding and getting investors, to show their commitment against the climate crisis.

Young-people

Involvement of the Young Generation to Push the African Climate Agenda

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Part of the solution in raising climate crisis awareness is involving the youth more, and this can be done through the education system. There are countless other ways, like mobilizing youth in cities and villages, with the government and other entities funding them for different climatic projects. 

Nigeria has its share of climatic calamities like rising sea levels, plastic pollution, and deforestation affecting the West African nation. Conversely, the country is taking steps to change the current situation by bringing the education system on board. The ‘Green Earth Initiative’ is one of the projects involving student competitions.

The project aims to raise awareness about the need for climate action and encourage students to become powerful advocates and writers in the climate action community. The group is calling for financial aid for the success of the ambitious project, where participants will get participation awards and certificates.

On the East side, you’ll find 10-year-old Karen Wanjiku Kimani, a young climatic pioneer from Kenya and a winner of numerous awards for her efforts. “As future generations, it is important that we are not overlooked in some of the programs or activities regarding protecting the planet. Our leaders must catch us young. After all, we will be the ones to gain or suffer tomorrow due to the policies and actions being implemented today.” Karen talking to African Development Bank

Another avenue for the Kenyan youth to be involved in the nation’s long-term plan to plant 5 billion trees by 2030. The project means every Kenyan should plant 300 trees. With the youth mobilized in the formulated SHAMBA SYSTEM, they can help reduce the government’s cost, which is projected to be 600 billion. Moreover, the initiative can solve the staggering youth unemployment in Kenya. 

Through the words of Karen Wanjiku, the youth are actively involved as they are the ones to feel the impact of not conserving our planet. More efforts like that initiated in Nigeria are essential for creating awareness and are needed around African school systems. This is a long-term solution for climate change in Africa.

Africa-Solar-renewable-energy

Morocco Could Become and Renewable Energy Powerhouse for Europe

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Morocco is on the verge of a major move to solve the energy crisis in the country. The long-term plan is to export it to Europe, considering the natural resources available to generate solar and wind power. With Western nations started actively addressing climate change issues via renewable sources, Morocco is highly interested in becoming a major participant. 

Firstly, the Northern African country imports 90% of its energy, becoming costly due to the war in Ukraine. The 39 million population is at risk of power shortages, similar to the power rationing experienced on the opposite side of South Africa. 

One of the ambassadors pushing the agenda is the founder of Gaia Energy, Moundir Zniber, who states, “I think Morocco represents the best opportunity to get the European continent away from the dependency it has today on Russian gas.” The country’s economy, especially the agricultural sector, which he says can be solved by investing more in natural energy sources. 

Also, the country urgently needs a switch from coal, oil, and gas use for the project to succeed. The country’s clean energy sources are only a small percentage, with wind power covering 12.4% and solar energy around 4.4%.  

Zniber points to the irony of the country not utilizing its solar and its potential. “Morocco has one of the best solar and wind resources in the world combined,” he says. 

Europe is a great market for the country if the Moroccan government fully embraces the Gaia Energy initiative. It is a gradual process, considering other national challenges like the food and water crisis, which can produce 52% of the country’s power by 2030. Other sectors are bound to gain, with the country’s youth gaining employment, directly or indirectly, through their start-ups.

DRC-Floods

Floods Continue Causing Calamity in Africa as DRC Toll Rises to 400

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Various African regions have been experiencing heavy rainfall, causing floods whose damage has been hitting records. The recent case is from DRC, where areas around Lake Kivu have flooded, taking over 400 lives after cases of landslides. Kivu’s water levels are rising, as recorded on its Ugandan and Rwandan shores.

Moreover, surrounding river banks are broken, contributing to the high death toll in the war-devastated nation. This was mainly observed in Kalehe, the South province of Kivu, with the villages of Nyamukubi and Bushushu affected.

The tropical nation faces double tragedies, with climate calamities having a significant share of their woes. For instance, illegal mines, searching for minerals like Cobalt and gold, are increasingly destroying the land. Such depravities increase the chances of flood tragedies during heavy rainfall.

By war and climate issues, people unable to leave endangered zones are consistently suffering. Gentille Ndagijimana is one of the affected, losing 6 close relatives from the floods in Nyamukubi. The saddest part is that she and her family sought refuge in the region after the conflict between the rebels and army forces in January.

Thomas Bakenga, an administrator of the Kalehe territory, states that the recovery process has been going on since Thursday. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) also stated that an emergency team was dispatched to the location on Saturday.

The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres noted that, “this is another illustration of accelerating climate change and its disastrous impact on countries that have done nothing to contribute to global warming.”

The country’s readiness to deal with such calamities is wanting. Riddled by war and corruption, it might continue struggling to catch up on the African climate agenda. Eastern DRC needs a sensitive check, prone to conflict, which is also arising from mining conflicts.

Morocco Climate Resistant Crops

Uganda’s Innovative Solution to Biodegradable Seedling Pots through Farm Waste Upcycling

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Uganda has been making strides in the agricultural sector. Primarily, scientists at the National Agriculture Research Institute, in collaboration with the University of Bangor in the UK, have devised an innovative solution to reduce plastic waste. With the traditional method of using plastic wrappings to pot seedlings, plastic waste has become a significant danger to the environment in Uganda, contributing to 60% of pollution.

The new eco-plastic potting bags are biodegradable and are made from readily available farm waste, like bananas, cassava, and cereal. The production process involves making these materials into a paste mixed with other products like starch. Then, the paste is dried and rolled into a sheet of biodegradable plastic for use as seedling pots.

This is an innovative solution that could revolutionize the agricultural sector in Uganda. The benefits of the eco-plastic bags are two-fold, as they reduce plastic waste and add nutrients to the soil when the bags rot. With upcoming mass production, farmers will benefit from the sale of waste for processing, contributing to the country’s economy.

The project’s success could also lead to similar initiatives in other countries. Consequently, this practice will help reduce the global plastic waste problem and promote sustainable agriculture practices worldwide. 

However, despite the advantages of the eco-plastic bags, they are susceptible to insect attacks. So, the researchers have developed a plant-based repellent in an attempt to solve this problem. The repellent repels insects and has mortality effects, killing some insects in high concentrations.

Horn-of-Africa

Horn of Africa: Urgent Climate Resilience Needed

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The Horn of Africa is currently facing its worst drought in 40 years, with the crisis affecting an estimated 50 million people. According to a recent study, the drought is not only the result of the prolonged lack of rainfall but is also fueled by the human-made climate crisis. This study reveals the severe and long-term effects of global warming on vulnerable communities worldwide.

While the Horn of Africa experiences extended dry periods punctuated by short, intense rainfall, the drought has continued for five consecutive seasons. The study by the World Weather Attribution group found that the region’s soil and pasture have become much drier due to increased evaporation caused by higher temperatures driven by global heating. This has been further impacted by a lack of rainfall, making the situation even more severe.

The long rainy season, which typically occurs from March to May and provides most of the yearly rainfall in the region, is now twice as likely to experience low rainfall due to climate change. This has made the situation even more challenging for communities that rely on agriculture and pastoralism. 

Additionally the ongoing conflict, displacement, and poverty in the region, is making it more challenging for communities to cope with the drought’s impacts. For instance, some areas might receive more immigrants due to the continued unrest in Sudan, regardless of the current ceasefire. This will put stress to the few resources available.

There is an urgent need for immediate action to address the human-made climate crisis. The region does receive less attention regarding the climate agenda, a wake up call for the respective governments and the AU.  Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to changing weather patterns is crucial to preventing future droughts and other extreme weather events. So, urgent investment in resilience-building measures is necessary to ensure vulnerable communities can withstand future impacts.

Nakuru

Is a New African Coastline Forming?

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Areas of Nakuru county, Kiamunyi location, and Mai Mahiu in Kenya have recorded massive cracks as a result of SOMALI TECTONIC PLATE movements. The Eastward motion has been happening gradually and is connected to an earthquake in Ethiopia in 2005. 

Geologists say this could lead to a new coastline stretching from the Horn of Africa downwards to Zambia en route to Mozambique. Therefore, landlocked nations are bound to have their coastline. In human time, we’ll have to wait for millions of years to see the entirety of this phenomenon. 

Nonetheless, it is a pretty short time for a world whose ecosystem is drastically changing. For instance, the continued long rains in Nakuru’s Kiamunyi area and Mai Mahiu in Kenya’s Rift Valley. The shift in the Tectonic plates is also happening actively beneath the ocean, perhaps giving insight into the recent Cyclone along the coastlines of Madagascar and Malawi. 

With continued changes in climate, effects are directly felt by the people, infrastructure, and land. Both the landlocked and oceanic regions should take necessary precautions considering the severity and unpredictability of the occurrence. For instance, the cracks were recorded along the Kenyan Rift in 2018, an earlier call for the nation’s government. 

According to research, the tectonic plates’ movements might not be a direct cause of human climatic influences but rather the Earth’s way of evolving. Nonetheless, we are also transforming through our tech, increased population, nuclear activities, and oil excavation, making mother nature respond faster.

It would be best for respective governments to rehabilitate some of the affected areas. Additionally, vacating residents is advised in these land-slide-prone areas before further damage. Most importantly, tackling climate change is a long-term solution to controlling the damage from such phenomena.

Eskom

South Africa’s Energy Crisis Set to Continue Amid Eskom Corruption Probe

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South Africa has faced numerous setbacks in the post-covid era, and the prolonged blackout is a prime example. The sector has been by another blow, with reports exposing a $55 million daily loss through corruption. 

The shocking news is according to the company’s Chief Executive Andre de Ruyter during his interview with a parliamentary committee, where he refused to mention the culprit behind the scheme. This is barely three months after President Ramaphosa declared the electricity issue a state of emergency. Before his February statement, South Africans were under strict 12 hrs-a-day electricity rationing. 

Eskom’s poor management has been evident since the era of former Jacob Zuma, lacking the needed governance to set up contingencies and strategies, despite the loans pilling up for its development. Ramaphosa’s administration is also overwhelmed, one of the issues being the debt burden of over $20 billion. 

Small businesses, already in crumble, and the over 60 million people should brace for more electricity shortages. Firstly, the company lacks sufficient reserves to supply the country’s power needs. Eskom also depends on coal for 80% of its electricity, which is overused and unable to sustain the basic amenities. 

Eskom has been strained, an issue set to have been sorted by Medupi and Kusile coal plants. The two have failed, only delivering half of the projected output 15 years after their launch. Other energy options like hydropower and renewable sources are merely used, with the latter only accounting for 13.4% of the collective supply. 

According to the IMF, South Africa’s GDP is also at stake, projected to plunge by 1.2%, with more businesses shutting down. Therefore the unemployment rate, already at a staggering 33%, will also increase. 

South Africa needs to switch from coal which is also an environmental hazard in its extraction and processing. Most importantly, Ramaphosa’s government must tighten the embezzlement loopholes and actively invest in hydro-generated power and renewable sources, such as solar and wind energy.

Guniea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau Enacts an Exclusive Pan-European Environmental and Human Rights Agreement

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African nations are aggressively continuing their fight against climate change and their involvement in energy production and economics. Through its recent environmental deal, Guinea-Bissau is one of the nations making efforts to lead the way for other countries to join the sustainable climate and clean energy path. 

Guinea-Bissau is the first non-European nation to sign an international agreement (Aarhus Convention) on authorities’ accountability on environment and human rights issues. The UN highlights that the convention is essential in ensuring that people get to live in an adequate environment, as necessitated by the governments. Other factors listed in the agreement include access to information, justice regarding environmental issues, and public involvement in decision-making. 

Viriato Cassama (Environment Minister) states, “Guinea-Bissau hopes to take advantage of the Convention’s instruments to fight climate change and promote its biodiversity.” He highlighted that the convention is an opportunity to give the people a voice on environmental matters, which also translates to other elements of their daily lives. 

The agreement does come at the right time, as Guinea-Bissau has been listed as one of the most vulnerable nations in Africa to climate change and calamities. Cases like flooding are reported to be worsening, also necessitated by the rising sea levels on the West African coastline. 

As the first outsider in the Pan-European accord, they have access to the necessary resources and expertise to fight climate issues, including controlling future calamities. Most importantly, activists nationwide have a voice and a platform, especially for calling out the government. For instance, environmental activists in Jan 2023 were unsuccessful in protesting the government project plan in the capital’s park. 

This pushes other African nations to find suitable investors and deals for respective climate and environmental agendas. It is also a call for the direct participation of the public, which also discourages the misappropriation of funds.