Guniea-Bissau

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

by with No Comment News

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.

Climate-justice-now

Africa’s Journey to COP28

by with No Comment News

The time is now for the African continent to actively participate in the climate change conversation. Respective nations and institutions are creating necessary projects and strategies to achieve a 100% green environment. With focus turned towards the upcoming COP28 climate conference, set for 30 November to 12 December, 2023 in UAE, African nations are determined to make their voices heard.

Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari in his recent speech on African Climate stated, “We cannot continue ignoring that climate change is a pressing issue in our continent. We should act by protecting our environment and secure the future for generations to come.”

To the delight of Africans, the continent’s climate entities are working to implement various projects to promote sustainable growth and reduce carbon emissions. One of the initiatives is the African Renewable Energy Initiative (AREI), aiming to provide 300 GW by 2030.

Another example is the recent Great Green Wall across the Sahara, aimed at controlling desertification and promoting sustainable land use. This project involves planting an 8000km wall of trees and vegetation across the continent, stretching from Senegal in the west to Djibouti in the east.

This isn’t to forget the reafforestation efforts in different nations, like Kenya, initiated by the President William Ruto aiming to enhance the national tree cover by 30% through planting 15 billion tress. Nigeria, with the highest deforestation rate globally at 3.7%, and similar nations should follow, and recent developments are a plus. The change is also influenced by the recent integration of carbon markets around Africa; a move also projected to be a game changer.

Still, Africa faces several challenges including devastating drought and floods, which institutions such as the African Development Bank(AfDB) will showcase at COP28. One of the issues is insufficient climate finance, where International communities, volunteers and marketers are welcome to invest in the African Climate agenda. External participation is essential, with countries like Malawi, Mozambique and Madagascar picking up the pieces from the worst-ever Cyclone, Freddy.

Young Talent Pipeline 2023

UNEP’s Call for Young Professionals Passionate about the Environment to Join their Young Talent Pipeline Initiative

by with No Comment Insights

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.