surge

Nigeria: Need for faster Climate action as ocean surge continues

by with No Comment News

Nigeria’s climate and environmental conditions are worsening; Cases like the Ocean Surge calling for respective entities to act. With the focus shifting from politics after the election, it is critical to look into how the country can save its environment, and enhance a better climate for future generations.

One recent phenomenon of alarm is the ocean surge in Aiyetoro Community, Ondo state, and the community is calling for help. The wake of April 20th saw an additional 200 households submerged, displacing many and destroying property. 

The damage is projected to continue, with half the area now submerged. As an annual repetitive occurrence, there’s a definite need to find long-term solutions. 

Nigeria also needs to improve on waste management strategies, ranking 9th in plastic pollution globally. The country has an approximate plastic waste of 2.5 million tonnes, a feat most blame on the higher population in the cities, not forgetting Nigeria is the most populated in Africa. 

The country, however, needs to set up better plastic solutions, including bans. A case study they can follow is as implemented in Kenya (August 17th, 2017) on restricting single-use plastic bags, a decision bearing fruits at the moment. 

The government also needs to instill stricter regulations on polluters. Several, especially in Lagos, have been polluting the environment, actions which have been mostly ignored. It was, however, not a lucky day for Pure Biotech Company, a cassava processing factory around Benue State, whose activities were stopped. The plant operates without a Functional Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), dumping untreated waste directly into River Benue.

Pollution in the Western-African country is worsening, adding to the already bad situation regarding deforestation rates. Continuation of such activities will lead to more adverse climatic tragedies like the ocean surge in Ondo. The reinstated government should prioritize climate and continue pushing for the African climate agenda, an avenue for all continent’s nations to go 100% green.

Wreckage

Southern Africa Faces Adverse Consequences of Climate Change

by with No Comment News

Southern Africa is experiencing devastating effects of climate change, with cyclones and heat waves causing immense suffering and loss of life. These environmental disasters exacerbate existing poverty and food insecurity, and the impact on the region’s economy is significant.

One of the most immediate consequences is Cyclone Freddy, which has affected Mozambique, Malawi, Madagascar, Réunion Island, and Zimbabwe. This cyclone caused significant infrastructure damage and displaced thousands of people. What makes it unique is that it never completely dissipated, despite multiple landfalls. 

Most of these countries have tried to cope with the issue internally, but the damage is too much. For instance, although the Malawian government has allocated $1.5 million to aid the victims, the damage’s extent supersedes the government’s ability. As a result, they have appealed for international aid to provide additional assistance. In response, the United Nations emergency fund has released $5.5 million to support the affected communities.

Food insecurity is also prevalent in southern Africa, particularly in Zimbabwe. Many people are facing severe hunger due to climate-related disasters, economic instability, and political crises. This long-term drought, together with economic challenges, has made it difficult for many Zimbabweans to access food. 

Further, the region has been experiencing extreme heat waves, with temperatures soaring to unprecedented levels. For instance, the waves have affected several provinces in South Africa, including Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and Limpopo. Many of these areas have reported temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. 

This extreme heat has significantly affected various sectors, including agriculture, health, and energy. The consequences include crop failure, livestock deaths, and water shortages. The heat has also increased the demand for energy as people use air conditioning and other cooling systems as coping mechanisms. This has put a strain on the country’s power supply.

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.