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.

ugandaa

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.

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.

Climate-justice-now

Africa’s Journey to COP28

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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

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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.