Young-people

Involvement of the Young Generation to Push the African Climate Agenda

by with No Comment News

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.

Eskom

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

by with No Comment News

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.

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.