President John Mahama is on a mission to reset Ghana, emphasizing the beginning of a new opportunity to make a difference in the country’s governance and economic management.
“We shall reset Ghana,” he said in his inaugural address as the new President of the Republic.
President John Mahama
“We are a people buffeted by severe economic suffering and hardships. In the last few years, we have lurched from crisis to crisis. But there is hope.”
Ghana’s environment will perhaps be a major beneficiary if the new government succeeds with its resetting agenda. The country’s forests and water bodies have suffered a great deal of destruction as the past government administration failed to fight the devastating activities of illegal and irresponsible mining. Former President Akufo-Addo in his last state of the nation address acknowledged his party suffered the consequences of fighting against the illegal mining menace.
“The fight against galamsey led to the loss of several parliamentary seats by my party in the 2020 elections, which ultimately influenced the composition of the eighth Parliament. This, in turn, affected the implementation of my policy agenda and had a significant impact on my second term as President,” he said.
Ghanaian voices against illegal mining have been high and many want immediate action to stop the menace to restore the raped forests and polluted rivers and water bodies in the new government’s quest to reset the country. As a matter of urgency, the Eco-Conscious Citizens want President Mahama to “declare a state of emergency – or issue an executive order – and remove all mining equipment and miners from our forest reserves and water bodies, and stop issuing licenses to mine in forest reserves”.
The four priority areas of President Mahama in his inaugural address did not stress on environmental sustainability, as he highlighted economic restoration and stabilisation of the macroeconomic environment; improvement of the business/investment environment to ensure Ghana’s reopening for business; governance and constitutional reforms; and accountability and the fight against corruption.
The President, however, noted that “with the increase of the climate crisis, and as the waters grow warmer, melting icebergs and permafrost, there is a greater likelihood for viruses that have been frozen and thought to be extinct for decades, perhaps even centuries, to spread and create a global pandemic”.
In drawing the concern closer home, Ghanaian environmental CSOs allude to the continued decimation of forest reserves and poisoning of water bodies and soils, and the consequence of a rise in kidney disease, cancers, neurological challenges, maternal deaths, still births, and deformed babies, especially in galamsey areas.
“A healthy nation will benefit from useful reforms, but an ailing, poisoned population in need of dialysis machines cannot provide a healthy, reliable workforce, and will be a strain on the health budget,” the group noted in a statement.
Essentially in Mahama’s First 120 Days Social Contract with the People of Ghana, there is the ambitious drive to “ban illegal and new mining activities in forest reserves; roll out our ‘Tree for Life’ and ‘Blue Water Initiative’ to heal and sustainably harness the environment by turning areas and water bodies degraded by illegal mining into economic and ecological recovery hubs”.
Perhaps, the government’s quest to reset Ghana will be seen in the fight against illegal mining, protection of forest reserves and water bodies, and promotion of best environmental practices.
“We need a reset, and we have faith in Ghana’s ability to overcome, excel, and be so successful with this reset that it would be difficult to imagine a time when that was not the norm,” President Mahama has stated.
The environmental CSOs are already prevailing on the President “to consider transforming the National Cathedral grounds at Ridge, which has been described as ‘the world’s most expensive hole’, to Accra Central Park and cause trees to be planted there, as part of your Tree for Life initiative”.
What would happen if we suddenly realised that the planet we live on appeared eerily alien, as if we’d been teleported to some other distant world? That frightening prospect is now.
Our planetary hydrosphere, which animates all life on Earth, is rebelling in the wake of a global warming climate, unleashing blockbuster winter snows, biblical spring floods, devastating summer droughts, heatwaves and wildfires and deadly autumn hurricanes, wreaking havoc on ecosystems, infrastructure, and society. While fossil fuels lit the fuse, it’s the hydrosphere that’s ringing the death knell.
Jeremy Rifkin
In Planet Aqua, Jeremy Rifkin argues that we have misjudged the very nature of our existence and to what we owe our lifeline. We have long believed that we live on a land planet when in reality we live on a water planet, and now the Earth’s hydrosphere is taking us into a mass extinction as it searches for a new normal.
Rifkin asks us to imagine the incredible hubris of believing that our species could sequester, pacify, propertise, commodify, and hold dominion over all the waters of the planet for our exclusive utilitarian uses. Yet, that’s exactly what we set out to do six thousand years ago with the rise of urban hydraulic civilisations around the world. And now we find ourselves trapped in a massive commercial juggernaut of hydropower superdams, artificial lakes, reservoirs, and ubiquitous water infrastructure that’s collapsing in the throes of a rewilding hydrosphere.
The great reset, says Rifkin, is rethinking the waters as a “life source” rather than a “resource” and learning how to adapt to the hydrosphere rather than adapting the hydrosphere to us.
Reactions have trailed Rifkin’s publication and its essence.
Paul Polman, former CEO of Unilever and past President of the International Chamber of Commerce, said: “Forget the idea that we live on a land planet. After reading Rifkin’s eye-opening account of our Planet Aqua, a water planet, you will never look at the Earth in the same way again. It’s a much- needed new dimension of the climate conversation, and a smart read for business leaders navigating our changing world.”
Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace, said: “Planet Aqua will shock most people. Jeremy Rifkin points out that instead of living on a land planet we actually live on a water planet – fresh, salt, and frozen – and this changes all of our long-held beliefs.
“Now, climate change is rapidly disrupting the hydrosphere, taking us into a foreboding future of floods, droughts, heatwaves, wildfires, and hurricanes, pushing many species to extinction, including our own. Rifkin’s Planet Aqua gives us an entirely new story about our home in the universe that hopefully will change the way we think, act, and thrive alongside our fellow creatures on a water planet.”
Sir Richard Branson, Founder of The Virgin Group, said: “With Planet Aqua, Jeremy Rifkin presents a thought-provoking and absorbing vision of humanity’s future that centers on water as the “the animating source of life”. It’s a compelling and persuasive read that redefines our relationship with the Earth’s most complex and vital sphere.”
Johan Rockström, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, said: “Rifkin’s prescient Planet Aqua is a beck and call to humanity like God’s instruction to Noah in the face of the catastrophic deluge in the book of Genesis. He reminds us that the future of the planetary hydrosphere will determine our own fate and the fate of our fellow creatures – a prophetic message that we need to absorb, reflect, and act on.”
An Astronomer, Prof. Augustine Chukwude, has called on the Federal Government to invest in acquiring astronomical research facilities to aid basic space science research and study in the country.
NigComSat-1R satellite launch
Chukwude, an official of the Astronomy Society of Nigeria (ASN), said in Abuja on Thursday, January 9, 2025, that most of Nigerian astronomers reside abroad due to the dearth of research facilities in astronomy.
According to him, the Federal Government needs to invest in acquiring a minimum of 30-metre telescope that will aid basic space science research and study.
He said that acquiring a 30-metre telescope could place Nigeria on a pedestal among countries in the South, North, East because of her situation along the equator.
“Nigeria can boast of having the highest number of astronomers in sub-Saharan Africa but most of them are outside because they have to be where they have facilities to do their research.
“If the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) through the Federal Government can provide a 30-metre telescope, it will put Nigeria in global map.
“There is what we call Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI), that is, using radio observatory or telescope from different continents, link them up to form a very high resolution.
“If Nigeria has 30-metre dish today, Nigeria will definitely be big as a nation because those in the South, North, East will want to link up with us because we are along the equator.’’
Chukwude said the only place in Africa that had a functional radio telescope was South Africa, adding that if any country around the equator champions such now, it would be the pride of nations.
He said that astronomers trained in observational astronomy needed to constantly be around facilities to aid research, but Nigeria lacked even a 5-metre telescope.
According to him, Nigeria needs to lay emphasis on basic space science which will encourage its education and project other areas of space science, including astronomy.
“Astronomy has the capacity of drawing people in Science, Technology, Education and Mathematics and once you have people in astronomy, you are almost sure of a future guaranteed in space research.
“It doesn’t matter how long it takes us to develop our basic space science programme, but it is a programme we have to develop on our own,’’ he said.
Decentralised power generation – typically based on solar home systems and mini-grids – is the best bet to eradicate energy poverty among people in more isolated rural areas,writes NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber
A solar mini-grid system
Think about a time when your electricity went out. As you sat in the dark, maybe you wondered how long it would be before you could power up your computer again. Or perhaps you considered what you could make for dinner that didn’t require cooking.
Many people in Africa don’t need to imagine such a scenario – they live it. Every day.
A large portion of the continent, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa, lacks access to reliable and affordable electricity. This energy poverty represents a major barrier to improving the quality of life for nearly 600 million people and achieving sustainable development goals across the continent. In fact, Africa is the most energy-deficient continent in the world, with 75% of the world’s population lacking electricity. And although urban dwellers aren’t completely shielded from power outages, the extent of energy poverty is much more intense for rural populations.
Without reliable electricity, daily life can be challenging. Basic tasks like studying, working, and cooking become more difficult and time-consuming – if not downright hazardous. Relying on kerosene lamps or candles for illumination can be dangerous, both as a biohazard and a fire risk. These fuels are often inefficient and can lead to health problems like respiratory diseases and eye infections. The use of traditional fuels such as wood and animal dung for cooking and heating indoors releases harmful pollutants, leading to indoor air pollution. This is a major cause of respiratory illnesses and premature deaths, especially among women and children.
On a macroeconomic scale, energy poverty hinders economic development and limits access to basic human services like health care and education. Without power, essentials like refrigeration and medical equipment cannot be used. Businesses and industries that lack reliable power cannot operate efficiently, resulting in economic stagnation and stunted job creation. Energy poverty exacerbates social inequalities, as those with access to electricity have better opportunities for education, health care, and employment.
The State of African Energy 2025 Outlook, recently published by the African Energy Chamber (AEC) and available at https://EnergyChamber.org/, names three main challenges that African countries face in achieving universal access to electricity:
Expanding electricity access
Ensuring that energy remains affordable
Reducing dependence on fossil fuels, such as firewood and diesel generators used for lighting and cooking.
To combat these challenges, African countries are exploring a variety of solutions, including expanding access to electricity grids, promoting renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, and improving energy efficiency. However, significant challenges remain, including the high cost of infrastructure, limited financial resources, and a lack of technical expertise.
The Key? Decentralising Power
In a sense, Africa is lucky: It’s sitting on a veritable goldmine of solar and wind potential.
With its vast expanse of deserts and coastlines, Africa is blessed with abundant sunlight and strong winds. This makes it an ideal location for harnessing solar and wind energy. Many regions receive intense sunlight year-round, creating the ideal conditions for large-scale solar power plants. Meanwhile, the continent also boasts long coastlines and elevated areas that experience strong and consistent winds, making them suitable for wind power generation.
While there are challenges with renewables, such as the need for significant investment and infrastructure development, today’s technology is advancing so rapidly that costs for renewables are becoming sustainable. This offers a unique opportunity to electrify Africa, in both urban and rural regions.
Until recently, efforts to electrify Africa have mostly relied on extending traditional grid connections and centralised power distribution. And investments to modernise and expand power grids are great – for people in urban centres. Unfortunately, these traditional grid situations do little for people in more isolated rural areas.
As we point out in our 2025 Outlook report, decentralised power generation – typically based on solar home systems and mini-grids – is the best bet to eradicate energy poverty among people in more isolated rural areas. As we see it, decentralised systems will be key for universal electrification. By decentralising power generation, Africa can secure a sustainable energy future and improve the lives of millions of people.
Standalone power systems or localised power networks (otherwise known as “mini-grids”) have become efficient means of power that utilise solar in combination with battery storage and backup generators. These solar home systems are proving their worth in electrifying individual households in rural areas. As our report notes, we anticipate that options like these will be an increasing feature of the African power landscape as renewables penetrate the generation mix.
We are also seeing a dramatic uptick in off-grid systems to fill in the gaps left by the centralised grids. Our report found that Africa accounts for over 16% of the global decentralised renewable capacity, and off-grid solar solutions have as a result provided power to millions across sub-Saharan Africa.
Solar accounts for nearly 80% of Africa’s decentralised renewable capacity. Solar home systems generally include a small solar panel and a rechargeable battery that powers lights, radios, and phone chargers, while on a greater scale, mini-grids and smaller, more localized microgrids are used to supply power to entire communities.
Solar home systems and solar mini-grids have become increasingly successful in Africa, with installations being ramped up 12 times and 45 times respectively over the last decade. By 2022, over 77 million people and nearly three million people on the continent gained access to electricity through solar home systems and solar mini-grids respectively.
Where Is the Money Coming From?
Because of the high upfront costs associated with installing solar panels, many decentralised connections in rural Africa have been financed through innovative pay-as-you-go (PAYG) programmes. PAYG models enable people with limited income to access solar power by breaking down the cost into smaller, manageable payments.
To make sure that we maintain efforts toward universal electrification across the continent, it will be critical to continue securing public funding. The AEC encourages collaborative efforts from governments, the private sector, and development banks to lower costs for developers and ensure the success of these large-scale decentralization projects.
Our report highlights African Development Bank’s Desert-to-Power initiative, which is combining its own funds with those from international sources such as the Green Climate Fund and several European governments to install 10 GW of solar power across 11 countries by 2030. If all goes as planned, some 250 million people will finally have access to reliable electricity.
At the same time, we urge leaders and policymakers to ensure the financial sustainability of national subsidies that will help make these decentralised technologies more affordable for even more households, in both urban and rural settings.
Chinese scientists have developed a new eco-friendly pesticide formulation that enhances pest control and safe for crops and the environment.
Use of pesticide
The study, recently published in the journal ACS Nano, was conducted by researchers from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science (HFIPS) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
The study is aimed at tackling several challenges associated with traditional pesticides, which were often difficult to apply evenly on plant leaves, prone to being washed away by rain.
Pesticides that is susceptible to rapid degradation when exposed to sunlight.
Moreover, residual chemicals from pesticide formulations can pose significant risks to the environment.
It said the researchers used modified carbon dots and calcium carbonate particles as a carrier for abamectin, a widely used pesticide.
This new approach enhanced adhesion to leaves, resists degradation, and releases active ingredient gradually for sustained effectiveness.
Comparing this to traditional pesticides, the new formulation demonstrated a reduced impact on non-target creatures.
Furthermore, after the pesticide releases its active ingredient, the remaining materials would break down into harmless substances like calcium ions and carbon dots, making it much less likely to cause pollution.
“This new colloidal pesticide can be a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional pesticides,’’ said Wu Zhengyan, a professor at the HFIPS.
An environmental advocacy expert, Mrs Temitope Okunnu, has highlighted ways of mitigating the climate-change effects on Nigeria’s attainment of food security.
Farmers on the FADAMA project
Okunnu, the founder of Foundation for a Better Environment (FABE foundation), made the call in an interview on Thursday, January 9, 2025, in Lagos.
The environmentalist noted that the prospects for addressing the impact of climate change effects on food security were promising with proper implementation.
“The prospects in addressing climate change effects on food production this year are promising because the advancement in technology, policy shifts, global cooperation, and intentional methods that we have adopted, particularly in Lagos State in tackling climate change effects.
“However, these gains will depend on the government’s commitment to implementing very bold mitigation methods. I would say my number one should be the promotion of climate smart agriculture.
“The government should support adoption of flood-resistant crops because annual flooding in the country is destroying crop cultivation.
“For example, the upsurge in the price of onions we are currently facing. Onion is very expensive due to the humidity in the northern regions, causing loss onion farm beds,” the environmentalist said.
Okunnu also reiterated the importance of leveraging on technological innovations in the agric. space to boost crop production locally.
“We only need to maybe improve on more access to more like farm management software, so that we are able to also leverage digital tools for monitoring our weather and have real time data collection.
“We also need to ensure that our afforestation programmes are super this year. Let us restore so many degraded communities, degraded land and promote more agroforestry. There are a lot of trees that are already going into extinction and these trees should be replanted.
“So, we can begin to train local farmers in the adoption of conservation, intercropping or integrated pest management.
“We also need to improve our water supply in crop cultivation and less dependence on rain-fed agriculture to improve food security in the country.
“Let us develop irrigation systems to reduce reliance on rain-fed agriculture begin rain harvesting. The prevalence of floods is due to extended rain, so, let us start harvesting water from rains for irrigation,” Okunnu said.
She also emphasised the need to increase the cultivation of cover crops to protect the farmlands from environmental degradation due to climate change effects.
“To prevent degradation of our farm lands, farmers should cultivate more cover crops.
“Let us begin to incentivise organic farming with the adoption of compost to enhance our soil fertility. This cannot be overemphasised to ensure increased productivity and the attainment of food security.
“Local food markets produce enough organic wastes that can be transformed into compost to promote organic farming, while tackling environmental pollution,” she said.
As the golden rays of his 60th birthday dawned, Mele Kolo Kyari is standing tall on a constellation of stellar achievements. He hit the Biblical three scores on a bull’s eye with news of long dead, abiku refineries becoming “born again”.
GCEO NNPC Ltd, Mr. Mele Kyari
Mele Kyari’s story is a testament to the power of humble beginnings, relentless ambition, and a vision larger than life. Dubbed the “architect of modern Nigerian oil and gas,” Kyari has etched his name into history with achievements that not many in his shoes have been able to rival, transforming Nigeria’s oil and gas industry with an unrivaled blend of savvy, grit, and visionary leadership.
The Roots of Resilience
Born into modest circumstances in the dusty streets of Maiduguri, Borno State, Kyari’s story mirrors and encapsulates the true Nigerian spirit: an upbringing defined by resilience, a thirst for education, and an unyielding determination to chart a better course. A graduate of Geology from the University of Maiduguri, Kyari quickly proved himself as a rising star in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, bringing a sturdy confidence and an unassuming brilliance to the table.
Climbing the Petroleum Pyramid
Kyari’s ascent in the petroleum industry was meteoric. Joining the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in 1991, he demonstrated an uncanny ability to navigate complex systems while fostering innovation and derring-do. His tenure as Group General Manager, Crude Oil Marketing Division, saw him spearhead Nigeria’s transparency initiatives in the global oil market, earning respect on both local and international fronts.
By 2019, his relentless dedication earned him the mantle of Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the rebranded NNPC Limited – a historic transformation he personally championed. It was a role that demanded not just technical acumen but also political dexterity, strategic foresight, and the ability to unite disparate interests under a common vision.
Staying Power in the Eye of the Storm
Few leaders have weathered the storms that Mele Kyari has faced. From navigating volatile global oil markets and surviving two presidencies to shepherding NNPC through an era of unprecedented reforms, Kyari has shown a resilience that defies conventional leadership paradigms. His staying power is rooted in a deep understanding of the sector, a commitment to accountability, and an unwavering focus on national interest. Clearly, here is a man whose Chi whispered “yea” but he decided to bellow the “yea” many decibels higher.
Breathing Life into Nigeria’s Refineries
Undoubtedly, Kyari’s crowning achievement has been the revival of Nigeria’s decade’s long moribund refineries. Under his leadership, long-stalled production activities at the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries have roared back to life… with the Kaduna Refinery beckoning. This audacious manouvre has put a lie on the long-held belief that the refineries would never come back to life. This move would surely engender energy security and ensure that Nigeria’s refining capacity could finally begin to meet domestic demand with much more for exports sooner rather than later.
Championing competition through Private Refining
Recognizing that public refineries alone cannot meet the nation’s needs, Kyari forged groundbreaking collaborations with private refineries. The crown jewel of this effort was the integration of the Dangote Refinery – a strategic partnership (This started with a direct investment in Dangote Refinery) that not only expanded Nigeria’s refining capabilities but also introduced healthy competition into a previously monopolized industry.
Kyari’s forward-thinking approach has set the stage for a more dynamic and self-reliant energy sector.
A Legacy of Success
Recognising the shark-infested terrain of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, Kyari’s leadership has phenomenal and is a study in transformational savvy. While some may wish to attribute some of NNPC’s challenges and failures to him, the discerning would rather give him his flowers for his ability to achieve results despite the tortuous and oppressive terrain.
From overseeing the commercialisation of NNPC to fostering partnerships that would ultimately bring renewed investor confidence, he has consistently delivered results. His commitment to opening up NNPC Limited for more transparency, epitomised by Nigeria’s compliance with the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), has set a new benchmark for governance in the oil and gas sector.
The Road Ahead
As he celebrates his 60th birthday, Kyari must remain focused on the future. With plans to expand Nigeria’s gas infrastructure and deepen the shift towards a cleaner energy mix, his vision aligns seamlessly with global energy transition goals. His leadership in the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG) reflects his commitment to reducing Nigeria’s carbon footprint while providing affordable energy alternatives for the populace.
Epilogue: The Man, the Vision, the Legacy
Mele Kyari’s journey is far from over. At 60, Kyari stands not just as a titan of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry but as a symbol of what is possible when ambition meets opportunity. His story is a clarion call to dreamers, a beacon of hope to reformers, and an enduring legacy for a nation poised on the brink of transformation. Indeed, Kyari has achieved three scores and many trophies…and the best, it seems, is yet to come.
Happy Birthday, Mele Kolo Kyari!
By Nnanke Harry Willie,Brand Consultant, Publisher of BRANDECONOMY and a member of Guild of Corporate online Publishers (GOCOP)
Fast moving, wind-driven infernos continue to torch parts of highly populated and expensive real estate near Los Angeles. Hurricane-force wind gusts have rapidly spread fires with life-threatening impacts expected to continue through Wednesday night
California wildfires
Multiple fast-moving wildfires have engulfed parts of Southern California, causing thousands to evacuate. At least three named fires – the Palisades, Eaton and Hurst fires – erupted on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, amid intense winds that have amplified the devastation of the blazes. A fourth, the Tyler fire, broke out early Wednesday and has burned 15 acres so far.
AccuWeather’s preliminary estimate of the total damage and economic loss from the devastating wildfires burning in Southern California and endangering and disrupting lives is between $52 billion and $57 billion.
“This is already one of the worst wildfires in California history. Should a large number of additional structures be burned in the coming days, it may become the worst wildfire in modern California history based on the number of structures burned and economic loss,” AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist, Jonathan Porter, said.
The worst of the fires are burning in an area from Santa Monica to Malibu, impacting some of the most expensive real estate in the country, with median home values over $2 million. There are significant risks for residents, their homes and their businesses, as well as negative impacts on tourism and health, due to smoke inhalation and smoke damage in non-destroyed structures going forward.
The estimate is preliminary, as the infernos continue to spread and impacts continue to occur, and some areas have not reported information about damage, injuries and other impacts. The extent of the devastation suggests a long and challenging recovery process that will require the collective efforts of the community and support from authorities. Many residents in the Pacific Palisades are reporting they have no property insurance because insurance companies no longer provide coverage for real estate in the highly priced and high-risk area.
Importantly, should the fires continue to spread rapidly into densely populated neighborhoods, many thousands of additional very expensive structures will be at risk of burning down, which may result in the AccuWeather estimate for total damage and total economic loss being revised upward substantially.
“This is a fast-moving, wind-driven inferno that is threatening lives and causing catastrophic damage. AccuWeather experts estimate the total damage and economic loss from the windstorm and wildfires in Southern California is between $52 and $57 billion,” Porter said. “This is a terrible disaster. We’re just starting to get a clear look at the magnitude of the destruction and loss. Strong offshore winds have been gusting at 70-100 mph. Fire crews are dealing with hurricane-force wind gusts as they valiantly try to battle the flames and contain these fires.”
As the fires unfolded on Tuesday night, mass evacuations unfolded across the region, with traffic backed up to a point where people were abandoning their cars, leaving behind vehicles that clogged roads. The state had to bring in heavy equipment to clear abandoned vehicles and clear a path for firefighting resources.
Other fires in the region, including the Eaton, Woodley and Hurst fires, are adding to the devastation, burning brush as well as commercial and residential structures, with the risk remaining for other fires to develop. Tragically, at least two fatalities have been reported in the Eaton fire.
“Powerful wind gusts have been blowing embers from home to home, allowing these wildfires to explode quickly and burn out of control. Offshore winds are further drying out vegetation and reducing relative humidity, which is enhancing the fire risk. Please follow all official evacuation orders. This is a life-threatening situation that will continue after dark tonight, even after the highest winds subside because gusty winds of 25-45 mph will persist across the fire areas,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist and Western U.S. Weather Expert, Dave Houk, said.
“Wind gusts in the vicinity of the fires will be at least 40 mph through Wednesday evening. Breezy to locally windy conditions will persist into Thursday, and there will probably even be an uptick in winds in the typical Santa Ana prone areas Thursday afternoon through Thursday night and into early Friday morning. The fire risk can still be extreme. For firefighting efforts, winds will wind down the rest of Friday. Another round of stronger winds and an increased fire risk is expected to return to the region early next week,” added Houk.
AccuWeather’s damage estimate incorporates independent methods to evaluate direct and indirect impacts of the storm, includes both insured and uninsured losses and is based on a variety of sources, statistics and unique techniques AccuWeather uses to estimate the damage to property, job and wage losses, crops, infrastructure damage, interruption of the supply chain, auxiliary business losses and flight delays or cancellations.
The estimate also accounts for the costs of evacuations, relocations, emergency management and the government expenses for cleanup operations. It also includes the long-term effect on business logistics, transportation, tourism as well as the tail health effects and the medical and other expenses of yet unreported deaths and significant injuries, as well as the long tail of negative impacts to physical and mental health that survivors may face in the next decade.
To put the wildfire event into context, the AccuWeather estimate for the total damage and economic loss from the wildfires in Maui in 2023 was $13-$16 billion. The wildfires in the western United States in 2020 was $130-$150 billion and in 2021 was $70-$90 billion. More recently, the hurricanes that impacted the United States included Milton causing $160-180 billion and Helene causing $225-$250 billion and the 2024 hurricane season as a whole reaching nearly a half-trillion dollars.
Porter says as is often the case with major disasters, the cause is not one singular factor but rather several unusual factors conspiring together. In this case, the combination of strong offshore winds, a strengthening area of low pressure in the Southwest, a lack of rainfall and exceptionally dry vegetation is contributing to the extreme windstorm and fire risk, which is why AccuWeather meteorologists were so concerned and warned people and businesses days in advance to be vigilant and to be prepared for evacuations.
“An area of high pressure over Nevada that is producing Santa Ana winds in California, combined with an area of low pressure over Southern California with significant wind energy, is amplifying the extreme winds in the Los Angeles region,” Porter explained.
He added: “The last two wet seasons in Southern California were plentiful with rainfall, mountain snowfall and even flooding. This allowed vegetation to flourish. The jet stream is located much farther north compared to the historical average thus far this winter, bringing rain and mountain snow to the Pacific Northwest and even some storms to Northern California. But it has been a whole different setup in Southern California where it has been incredibly dry over the last few months, during a time that is typically when the region receives the most rainfall during the entire year.
“In fact, it was all the way back in April 2024 where there was more than 0.25 of an inch of rain in Los Angeles. The last two wet seasons led to an abundance of grass and vegetation growth in Southern California. That extra vegetation has all dried out over the summer months, fall and into the early part of the winter and is now essentially tinder that can fuel these fires.”
Homes, businesses, vehicles, chemicals and fuels burning in the fires are contributing to hazardous air quality in parts of Southern California.
“Millions of people could be exposed to unhealthy and dangerous air quality across the Los Angeles region from these fires,” Porter warned. “In areas of poor air quality, people in the area should use N95 respirator masks and limit their time outdoors to reduce their exposure to this wildfire smoke.”
The Lagos State Government has urged the state residents to actively participate in urban planning by reporting any violation of regulations.
The state Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, gave the advice in a statement on Wednesday, January 8, 2025.
Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide
The statement was signed by the ministry’s Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Mr Mukaila Sanusi.
Olumide said: “Proper planning cannot be done without the support and contribution of the people.
“This is why my doors are always open for residents of Lagos to make their complaints, report any observed untoward developments, and contribute generally to the sustainable development of the state.”
He encouraged the residents to report any illegal construction, unauthorised developments or other planning violations within the state.
The commissioner urged the residents to report infractions directly to his office using the Lagos MPP&UD App available on Google Play Store and iOS App Store.
He said that the residents could also call the ministry’s hotlines: 07030653241 and 08034698264.
He assured the residents that their identities as whistleblowers would be protected.
Olumide said that the ministry would take actions against any officers of the ministry found to be involved in or condoning illegal activities.
He said that by working together with residents, the government could create a more livable, organised and sustainable environment.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has stressed the importance of making Electric Vehicles (EVs) more affordable to drive a mass-market adoption.
The agency highlighted the importance of making electric vehicles more affordable on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, in its annual virtual global EVs outlook report in which it reiterated the crucial role the adoption of electric cars can play in the market.
Sustainable transport: Achieveing zero emission from electric cars
According to the IEA, a reduction in the cost of EVs has become necessary to bolster the widespread adoption, particularly in developing countries.
“Although electric cars today often have lower total costs of ownership over their lifetimes due to reduced fuel and maintenance expenses, reducing upfront prices is key to boosting uptake.”
The agency noted that while EVs are gaining popularity, their high upfront costs remain a significant barrier to adoption, especially for low- and middle-income households.
It suggested that, to tackle such challenge, governments and manufacturers should work closely together to reduce production costs, amid economies of scale and investments in research and development.
Also, increase financing options by providing incentives, subsidies, and low-interest loans to make EVs accessible, develop charging infrastructure by investing in public charging networks, and promoting home charging solutions.
It said that by making EVs more affordable and accessible mass-market adoption can drive significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
It further said that 55 per cent to 95 per cent of the electric car sales across major emerging and developing economies in 2023 were large models that targeted consumers of high-end goods.
Also, it was too expensive for mass-market consumers who often do not own a personal car in the first place, saying unaffordability hindered the adoption of EVs in emerging and developed markets.
It quoted Lang Xuehong, Deputy Secretary-General of China Auto Dealers Association, saying smaller and more affordable models of EVs launched in 2022 and 2023 have become bestsellers, especially those by Chinese carmakers.
“Due to the growing accessibility, vehicles under Category ‘A at A, A0, and A00’ levels in specific represent around 70 per cent of the auto market in China.
“In the first half of 2024, nearly 95 per cent of small cars sold in China where electric, as electric models are expected to account for one in two total car sales in this country this year.
“These smaller cars are also getting smarter as luxurious set-ups are becoming more common in compact ‘A level’ and even smaller cars, such as seats with massage systems and automatic adjustment.
“As well as electrically heated steering wheels or in-situ turn-around, meaning consumers can enjoy more diverse functions than before.
“These intelligent gadgets can now be easily found in cars of a bit over $10,000, in fact, the cost of these high-end configurations is not high,” Lang said.
She. however, said that the conventional practice is for manufacturers to reserve them for luxury cars, to enhance the vehicles’ prestige and increase their price.
The agency, thereby, reiterated the need for Hybrid Plug-in electric vehicles from China driving global boom and cross-border cooperation to be key in bridging the technology gap.
