The Commanding Officer, Forward Operating Base (FOB), Escravos, Capt. Ikenna Okoloagu, has charged naval personnel to remain steadfast in the fight against crude oil theft and other illegalities in the maritime space.
Naval personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Escravos on their quarterly Route March exercise
Okoloagu gave the advice on Monday, December 2, 2024, shortly after the FOB’s 4th Quarters Route March in Escravos, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.
Addressing the personnel, Okoloagu reminded them that the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, had remained committed to their welfare.
He, therefore, urged them to be resolute in the discharge of their duties.
The commanding officer maintained that the Nigerian Navy had zero tolerance for indiscipline as well as corrupt practices.
Speaking on the route march, Okoloagu said that the exercise involved 10 kilometres brisk walk.
Okoloagu, who led other senior and junior officers in the exercise, added that it was aimed at promoting physical fitness and mental well-being of the personnel.
“The essence of the exercise is to ensure officers and ratings are at all time physically fit for the tasks assigned to them.
“The exercise is aimed at promoting physical fitness and mental well-being of it’s personnel.
“It is also aimed at promoting comradeship and for the populace to know that they have a Navy that is physically fit to carryout their assignment,” he said.
Okoloagu, however, expressed satisfaction with the turnout of personnel in the exercise that lasted for about two and half hours.
The Port Harcourt refinery has resumed full operations after a brief “scaling down”, Mr Ibrahim Onoja, the company’s Managing Director, has said.
Port Harcourt Refinery
Addressing newsmen after a facility tour of the refinery on Sunday night, Onoja said the facility had resued distribution of products, including Premium Motor Spirit, kerosene, and diesel.
“The refining plant has undergone extensive upgrades to enhance efficiency and reliability which had also impacted on production capacity.
”We replaced most of the equipment including pumps installation and cables.
“The plant is running and we are trucking out our products,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr. Moyi Maidunama, the Director of Operations of the Nigeria Pipeline Storage Company (NPSC) Ltd, acknowledged that there was a temporary reduction in production.
He, however, explained that the reduction was to help address some technical issues aimed at improving the delivery capacity of the facility.
”We are managing the process with the number of trucks available today, using three loading arms for evacuation, this would be resolved soon.
”Our operations were not totally halted but reduced due to some of the improvements that we needed to make in terms of getting more loading arms operational.
”We have been evacuating refined petroleum products from the refinery since yesterday and its obviously going to be a continuous process,” he said.
Mr Worlu Joel, the terminal manager, also confirmed the efficiency of the refinery, adding that it had began loading of Premium Motor Spirit, kerosene and diesel.
According to him, the deport which has eleven functional loading bays currently uses only three due to its high efficiency.
He said that each of the bay evacuates as much as three trucks in 15 minutes.
He however, expressed worries over slow turn out of tanker drivers
“We have surplus product. Let us say we have up to 100 trucks today, we will evacuate them in five hours, it’s no longer our problem, it’s the tanker drivers,” he said.
On Nov. 26, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) said the Port Harcourt refinery had begun production after a long period of rehabilitation.
It said the refinery began truck loading of petroleum products.
The Port Harcourt Refineries comprise two units, with the old plant having a refining capacity of 60,000 barrels per day (bpd) and the new plant 150,000 bpd, both summing up to 210,000 bpd.
The refinery has not operated maximally for over two decades.
It was shut down in March 2019 for the first phase of repair works after the government secured the service of Italy’s Maire Tecnimont to handle the review of the refinery complex, with oil major Eni appointed technical adviser.
In 2021, NNPC Ltd said repairs had started at the refinery after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved $1.5 billion for the project.
On Dec. 21, 2023, the Nigerian government announced the mechanical completion and the flare start-off of the refinery.
Former House of Representatives member, Chief Sam Oniugbo, says no country has immunity from climate change impact hence all hands should be on deck to address and promote environment-friendly actions.
Rep. Sam Onuigbo
Onuigbo sponsored the Climate Change Act in the 9th National Assembly. It provides the legal and administrative framework for Nigeria’s climate change policies and actions.
He said in Abuja on Monday, December 2, 2024, that it was incorrect for leaders of any country to assume they had little or no role to play in the global efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change.
Onuigbo said it was unfortunate that developing nations like Nigeria contributes little to climate change, they bore the larger chunk of climate change impact on the environment.
He said such could be felt in the areas of draught and famine, deforestation and desert encroachment, landslides and erosion menace.
Onuigbo urged developed countries to demonstrate more support for developing nations who now bear the brunt of their environment unfriendly acts in past.
He said Africa brings a lot of variables to the climate change negotiation table, including a young and vibrant population with ideas on environment-friendly initiatives, critical minerals required in the global energy transition, among others.
He said with more support from developing countries, Africa could be turned into a green manufacturing hub for the good of the global environment.
Speaking on the just-concluded COP29 in which he was a participant, Onuigbo said it was an opportunity for experts and world leaders to review climate change actions and implementation of the resolutions of COP28.
The climate change advocate said it was a window for Africa to push its case for climate change mitigation and support initiatives as a bloc rather than as individual countries.
He said it was a chance for Africa to speak as a united body, which made it to negotiate from the position of strength.
Onuigbo said areas covered included transition from fossil fuel to sustainable energies and financing climate change initiatives.
Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted sunshine and haziness from Monday, December 2 to Wednesday, December 4, 2024, across the country.
Low visibility caused by dust haze
NiMet’s weather outlook released on Sunday, December 1, in Abuja envisaged dust haze on Monday in the northern region with good visibility over the region throughout the forecast period.
“In the North Central region, dust haze with good visibility is anticipated over the region throughout the forecast period.
“In the southern region, dust haze with good visibility is anticipated over the inland states of the South, while sunny skies with a hazy atmosphere anticipated along coastal areas during the morning hours.
“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms are expected over parts of Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers and Akwa Ibom,” it said.
The agency predicted sunny skies on Thursday with a hazy atmosphere over the region throughout the forecast period.
According to NiMet, in the North Central region, dust haze with good visibility is anticipated over the region throughout the forecast period.
“In the southern region, sunny skies with a hazy atmosphere anticipated over the inland States of the South.
“Sunny skies with few patches of clouds are anticipated along coastal areas with prospects of thunderstorms with light rains over parts of Edo, Ogun, Ondo, Lagos, Delta, Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states in the afternoon/evening,” it said.
It envisaged sunny skies in the northern region on Wednesday with hazy atmosphere over the region throughout the forecast period.
The agency forecast dust haze in North Central region with good visibility over the region throughout the forecast period.
According to NiMet, in the southern region, sunny skies with hazy atmosphere are anticipated over the inland states of the South.
It anticipated sunny skies with a few patches of clouds along coastal areas with chances of thunderstorms with light rains over parts of Ondo, Bayelsa and Delta states.
“Dust particles are in suspension, the public should take necessary precaution. People with asthmatic health condition and other respiratory issues should be cautious of the present weather condition.
“Strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur, public should take adequate precaution.
“Adhere to safety advisories issued by relevant authorities. Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations,” it said.
According to it, residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet.
The agency urged the public to visit its website www.nimet.gov.ng for further information.
The latest round of negotiations for a Global Plastics Treaty (INC5) in Busan, South Korea, intended to mark the culmination of two years of deliberations, ended with critical issues still unresolved in the final hours, with countries now having to return to the negotiating table in 2025.
Delegates gather for the closing plenary. Photo credit: IISD/ENB – Kiara Worth
The talks stalled as fossil fuel-producing nations tried to weaken the treaty, pushing for a focus on waste management and circular economy while avoiding binding measures on plastic production. However, hope remains as the majority of countries united around a bold vision for a treaty tackling plastic pollution at its root – limiting production, supply, and hazardous chemicals. Momentum is growing for real solutions.
99% of plastics are made from chemicals derived from fossil fuels. As pressure increases on the fossil fuel industry to phase out production of coal, oil and gas in response to the global climate crisis, some countries are looking to the plastics industry as an economic outlet for the fossil fuels they produce.
Yet, continued plastic production will not only accelerate biodiversity loss and ecosystem destruction but also jeopardise food and water safety while posing significant risks to human health. Without binding agreements to reduce the supply of the fossil fueled-building blocks of plastics – known as primary plastic polymers or PPPs – any treaty will fall short of creating the systemic change needed to protect communities, biodiversity, and the planet.
Rebecca Byrnes, Legal Director for the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative, said:“The plastics crisis is inseparable from the fossil fuel crisis, and half-measures are not acceptable. Bold, systemic action is needed to prevent the fossil fuel industry from derailing global efforts to protect people and the planet. It’s critical that countries agree to reduce the supply of the primary building blocks of plastics.
“The Plastics Treaty must not be limited only to mopping up the mess of the plastics industry but must tackle the problem at its source. It can be complemented by a comprehensive Fossil Fuel Treaty that would hold nations accountable for their shared responsibility to protect vulnerable communities disproportionately impacted by both the plastics and climate crises – two sides of the same fossil fuel coin.
“The reluctance of some fossil fuel and plastics-producing countries to curb plastics production mirrors their obstruction in climate talks, underscoring the urgent need for a new binding framework that tackles the root cause of these twin crises. A Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty could complement the Plastics Treaty and the UNFCCC by providing an overarching framework for the phase out of all fossil fuels.
“It would also help countries whose economies are dependent on fossil fuels to find alternative development pathways so that they are able to prosper without relying on the fossil fuel industry or its interconnected industries – plastics and petrochemicals. Such a Treaty could help break the deadlock in future negotiations under the Plastics Treaty and UNFCCC by setting a legal norm focused on the equitable phase out and just transition from fossil fuels and allow countries to negotiate without being encumbered by a dependence on fossil fuels in other fora.”
As finance remained the focal point at the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), stakeholders in Africa’s maritime sector expressed concerns that the continent may miss crucial opportunities in the global marine industry without addressing its significant challenges.
Participants at the LEAP side event at COP29
During a marine and blue economy discussion, Dr. Dola Oluteye, Principal Investigator of University College London’s Leading Effective Afrocentric Participation (LEAP) project, in partnership with Nigeria’s Ministry for Marine and Blue Economy, organised a side event to explore the future of Africa’s maritime sector.
Hosted at the Nigerian Pavilion, the panel featured Dr. Dola Oluteye, Senior Research Fellow at University College London (UCL); Ms. Kidanua Gizaw from the African Development Bank (AfDB); Mr. Heaky Dimowo, Director at Nigeria’s Maritime and Safety Administration (NIMASA); Mr. Michael Mbaru of the Kenya Maritime Authority; and Mr. Stanley Ahorlu, CEO of Prime Meridian Docks, who participated remotely.
Mr. Mbaru opened the discussions by highlighting ongoing negotiations at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in international shipping.
He noted, “Africa’s ship ownership represents about 2% of the global fleet supply, most of which is aging. This raises questions about our ability to retrofit existing fleets with new technologies and remain competitive.”
From the private sector perspective, Mr. Ahorlu stressed the importance of aligning maritime investments with climate goals to attract funding: “The private sector has a significant role to play in this transition. We need financial mechanisms that stimulate investment in maritime infrastructure.”
Dr. Oluteye emphasised the need for Africa to prioritise investments in green infrastructure and renewable energy projects to become a renewable energy supply powerhouse.
She pointed out the necessity for Africa to reimagine and reshape existing structures to improve the region’s production capabilities and capacity for both GDP growth and to manage, among other things, the transport cost increases associated with policy architecture under development by the International Maritime Organisation’s GHG Emissions Reduction Strategy. Stating that since over 90% of Africa’s trading relies on international shipping, it then becomes an economic imperative to strategically reshape existing regional trading, fiscal and environmental policies and systems.
Underscoring Africa’s abundant renewable resources (sun, wind, land, water) and youthful workforce as key assets, Dr Oluteye, “This is the era for a Green Industrialized Africa, powered by zero and near-zero emissions renewable energy sources, with potential to position Africa as a major supplier of renewable energy commodities.”
She immediately cautioned against the risks of promoting energy poverty due to highly extractive energy production models that puts Africa’s growth second. Rather, this reshaping of systems must strategically prioritise Africa’s growth above destructive extractive activities.
To foster progress, Dr. Oluteye advocates for “policy frameworks that support sustainable and green industrial practices, underpinned by policies that foster an enabling environment for private sector investment with partnerships with the public sector.”
She emphasises the need to engage policymakers to create a conducive regulatory environment in all sectors, especially the marine and blue economy sector.
Mr. Dimowo echoed this sentiment, calling for “innovative financing and strong regulatory frameworks” to drive advancement in Africa’s maritime industry. He also advocated for a continent-wide strategy starting with the African Union that aligns the efforts of African leaders under the African Union’s umbrella.
Ms. Gizaw highlighted the AFDB’s pivotal role in managing diverse climate-related funds to support green maritime initiatives and infrastructure development across Africa. She introduced the Climate Investment Fund (CIF), a multilateral initiative supporting climate-related actions in over 72 recipient countries.
Ms. Gizaw shared that the fund focuses on renewable energy, clean technology, and circular economy projects, with a specific Industry Decarbonisation Programme to address the shipping and maritime industry by providing concessional loans, grants, and technical assistance to promote green infrastructure and energy-efficient technologies.
In summary, while Africa faces numerous challenges in maximising its marine and blue economy, experts agree that with strategic investments in green infrastructure development combined with innovative policymaking, the continent can unlock its significant economic potential.
The Leading Effective Afrocentric Participation (LEAP) project, led by Dr. Dola Oluteye, aims to empower African nations by developing technical toolkit to promote a Just Transition and Sustainable Practices for Africa within the maritime sector. Partnering with regional governments and international organisations, LEAP focuses on technical development, capacity building, economic empowerment, technology sharing and inclusive advocacy to advance Africa’s marine and blue economy to achieve zero-emission operations.
Countries negotiating an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, adjourned their fifth session on Sunday, December 1, 2024, with agreement on a ‘Chair’s Text’ that will serve as the starting point for negotiations at a resumed session in 2025.
Delegates gather for the closing plenary. Photo credit: IISD/ENB – Kiara Worth
Over 3,300 delegates – including Members representing more than 170 nations and Observers from more than 440 organisations – have been meeting in Busan, Republic of Korea, since 25 November for the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5). Through the week, Members negotiated two documents by the INC Chair, Ambassador Luis Vayas Valdivieso, before agreeing on the closing day to transmit the Chair’s Text to the resumed session.
“The world’s commitment to ending plastic pollution is clear and undeniable. Here in Busan, talks have moved us closer to agreeing on a global legally binding treaty that will protect our health, our environment, and our future from the onslaught of plastic pollution,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
“This week’s meeting has made good progress towards securing the deal the world demands. Through the Busan talks, negotiators have reached a greater degree of convergence on the structure and elements of the treaty text, as well as a better understanding of country positions and shared challenges. But it is clear there is persisting divergence in critical areas and more time is needed for these areas to be addressed.”
“At UNEA 5.2, the world promised to tackle plastic pollution. Now, at the next round of talks, the world will have the opportunity to finally make that a reality. An opportunity we cannot afford to miss,” she added.
Following INC-5, the Committee is expected to request the Executive Director of UNEP to inform delegations of the venue for the resumed fifth session.
“Our mandate has always been ambitious. But ambition takes time to land. We have many of the elements that we need, and Busan has put us firmly on a pathway to success,” said Ambassador Vayas. “I call on all delegations to continue making paths, building bridges, and engaging in dialogue.”
“Let us always remember that our purpose is noble and urgent: to reverse and remedy the severe effects of plastic pollution on ecosystems and human health,” he added.
In March 2022, at the resumed fifth session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2), a historic resolution was adopted to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. The instrument, according to the resolution, is to be based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full life cycle of plastic, including its production, design, and disposal.
“We have tested the resilience of this planet to its limit, now is the time for us push our own limits and honour the trust placed in us – we have no choice but to succeed. You have the INC Secretariat’s and my unwavering support to get this done,” said Jyoti Mathur-Filipp, Executive Secretary of the INC Secretariat.
INC-5 follows four earlier rounds of negotiations: INC-1, which took place in Punta del Este, in November 2022, INC-2, which was held in Paris in June 2023, INC-3, which happened in Nairobi in November 2023, and INC-4, held in Ottawa in April 2024.
Environment activists hold a press conference calling for a strong global plastics treaty outside of the venue for the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution in Busan, South Korea. Photo credit: AP
Delegates agreed to meet again next year to continue talks after a week of negotiations between almost 200 countries in Busan, South Korea, failed to agree on core issues like production cap, finance and harmful chemicals.
Small island nations, who are the most affected by plastics pollution, and a group of African nations as well as several European and developing countries refused to accept a draft proposal released by the chair of the UN talks which was slammed by observers as weak.
“We did not accept a weak treaty here, and we never will,” Juan Carlos Monterrey Gomez, of Panama, said at the plenary, receiving a long round of applause from delegates.
Chair Luis Vayas Valdivieso said progress had been made but he acknowledged “we must also recognise that a few critical issues still prevent us from reaching a comprehensive agreement.”
“There is a general agreement to resume the current session at a later date to conclude our negotiations,” he told delegates.
Sunday, December 1, 2024, was the scheduled end of the UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) talks, but the plenary couldn’t start until 9pm after a draft text released by the presidency showed multiple unresolved provisions.
The text released late on Sunday ahead of the final plenary, was filled with brackets, providing multiple options on key issues such as binding targets to cut plastic production, regulating harmful chemicals, and funding support for developing nations, where no consensus had been reached.
Global South countries and campaigners said the proposal failed to address the root causes of plastic pollution, while campaigners said the text was “weak” and lacked ambition.
“The draft on the table does not yet provide a clear path to a successful outcome, drowning humanity in a sea of brackets,” Greenpeace said. “Chasing the lowest ambition will not deliver a treaty that the people and planet desperately need.”
Early on Sunday, Global South countries called out the lack of transparency in the process and threatened to walk out without a treaty.
“No text is better than bad text,” said, Cheikh Ndiaye Sylla, Senegal’s National Focal Point.
Dr Sam Adu-Kumi, Ghana’s lead negotiator, said: “The whole world is looking up to us… We are not here to accept anything short of an ambitious treaty.”
At the heart of the impasse was whether the treaty would include limits on plastic production. Over 100 nations, including small islands, African nations and several European and developing countries like Norway and Mexico, back a proposal to set a global target for reducing plastic production.
The amount of plastics the world is producing has been growing exponentially and could climb about 70 per cent by 2040 without policy changes.
Plastic waste is clogging beaches, polluting soil, air and water with microplastics seeping into human organs and even breast milk. Many chemicals associated with plastics have been known to cause harm to health.
In the final days, delegates had already started preparing for an action plan beyond Busan, as it became obvious there was no chance of a consensus.
Some experts said that even if a legally binding treaty is not created in Busan, there is still a chance of having a blueprint for future negotiations.
“There’s no way to finish the text here. The next step is agreeing on a process for beyond Busan,” Bjorn Beeler, executive director of the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN), said.
Hugo Schally, Advisor for International Negotiations, Director General for the Environment, European Commission said: “The EU is disappointed by the outcome of INC-5: we didn’t get what we came here for: a legally binding treaty with decisive action against plastic pollution, a treaty that brings concrete change for nature and the marine environment and for all the people around the world. We need these measures, in addition to waste management and a fair share of the private sector through extending the responsibility of producers. That’s the bare minimum that can have an impact and that we can accept.
“But we feel encouraged and empowered by a growing number of countries sharing the same ambitions – and the number of countries continues to grow. The EU was and will continue to be a driving force for an ambitious agreement. We will work further in good faith with others to make a leap towards ending plastic pollution.”
Olga Givernet, Minister Delegate for Energy of France, said: “We hope that the 5.2 process can move forward before June 2025. The aim is to reach an ambitious agreement that will enable us to address all the causes of pollution, from production and the need to reduce it, to the inclusion of chemicals of concern and end of the life.
“Our work has not been in vain. It has enabled us to move forward, try to understand each other and take into account all points of view. We’re back on track with the text as proposed by the Presidency, so we still need to refine everyone’s positions if we’re to have an ambitious treaty.
“We still have a minority of countries that continue to obstruct us, as we saw again during this plenary session, and we hope to be able to remove these obstructions and work towards convergence. We must always have confidence in multilateralism and work to ensure that countries can talk to each other.”
Ms. Maria Angelica Ikeda, Director of the Department of Environment, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Brazil, said: “Brazil has, once again, come to the INC ready to commit to a robust agreement, both on financing and means of implementation and on the obligations to end plastic pollution. We also facilitated negotiations, be it as co-chair or co-facilitators, always trying to advance difficult issues such as chemicals of concern, plastic products, health and means of implementation.
“Although we would have wanted to see the final text adopted, we recognise that progress was made and are ready to keep on contributing, as much as we can, to offer ideas and proposals or to facilitate understandings amongst different countries. We are optimistic that we will achieve a good, meaningful, strong result in our next meeting.”
Christina Dixon, Ocean Campaign Lead at Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), said: “We have run out of time in Busan to land a global plastics treaty and have ultimately failed to live up to the mandate and opportunity handed to us. These negotiations have been captured by plastic and petrochemical industries and their aligned countries, who have no intention to address plastic pollution or let others do so. In the face of this obstructionism, large groups of diverse countries led rallying calls for an ambitious treaty. We have won the hearts and minds of the majority of the world and will continue to fight in solidarity with those seeking real solutions to end the harms of plastic pollution.”
Ana Rocha, Global Plastics Policy Director, GAIA, said: “We welcome Member States’ willingness to fight for a better deal instead of rushing into a weak treaty for the sake of an arbitrary deadline. But we cannot keep doing things the same way and expect different results– that is the definition of insanity. The ambitious majority needs to do whatever it takes to get these negotiations back on track and reclaim the spirit of multilateralism. Now is not the time for timidity. It is time to fight for our collective survival.”
International Indigenous Peoples’ Forum on Plastics said: “Indigenous Peoples, and other frontline and fenceline communities, and civil society have been flagrantly excluded throughout the INC process. The Chair’s failure to effectively facilitate negotiations for a just and equitable plastics treaty has brought us down a dead-end path, perpetuating harm to the most impacted peoples and communities.”
Amena Yauvoli, Fiji’s Ambassador to Indonesia, said: “Fiji is deeply disappointed with the procedural processes adopted during these negotiations and informal meetings, which caused significant delays, disrupted progress, and placed undue pressure on small delegations. The restrictive rules of procedure hindered effective engagement, particularly for observers, scientists, and Indigenous rights holders. We wish to emphasise that while this is a member-state-driven process, true multilateralism demands balanced, equitable participation to ensure this treaty works for all.
“We can only protect what we know, and our children carry the hope nurtured by elders who once lived in communities free of plastic pollution. It’s important to recognize that plastic pollution is worsening the triple planetary crisis, with the Pacific Islands experiencing its effects most acutely. I urge everyone to understand that choosing inaction now puts you at risk of facing these consequences in time – and if there’s one thing we know about plastics is that they are persistent pollutants that last generations.
“We have a unique opportunity before us, one that carries the weight of a mandate. We can develop a treaty that becomes a lasting legacy, demonstrating our resilience and commitment to our planet and future generations.”
Juan Monterrey, Special Representative for Climate Change & National Climate Change Director of the Ministry of Environment of Panama, said: “We didn’t achieve what we came for – a binding treaty that addresses the full lifecycle of plastics. Yet, amidst disappointment, there are small glimmers of progress.
“We have built a coalition of over 100 nations united by the shared commitment to end plastic pollution. This coalition has stood and will continue to stand firm for ambition – demanding action on chemicals of concern, reductions in harmful plastic production, and the financial mechanisms needed to support a fair transition in developing countries.
“The momentum is with this overwhelming majority, even if the challenges are still daunting. Every day of delay is a day against humanity. Postponing negotiations does not postpone the crisis. By the time we reconvene: At 230 million tons of plastic will enter our oceans, another million marine animals will die, and will further contaminate the ocean food chain.
“Microplastics will continue to infiltrate our water, food, and bodies. Every child born in the next six months will carry this poison in their bloodstream. Human bodies will further devolve into toxic waste dumps.
“Communities will endure the lasting effect of plastic pollution, and farmers will face crop losses as soils saturate with microplastics. This is not just an environmental crisis it’s a moral failure. An entire generation is being poisoned by chemicals in plastics – chemicals linked to cancers, hormonal disruptions, and developmental disorders.
“Panama came to Busan committed to building bridges, not walls. We crossed our own red lines for the sake of compromise and multilateralism. And while your current text is far from what we envisioned, it provides a basis to continue.
“We didn’t accept a weak treaty here, and we never will.
“We have two fundamental beliefs. First, we understand that the triple planetary crisis of climate, plastic pollution and biodiversity loss, is a threat to the very existence of our country and its people.
“But also, Panama is deeply committed with multilateralism, and we understand that it is through dialogue, bridge-building and honest to God diplomacy that multilateralism must be able to face the biggest challenge of our times.
“However, our disposal to negotiate, does not mean we will lower our expectations of what this treaty SHOULD be able to achieve and encompass.
“To the 120 nations standing for ambition, I say: let us be relentless. We may have been delayed, but we will not be stopped.
“To the activists and civil society who have carried this fight: you are the heartbeat of this movement. Your courage and relentless pursuit of justice keep this fight alive. Rest, recharge, and return stronger.
“To indigenous peoples and local communities: your wisdom is our guide. You continue to show the world what harmony with nature truly means.
“To the media: continue to tell the truth.
“To young people: your anger is justified. Your fear is valid. I share it. But remember that your voices are louder than the billions spent polluting. Your generation will save us all.
“This is not about commas or brackets. It’s about the child in a coastal village who will drink water poisoned by plastic tomorrow. It’s about the fisherman pulling in empty nets filled with waste. It’s about the millions of species we are sentencing to extinction. It is about 90% of all drinking water sources currently poisoned by plastic.
“Panama leaves Busan with fire in our hearts. When we reconvene, the stakes will be higher, the devastation will be worse, and the opportunity to act will be even smaller. But Panama and the more than 100 nations that demand action will return stronger, louder, and more determined than ever. Delay is death. Action is survival. We are eating and drinking poison every single day. The world cannot afford our hesitation any longer.”
Camila Zepeda, Head of Delegation for Mexico, Head of the International Affairs Unit at SEMARNAT, Mexico’s Chief Climate and Biodiversity Negotiator, said: “We carry the weight of expectations of our citizens – who are counting on us to protect them and the environment from the plastic pollution crisis. We must do everything within our power to meet this expectation.
“This is our shared determination: to ensure this instrument will target and eliminate the most urgent risks of plastic pollution at the global level.
“The Article on Plastic Products and Chemicals in the instrument text must contain a clear, legally binding obligation to phase out the most harmful plastic products and chemicals of concern in plastics.
“Without such an obligation, the instrument will fail to deliver the predictable regulatory framework urgently needed by states, businesses, civil society and the environment.
“A treaty without clear legally binding rules is not acceptable. It would reflect neither the ambition, nor the specific text proposals supported by the vast majority of states in these negotiations. It would be a treaty in name only.
“A legally binding obligation to phase out those most harmful plastic products and chemicals of concern in plastics is a cornerstone for an effective treaty. It is what we must do to protect human health and the environment from plastic pollution as promised by UNEA Resolution 5/14.”
Nigeria and 84 other countries taking part in the ongoing INC-5 negotiations in Busan have expressed support for the “Standing up for Ambition”, a statement on indispensable elements for an effective treaty.
Delegates gather for the opening of INC-5. Photo credit: KiaravWorth
Against backdrop of the first draft text released on Sunday, December 1, 2024, the group for instance expressed concerns about ongoing calls by another countries to remove binding provisions from the text that they feel are indispensable for the treaty to be effective.
The full statement:
“We stand in solidarity with the vast majority of INC Member States working constructively to find common ground and to conclude an urgently needed, effective treaty. We have made much-needed progress on a range of issues that will be critical for the treaty to achieve its goal of protecting human health and the environment from the adverse effects of plastic pollution.
“However, we voice our strong concerns about ongoing calls by a small group of countries to remove binding provisions from the text that are indispensable for the treaty to be effective.
“Ambition must be reflected throughout the treaty, covering binding provisions and support provided. The treaty must:
Include a requirement for the Conference of the Parties to adopt, at its first session, in an annex a global target to reduce the production of primary plastic polymers to sustainable levels, and for each Party to take measures across the full lifecycle of plastics to achieve the global target
Establish a clear and legally binding obligation to phase out the most harmful plastic products and chemicals of concern in plastics
Provide ambitious and effective means of implementation, including technical assistance and timely, accessible, predictable and adequate financing from all sources for recipient developing countries, in particular Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States
Enable future development, including by adopting new annexes or amending existing annexes, through regular UN procedures for decision making if all efforts at consensus have been exhausted
“A treaty that lacks these elements and only relies on voluntary measures would not be acceptable.
“Those most affected by plastic pollution must be supported in the development of inclusive and equitable pathways forward. A just transition is critical to the success of this treaty, ensuring that no one is left behind.
“We are operating under a clear mandate from the UN Environment Assembly – a mandate fully supported by all INC members. It is time we take it seriously and negotiate a treaty that is fit for purpose and not built to fail.
“We call on all INC members to seize this historic opportunity to conclude an ambitious and effective treaty that demonstrates our collective resolve to end plastic pollution for the benefit of current and future generations.”
A major new scientific report was launched on Sunday, December 1, 2024, a day ahead of the opening of the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP16). The report charts an urgent course correction for how the world grows food and uses land in order to avoid irretrievably compromising Earth’s capacity to support human and environmental wellbeing.
UNCCD COP16 takes place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from Dec. 2 to 13, 2024, with the theme: “Our Land, Our Future”
The report draws on roughly 350 information sources to examine land degradation and opportunities to act from a planetary boundaries’ perspective. It underlines that land is the foundation of Earth’s stability and regulates climate, preserves biodiversity, maintains freshwater systems and provides life-giving resources including food, water and raw materials.
It outlines how deforestation, urbanisation and unsustainable farming are causing global land degradation at an unprecedented scale, threatening not only different Earth system components but human survival itself. The deterioration of forests and soils further undermines Earth’s capacity to cope with the climate and biodiversity crises, which in turn accelerate land degradation in a vicious, downward cycle of impacts.
“If we fail to acknowledge the pivotal role of land and take appropriate action, the consequences will ripple through every aspect of life and extend well into the future, intensifying difficulties for future generations,” said UNCCD Executive Secretary, Ibrahim Thiaw.
According to the UNCCD, the global area impacted by land degradation – approx. 15 million km², more than the entire continent of Antarctica or nearly the size of Russia – is expanding each year by about a million square km.
Planetary boundaries
The report situates both problems and potential solutions related to land use within the scientific framework of the planetary boundaries, which has rapidly gained policy relevance since its unveiling 15 years ago.
“The aim of the planetary boundaries framework is to provide a measure for achieving human wellbeing within Earth’s ecological limits,” said Johan Rockström, lead author of the seminal study introducing the concept in 2009.
“We stand at a precipice and must decide whether to step back and take transformative action, or continue on a path of irreversible environmental change,” he adds.
The planetary boundaries define nine critical thresholds essential for maintaining Earth’s stability. The report talks about how humanity uses or abuses land directly impacts seven of these, including climate change, species loss and ecosystem viability, freshwater systems and the circulation of naturally occurring elements nitrogen and phosphorus. Change in land use is also a planetary boundary.
Six boundaries have already been breached to date, and two more are close to their thresholds: ocean acidification and the concentration of aerosols in the atmosphere. Only stratospheric ozone – the object of a 1989 treaty to reduce ozone-depleting chemicals – is firmly within its “safe operating space”.
Unsustainable agricultural practices
Conventional agriculture is the leading culprit of land degradation according to the report, contributing to deforestation, soil erosion and pollution. Unsustainable irrigation practices deplete freshwater resources, while excessive use of nitrogen- and phosphorus-based fertilizers destabilise ecosystems. Degraded soils lower crop yields and nutritional quality, directly impacting the livelihoods of vulnerable populations. Secondary effects include greater dependency on chemical inputs and increased land conversion for farming.
Climate change
Meanwhile, climate change – which has long since breached its own planetary boundary – accelerates land degradation through extreme weather events, prolonged droughts, and intensified floods. Melting mountain glaciers and altered water cycles heighten vulnerabilities, especially in arid regions. Rapid urbanisation intensifies these challenges, contributing to habitat destruction, pollution, and biodiversity loss.
The report also states that land ecosystems absorbed nearly one third of human-caused CO₂ pollution, even as those emissions increased by half. Over the last decade, however, deforestation and climate change have reduced by 20% the capacity of trees and soil to absorb excess CO₂.
Transformative action
According to the report, transformative action to combat land degradation is needed to ensure a return to the safe operating space for the land-based planetary boundaries. Just as the planetary boundaries are interconnected, so must be the actions to prevent or slow their transgression. Principles of fairness and justice are key when designing and implementing transformative actions to stop land degradation, ensuring that benefits and burdens are equitably distributed.
Agriculture reform, soil protection, water resource management, digital solutions, sustainable or “green” supply chains, equitable land governance along with the protection and restoration of forests, grasslands, savannas and peatlands are crucial for halting and reversing land and soil degradation.
From 2013 to 2018, more than half-a-trillion dollars were spent on agricultural subsidies across 88 countries, a report by FAO, UNDP and UNEP found in 2021. Nearly 90% went to inefficient, unfair practices that harmed the environment, according to that report.
New technologies
The report also recognises that new technologies coupled with big data and artificial intelligence have made possible innovations such as precision farming, remote sensing and drones that detect and combat land degradation in real time. Benefits likewise accrue from the precise application of water, nutrients and pesticides, along with early pest and disease detection.
It mentions the free app Plantix, available in 18 languages, that can detect nearly 700 pests and diseases on more than 80 different crops. Improved solar cookstoves can provide households with additional income sources and improve livelihoods, while reducing reliance on forest resources.
Numerous multilateral agreements on land-system change exist but have largely failed to deliver. The Glasgow Declaration to halt deforestation and land degradation by 2030 was signed by 145 countries at the Glasgow climate summit in 2021, but deforestation has increased since then.
The 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) takes place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from Dec. 2 to 13, 2024, with the theme: “Our Land, Our Future”.
The COP is the main decision-making body of UNCCD’s 197 Parties – 196 countries and the European Union.
UNCCD, the global voice for land, is one of three major UN treaties known as the Rio Conventions, alongside climate and biodiversity, which recently concluded their COP meetings in Baku, Azerbaijan and Cali, Colombia respectively.
Coinciding with the 30th anniversary of UNCCD, COP16 will be the largest UN land conference to date, and the first UNCCD COP held in the Middle East and North Africa region, which knows first-hand the impacts of desertification, land degradation and drought.
According to the UN, COP16 marks a renewed global commitment to accelerate investment and action to restore land and boost drought resilience for the benefit of people and planet.
