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Climate Action 2024: The year in review

Michael Simire
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Climate Action 2024: The year in review

As the world continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, 2024 has marked a significant juncture in the global climate action movement. This article reviews the pivotal events, initiatives, and outcomes that defined climate action throughout the year, highlighting successes, challenges, and a roadmap for the future.

Olumide Idowu
Olumide Idowu, Founder/ED, ICCDI Africa

Global Climate Agreements and Initiatives: In 2024, nations worldwide reaffirmed their commitment to the Paris Agreement, with many countries updating their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to reflect more ambitious climate targets. Notably, the United Nations held the Climate Action Summit in New York, where over 100 countries announced enhanced commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030, aiming to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

A historic agreement was reached between major economies, including the United States, the European Union, and China, to phase out coal-fired power plants by 2035. This is a significant step toward accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources. This collaborative effort underscored the importance of international cooperation in addressing a crisis that transcends borders.

Innovations in Renewable Energy: 2024 has been a landmark year for renewable energy advancements. The global solar and wind energy capacity has surpassed 3,000 gigawatts, with many countries investing heavily in infrastructure to harness these resources. Innovations in battery technology have also made headlines, with several companies unveiling breakthroughs that promise to increase energy storage efficiency and reduce costs.

Furthermore, floating solar farms and offshore wind projects have gained traction, particularly in regions previously reliant on fossil fuels. These developments contribute to cleaner energy, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth in local communities.

Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability: Corporate involvement in climate action has reached new heights in 2024. Major corporations across various sectors, from technology to finance, have embraced sustainability as a core component of their business strategies. Many have committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040, with interim targets for 2025 and 2030.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria have become more prominent, influencing investor decisions and corporate policies. Consumers increasingly favour businesses prioritising sustainability, prompting companies to adopt greener practices, such as reducing waste, utilising sustainable materials, and improving supply chain transparency.

Grassroots Movements and Youth Activism: The youth climate movement remained powerful in 2024, with young activists organising global strikes and awareness campaigns. The impact of grassroots movements was evident as they successfully advocated for climate legislation in several countries, with youth-led organisations influencing local, national, and global policy decisions.

The rise of digital activism has also played a crucial role in mobilising communities and raising awareness. Social media campaigns have brought attention to climate issues, making it easier for individuals to engage, share information, and rally support for climate initiatives.

Challenges and Setbacks: Despite progress in various areas, 2024 also revealed significant challenges. Extreme weather events, exacerbated by climate change, continued to wreak havoc across the globe. From wildfires in Australia to floods in South Asia, the urgency of climate action was amplified by the visible impacts of a warming planet.

Additionally, political resistance in some regions hindered the implementation of crucial climate policies. Misinformation and scepticism surrounding climate science persisted, creating divisions that complicated efforts to achieve consensus on climate action.

Looking Ahead: The Road to 2025 and Beyond: As 2024 approaches, the focus shifts toward 2025, a critical year for climate action. The next round of climate negotiations at COP30 will allow countries to reassess their commitments and collaborate on innovative solutions to combat climate change.

Emphasising adaptation and resilience will also be vital, as nations must invest in infrastructure that can withstand climate impacts. Building partnerships between governments, businesses, and communities will be essential to fostering a holistic approach to climate action.

In conclusion, 2024 has been a defining chapter in the ongoing struggle against climate change. With significant advancements in renewable energy, corporate responsibility, and grassroots activism, there is a growing momentum towards meaningful climate action. However, the remaining challenges underscore the necessity for continued commitment and collaboration.

As the world looks towards 2025, the actions taken today will shape the future of our planet for generations to come. The path forward is fraught with challenges, but the collective determination to combat climate change offers hope for a sustainable and equitable future.

By Olumide Idowu, Founder/ED, ICCDI Africa

Global Sustainable Competitiveness Index: Sweden tops as Nigeria ranks 145

Michael Simire
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Global Sustainable Competitiveness Index: Sweden tops as Nigeria ranks 145

Nigeria – Africa’s most populous nation – ranks 145 on the Global Sustainable Competitiveness Index 2024 released on Friday, December 20.

Bola Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria at UNGA 2023

With Sweden emerging as number 1 (of the top 5 spots, 4 are Scandinavian), Northern European countries dominate the top 20 rankings, and Asian nations (South Korea, Japan, Singapore, and China) lead the Intellectual Capital Index – the basis of innovation.

First published in 2012, the Global Sustainable Competitiveness Index (GSCI) measures sustainable competitiveness based on 216 quantitative indicators derived from international organisations (World Bank, IMF, various UN Agencies).

The indicators are grouped into six foundations of competitiveness of a nation-economy: Natural Capital Index, Resource Capital Index, Social Capital Index, Intellectual Capital & Innovation Index, Economic Sustainability, and Governance Performance Index.

Sustainable competitiveness is the ability to generate and sustain inclusive wealth without diminishing the future capability of sustaining or increasing current wealth levels.

Key insights from the Global Sustainable Competitiveness Index 2024 indicate:

  • China is ranked 28, excelling in Intellectual Capital but lags in Natural Capital and Resource Efficiency, albeit with encouraging signs of efficiency improvements;
  • The US is ranked 35, performing comparatively poor in resource efficiency and social capital, reflecting a decline that could potentially undermine the global status of the US in the future;
  • Germany ranks 9, France 8, and the UK 14 while of the emerging economies Brazil ranks 52 and India 90;
  • Some of the least developed nations have a considerable higher GSCI ranking than their GDP would suggest (e.g. Vietnam, Colombia, Peru, Nepal, Bhutan, Bolivia, …);
  • Countries savaged by violent conflicts (Sudan, Yemen, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia, Afghanistan) are at the bottom of the GSCI;
  • The global gap to a perfect sustainable competitive World is 56.1. We are far from an inclusive and circular society that lives in equilibrium with the natural environment;
  • Tribalism, distracting cultural wars, struggles for perceived personal power, and armed conflict are complicating (if not preventing) the implementation of simple, efficient, profitable and readily available solution;
  • There is immense untapped potential. Policies geared to maximise efficiency improvements could lead to significant positive developments throughout all dimensions;
  • Asian nations (South Korea, Japan, Singapore, and China) lead the Intellectual Capital Index – the basis of innovation;
  • The Social Capital Index ranking is headed by Northern European (Scandinavian) countries, the result of economic growth combined with a commonly accepted social consensus.

New material could capture millions of tonnes of atmospheric carbon

Michael Simire
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New material could capture millions of tonnes of atmospheric carbon

A new material being developed by Teesside University academics could play a major role in reducing carbon in the atmosphere at a fraction of the cost of traditional carbon dioxide removal technologies.

Dr Humbul Suleman
Dr Humbul Suleman, the project lead and a Senior Lecturer in Teesside University’s School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies

The material, which is being developed in collaboration with colleagues from the University of Edinburgh, has the potential to capture 3.5–5 million tonnes of CO2 in the UK and nearly 30 million tonnes of CO2 globally per year by 2030, at a cost of around £100 per tonne CO2 – considerably less than current direct air capture (DAC) technologies.

Known as CalyChar, the new material is an advanced form of hydrochar, a charcoal-like material formed by using heat and water to treat organic/bio waste in a process known as hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC).

By combining hydrochar with materials like amino acids and metal oxides to create CalyChar the researchers aim to overcome the material’s traditional limitations in CO2 capture.

In doing so, they aim to create a functionalised material that can directly capture CO2 for years once carbonised, and permanently store it as a stable carbonate.

The project will also explore the environmental impact of adding carbonised material to soils and wetlands, with expert support from the Tees River Trust, a river habitat conservation body in North East England.

Additionally, CalyChar could be used in bio-concrete and bio-cement, offering long-term carbon storage while creating jobs and driving growth in construction and agriculture.

As the urgency to limit global warming to 2°C intensifies, removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere is more crucial than ever and was emphasised as essential in the press statements from this year’s COP29 climate change conference.

Dr Humbul Suleman, the project lead and a Senior Lecturer in Teesside University’s School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies, said:  “CalyChar represents an exciting step forward in our efforts to combat climate change. By enhancing the ability of hydrochar to capture CO2, we can develop a more cost-effective and long-lasting solution for reducing carbon dioxide levels in our atmosphere.”

Professor Ondřej Mašek from the UK Biochar Research Centre at the University of Edinburgh’s School of GeoSciences said: “The integration of advanced materials like CalyChar into climate solutions is vital if we are to meet ambitious net-zero targets.

“At the University of Edinburgh, we are excited to apply our expertise in biochar technology to help optimise the carbon capture potential of this material. Together with Teesside University, we are exploring ways to accelerate its deployment in real-world applications, from soil enrichment to sustainable construction.”

The project has been funded by the CO2RE The Greenhouse Gas Removal Hub’s Pathfinders III scheme, part of UKRI’s effort to drive a major step towards achieving net zero emissions, and to benefit from the £400 billion future global market in greenhouse gas removal.

Paul Rouse, the fund manager, said: “With technological synergy at its core, the project aims for amplified capabilities, drive sustainable innovation, and positively support the UK’s climate goals. As the world faces the growing challenge of climate change, initiatives like CalyChar offer hope for a cleaner, greener future.”

Niger Delta women demand remediation before sale of Shell subsidiary

Michael Simire
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Niger Delta women demand remediation before sale of Shell subsidiary

A coalition of Niger Delta groups has described Shell UK’s planned sale of its Nigerian subsidiary without consulting host communities as unhealthy and unacceptable.

Women
Protesters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State

The women’s position was presented by Mrs. Emem Okon of Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre during a protest in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Friday, December 20, 2024.

Okon led the coalition of no fewer than 15 Niger Delta-based women groups to protest the planned sale of Shell’s onshore assets without adequate remediation arrangements.

She said it was unhealthy, unethical and unacceptable for the company to make such decision without consulting the communities, saying, “They can’t leave behind a polluted environment”

“We are here to protest international oil companies’ divestments from onshore assets in the Niger Delta region, leaving behind a devastated environment.

“The toxics from oil spills and hydrocarbon pollution in the region have adversely affected our environment and even the fertility of our men,” she said.

Okon urged the Federal Government to take steps towards making oil companies to remediate their operational host communities before considering requests for divestment.

Also speaking during the protest, Dise Ogbise-Goddy of Do Foundation, said it would be unjust for Shell UK to carry out the divestment plan without restoring the Niger Delta ecosystem.

She said that Niger Delta communities had been hugely polluted and environmentally devastated due the operations of the company.

According to her, the severe impact of oil exploration activities on agriculture, fishing and hunting has adversely affected the health of Niger Delta people.

“There is need for appropriate consultation with all stakeholders. We urge the Federal Government not to approve the request by Shell UK.

“The planned sale of oil assets in Nigeria should not be allowed until all polluted farmlands in the Niger Delta have been cleaned and restored.

“We are worried about the swiftness of some of these divestments without clear cut guidelines to resolve pollution issues in the region.

“Part of our worries is that the reputations of the new corporations acquiring the international oil companies are unknown to the people of the region,” she said.

By Shedrack Frank

Nigeria, IFAD to accelerate inclusive, resilient growth of rural economy

Michael Simire
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Nigeria, IFAD to accelerate inclusive, resilient growth of rural economy

The Federal Government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have begun annual review of Nigeria Country Strategic Opportunities Programme (COSOP) from 2024 to 2029.

Dede Ekoue
Dede Ekoue, IFAD Country Director

Dr Dede Ekoue, IFAD Country Director, spoke on Thursday, December 19, 2024, in Abuja at the COSOP review.

She said it was aimed at promoting inclusive and resilient growth of rural economy through market-driven, agri-food system transformation for food and nutrition security for 1.2 million beneficiaries.

COSOP is the framework of cooperation strategy between IFAD and government for IFAD financing and facilitating management for results.

The 2024 to 2029 COSOP was designed through intensive consultations with stakeholders in each geopolitical zone under the leadership of Federal Ministries of Agriculture and Food Security and Finance approved by the IFAD Executive Board in April, 2024.

Ekoue said the beneficiaries included smallholder farmers and entrepreneurs, particularly women and youth, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

She said the annual review would help to highlight some key results of the strategy for the year and also serve as a platform to reflect on the way forward.

Ekoue said digital solution in line with the National Agricultural and Technology Innovation Policy (NATIP) would be scaled up in the new COSOP.

“2024 to 2029 COSOP is aimed at strengthening gender equality by moving from gender mainstreaming to gender transformation.

“It will also strengthen gender equality in leadership and managing workloads; nutrition is a key feature of the new COSOP.”

She said the new COSOP had supported training on good practice, technology and climate resilience, as well as full input and other material supports.

“COSOP has helped to support no fewer than 74,000 farmers and agro-entrepreneur in boosting their production capacity and their productivity through access to training, input and other equipment.

“Focus is put on climate resilience which has a significant impact on the agro-productivity and food system in general.

“The COSOP was also instrumental to reaching out to 20,000 persons in rural area to access financial service and helping 10,000 beneficiaries to access financial literacy.

“The projects have supported no fewer than 24,000 women, youths and start-up income generation activities.

“The projects helped beneficiaries access over 30,000 hectares of land because access to land is critical especially for youth and women and other vulnerable groups.’’

Ekoue attributed the achievement to positive partnership between the Federal Government and effective partnership between the states and the beneficiary communities.

According to her, in line with government priorities under the COSOP, IFAD is funding three sovereign investment programmes in Nigeria.

She listed the programmes as Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Project in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) and Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ).

“A new project- Value Chain Programme in Northern Nigeria (VCN) is expected to come on board in 2025.

“COSOP aligned with Nigeria’s food system transformation focusing on enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable practices and improving market access for smallholder farmers.

“COSOP emphasises on climate resilience and environmental sustainability aligns with Nigeria’s National Climate Change Policy (2021 to 2030), promoting sustainable and inclusive agricultural practices to mitigate climate change impacts while ensuring food security,” she said.

Mr Bukar Musa, Director, Projects Coordinating Unit of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, said the review was a testament to shared commitment to fostering agricultural development, reducing rural poverty and ensuring food security across the country.

“The COSOP framework has been a cornerstone in driving sustainable agricultural transformation in Nigeria.

“Through this partnership and cooperation, we have been able to reach underserved rural communities, empower vulnerable populations and promote resilience in the face of challenges such as climate change, economic fluctuations and insecurity,” he said.

By Felicia Imohimi

GEF Council provides funding boost for pollution and other priorities, kicks off ninth replenishment

Michael Simire
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GEF Council provides funding boost for pollution and other priorities, kicks off ninth replenishment

The governing body of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) has approved nearly $700 million in financing to improve chemicals and waste management, bolster water and urban resilience, and protect biodiverse areas in developing countries striving to meet international environmental goals, in partnership with civil society.

Carlos Manuel Rodriguez
Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, GEF CEO and Chairperson

Meeting virtually, GEF Council members representing 186 countries agreed to start the process early next year for the ninth replenishment of the Global Environment Facility Trust Fund. This next four-year funding period, stretching from July 2026 to June 2030, aligns with the final push towards achieving key targets across the multilateral environmental agreements the GEF supports.

“Our planet’s vital signs are flashing red – we need to work urgently to avert the collapse of the global ecological system that maintains life on Earth. Meeting the 2030 goals has our full attention, and we are committed to moving quickly through GEF-9 to tackle priority environmental needs in an inclusive manner,” said GEF CEO and Chairperson Carlos Manuel Rodríguez.

“Addressing environmental challenges, which is complex, requires a systematic approach and collective responsibility, for ourselves as well as the future generations,” said Dawda Badjie Banjul, Co-Chair of the 68th Council and Council Member from The Gambia.

In their week-long meetings, Council members allocated $554 million from the GEF Trust Fund, $93.6 million from the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF), and $12.6 million from the Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF). They also reviewed progress by the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF), including the setting aside of $91 million for the future funding of new initiatives in 17 countries that received project preparation grants.

The Global Environment Facility’s family of funds, including the GEF Trust Fund, GBFF, LDCF, SCCF, Nagoya Protocol Implementation Fund, and Capacity-building Initiative for Transparency, work to meet needs in an integrated, inclusive, and efficient way, leveraging the strength of the GEF Secretariat and its policies to ensure maximum impact.

Together, the funds support countries’ progress towards the targets of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement, Convention on Biological Diversity, Minamata Convention on Mercury, Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, UN Convention to Combat Desertification, and UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The latest GEF Trust Fund work programme spans 31 projects and programmes in 133 countries, covering 98 percent of the world’s Least Developed Countries and 95 percent of all Small Island Developing States. The largest portion relates to chemical pollutant and waste management, including initiatives focused on agrochemicals, tourism, and PCB elimination as well as a chemicals and waste finance facility.

Geospatial technology critical for national transformation, sustainable development – Surveyor-General

Michael Simire
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Geospatial technology critical for national transformation, sustainable development – Surveyor-General

Surveyor-General of the Federation, Mr. Abuduganiyu Adebomehin, has described geospatial technology as a critical tool for national transformation and economic planning for sustainable development.

Surveyors
A cross section of participants during 2024 National Conference on Survey Coordination, organised by Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation in Abuja

Adebomehin stated this at the 2024 Survey Coordination and Advisory Board’s Conference in Abuja.

The conference had “Repositioning the Nigerian Geospatial Space for the Renewed Hope Agenda and Sustainable Economic Development” as its theme.

It was organised by the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation for Surveyors-Generals of the 36 states of the federation and the FCT.

He explained that geospatial technology was a scientific field that uses various tools to collect, analyse, and display data with geographic components.

Adebomehin said that the geospatial system in surveying provides the needed solutions in decision making on security, health and agriculture.

He added that the technology was equally crucial to achieving sustainable food security, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The surveyor-general urged his counterpart across the 36 states and FCT to leverage geospatial technology to promote economic growth in the country.

“This underscores our collective responsibility to leverage on geospatial data and technologies as vital tools for national transformation, economic planning and sustainable development.

“We are reminded of the critical role geospatial information plays in addressing pressing national issues.

“These issues range from urban planning and infrastructural development to environmental management and disaster resilience.

”In alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government, we are tasked with repositioning our Geospatial space to drive innovation, efficiency, and inclusiveness in governance and economic growth,” he said.

Adebomehin said that the discussions and resolutions at the conference would focus on strengthening surveying across all levels.

He added that the conference would also consider capacity building through robust training programmes for surveyors.

This, according to Adebomehin, will foster the needed partnerships that advanced Nigeria’s leadership in geospatial technology and data management.

“There is also the need to maintain due diligence and professionalism to meet-up with the demands of the 21st century technology-driven economy.

”I am confident that this conference will serve as a catalyst for repositioning our profession, revitalising the geospatial sector and ensuring that survey and mapping remain at the forefront of Nigeria’s developmental agenda.”

Also speaking, Dr Mathew Ibitoye, President, Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), expressed the need for Nigeria to utilise its geospatial resources.

According to Ibitoye, the geospatial industry is key to unlocking the potential for decision makers towards achieving sustainable economic growth and resource management.

Ibitoye said that the theme of the conference was key to addressing the need for surveyors and geospatial communities to align with national aspirations for economic growth, climate resilience, and infrastructure development.

By Ahmed Musa

179m Nigerians living in unclean environment – Report

Michael Simire
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179m Nigerians living in unclean environment – Report

The seventh edition of the public presentation of the State of the Nigerian Environment (STONE) study has revealed that no fewer than 179 million people in Nigeria live in unclean environment.

Mr. Ene Owoh,
Mr. Ene Owoh, National Coordinator Clean-Up Nigeria (left), with Prof. Solomon Balogun, Chairman, NTSG

The STONE 2024 figure is said to be an improvement compared to 183 million recorded in 2023.

The report, which was signed by Mr. Ene  Owoh, National Coordinator Clean-Up Nigeria (CUN), an NGO, followed the Cleanest State Champions event tagged “STONE 2024 Unplugged.”

According to Owoh, the indicators used in the study aimed to promote comprehensive environmental policies targeting governments at all levels and citizens.

“The 2024 zonal rating has significant merits; expected to improve Nigeria’s national cleanliness index rating.

“On one hand, the country has seen a slight improvement in reducing open defecation, from 24 per cent in 2023 to 20 per cent in 2024.”

Owoh said that STONE aimed to highlight the importance of environmental cleanliness and sustainability in terms of waste management.

“Nigeria’s sanitation situation is a mixed bag; unfortunately, waste recycling efforts have declined, dropping from 26 per cent in 2023 to 19 per cent in 2024.

“This decrease is attributed to the rising poverty levels in the country.

“The STONE Study’s findings further revealed that only seven states demonstrated good personal hygiene and sanitation practices among their citizens.’’

Owoh said that the annual Cleanliness Performance Index rating ranked Akwa Ibom and Abuja as cleanest states in Nigeria which enabled some states to show commitment to environmental sustainability.

“Akwa Ibom recently unveiled massive improved waste equipment combined with improving its sanitation of citizens, offering valuable insights for improvement.

“The zonal emphasis rating fosters regional integration, making the competition more relevant to local environments.’’

Owoh, who is also the Secretary, National Technical Study Group (NTSG), said that the cleanliness index rating would address specific cleanliness challenges in each state and drive positive change in Nigeria’s cleanliness and environmental sustainability.

“The zonal approach will also facilitate interstate collaboration and partnership, promoting another and adopt effective strategies to address their unique environmental challenges towards a cleaner and healthier nation.’’

Owoh announced the six zonal cleanest state champions in Nigeria.

“The yearly Cleanliness Performance Index Rating, chaired by Prof. Solomon Balogun, Chairman, STONE NTSG, recognised Akwa Ibom as the cleanest state in the South South.

“Enugu State in the South East, Lagos State in the South West, Plateau in the North Central, Borno in the North East and Kaduna State in the North West.

“By highlighting successes and challenges in each zone, the zonal approach will inspire positive and responsibility among citizens for their local environment.

“This, in turn, will enhance six consecutive years’ effective data collection and analysis from 2018 to 2023; these six zonal cleanliness champions were awarded the prestigious STONE Green Crystal Award in 2024.

“This will promote healthy competition, driving self-improvement and targeted interventions to change and showcase best practices,’’ he said.

According to Owoh, the zonal ratings will provide a more accurate assessment of strengths and weaknesses on a zonal basis, enabling states within each zone to benchmark themselves against one another.

He assured that the zonal rating would equally promote healthy competition, drive self-improvement and target interventions to change and showcase best practices.

By Abigael Joshua

Climate change: Advocates clamour training of more waste managers

Michael Simire
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0
Climate change: Advocates clamour training of more waste managers

Some climate change advocates and members of the Rotary Club on Friday, December 20, 2024, in Osogbo embarked on a walk to create awareness on the effect of climate change on the environment.

waste evacuation
Waste evacuation contractors on duty in Garki Area of Abuja

The climate change awareness campaigners said there was serious need to raise awareness of how human actions and behaviours induce climate change.

The campaigners, who walked from Station Road to Alekuwodo in the Osun State capital, urged government to invest more in training youths to be waste-preneurs (waste managers) to solve climate change issues and thereby create employment.

Mr Ojooluwa Oluwatobiloba, Climate Justice Youth Ambassador (CJYA) in Nigeria and the convener of the Walk, said the awareness was crucial as most states in the South West have very low climate change awareness.

“Climate change is affecting every sector of life and that is why we are out.

“Our plan is to start a movement for climate change in all the states in the South West and we have started it in Oyo, now Osun, next month it will be Ekiti State, then to other states,” he said.

Ojooluwa said that the Climate Change Awareness Walk was aimed at raising young minds to take action concerning solving problems of climate issues in their communities.

He said human actions and behaviours were negatively affecting the climate.

Ojooluwa cited some of the actions to include blocking waterways with refuse, refuse burning and releasing toxic gases into the air, thereby depleting the ozone layer.

He said it was time people, non-governmental organisations and the government started taking action regarding climate issues.

“Having waste-preneurs will generate more jobs and reduce unemployment. This will also help to solve food insecurity and provide renewable energy,” he said

Dr Oladitan Olusakin, another climate change advocate from Opolo Global Innovation Limited, said the collaboration was to raise awareness of people in Osun to take action on climate change.

Olusakin said the people need to embrace recycling and tree planting in order to protect the eco-system and prevent climate change disasters like flooding and heat waves, among others.

Mrs Anne Austin, a climate change advocate and the Zonal Coordinator, Rotary International District 9126, Osun, said that improper disposal of waste was one of the factors causing climate change.

Austin said that negative human activities on the environment had led to depletion of the ozone layer, causing climate change.

She said that their advocacy was to get people more informed on proper management and disposal of wastes and avoid behaviours and actions that could endanger the environment and by extension the climate.

By Olajide Idowu

Stakeholders harp on safe alternatives to GMOs in Nigeria

Michael Simire
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0
Stakeholders harp on safe alternatives to GMOs in Nigeria

Stakeholders on organic agriculture on Thursday, December 19, 2024, in Abuja, called on government at all levels to ensure safe alternatives to Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in Nigeria.

GMOs
GMOs

GMOs are organisms whose genetic material in the DNA or RNA have been altered using genetic engineering techniques.

This involves introducing genes from one species to the DNA of another species to introduce new traits or characteristics.

The stakeholders made the call at the December edition of a symposium on Safe Alternatives to GMOs in Nigeria with the theme “Upscaling Organic and Agroecology”.

The symposium held via a webinar was organised by the Organic and Agroecology Initiative (ORAIN), in conjunction with Organic and Agroecology Innovation Platform (OAIP) and Journalists Go Organic.

Prof. Olugbenga AdeOluwa, National Coordinator, ORAIN, in his opening remarks disclosed that a World Bank report showed that global food security conditions were gradually stabilising in 2024.

AdeOluwa said that there was therefore the need for Nigeria to prioritise safe alternatives to GMOs, with a view to addressing food security and economic gain in the country.

He noted that many farmers in the country also cut corners in their production practices by engaging in several unwholesome acts which endanger the health of consumers.

“There is no gainsaying the fact therefore that safety of ‘GMOs’ regarding human health, environmentally, socially and economically is questionable,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Anthony Job, Plant Scientist and Maize Hybrid farmer, noted that organic farmers were trying to contrast conventional, traditional, and the genetically modified breedings.

According to him, in terms of the organisms in conventional breeding, individuals are used to form varieties that are from the same species.

“In the case of genetically modified organisms, genes from one species can be inserted in another, even if they are non-related,” he explained.

He explained that the conventional breeding takes time and number of generations, while genetic engineering could be faster because the effects were rapidly visible.

He noted that, in terms of alternatives, there was the BSL2201, which was released in 2023.

“BSL is an acronym for value seeds limited, which is bred by my humble self.

“BSL2201 is a white hybrid, sold around to fall army worm, it has a yield potential of about 8.3 tons per hectare.

“This variety can be grown without any insecticide, without any pesticide applications,” he said.

The plant scientist also said that there were two open pollinated varieties, ARTMAZ O1 and ARTMAZ O2, adding that ARTMAZ O1 was a white-green kennel.

“ARTMAZ O1 is bred in RIT, and then we have ARTMAZ O2, which is a yellow-green colour, also an OPV released in 2023, with a high green yield potential,” he further said.

Earlier in his address of welcome, Mr Peter Bakare, President, ORAIN, said there was the need to upscale the sensitisation of both farmers, processors and consumers, so they would be able to decide on what to take to improve their health.

According to him, there are so many things going wrong in the food safety system.

“We believe that the more people are sensitised to know the right from wrong, the better for us and the population in Nigeria.

“It will also be better for human capacity development and our health system, as well as for the growth of our Gross Domestic Product.”

By Anita Uzoagba

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