Concentrations of hazardous ground-level ozone have worsened in northern China, despite country-wide efforts to tackle air pollution, according to a study published by Peking University, reported on Wednesday, April 10, 2018.
Air pollution in China
Stringent winter restrictions on industry, transportation and coal consumption enabled smog-prone northern Chinese regions to meet politically crucial air quality targets for the 2013-2017 period.
But while concentrations of hazardous airborne particles known as PM2.5 fell, average daytime ozone levels jumped sharply.
The data obtained is according to a study of pollution data on Tuesday in 33 northern cities by Peking University’s Guanghua School of Management and the Centre for Statistical Science.
Also known as “sunburn for the lungs”, ozone is caused by the interaction of sunlight with nitrogen-oxides and the vast amounts of uncontrolled-volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by burning fossil-fuels.
Traffic congestion is a major cause.
Ozone is one of six components of China’s official air quality index, along with sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, PM2.5 and larger airborne particles known as PM10.
Ozone rose throughout the region, with concentrations up 40 per cent or more in 10 northern cities from 2014 to 2017, the study said.
Cuts in other forms of pollution are believed to have contributed to the rise.
“Regional declines in the amount of PM2.5 and PM10 have reduced the volume of floating particles and increased the strength of the sunlight required to produce ozone,” the paper said.
A study by Chinese researchers published last year identified ozone as a growing health risk that had caused a rise in deaths from strokes and heart disease.
“If you look at the public health impact … PM2.5 is responsible for more than a million premature deaths per year.
Meanwhile, ozone is somewhere above 100,000,” said Lauri Myllyvirta, clean air campaigner with environment group Greenpeace.
“But last summer, ozone really spiked and it is deservedly going to get more attention,” he said.
He added that China should set targets to cut nitrogen oxide and VOC emissions in its next air quality plan, due to be published later this year.
After eight years of service, John E. Scanlon left his position as Secretary-General of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) on Friday, April 6, 2018.
Scanlon, who is widely believed to have left the Convention and its Secretariat in a strong position, now takes on the role of Special Envoy for African Parks.
Representatives of Parties to CITES as well as UN and other international organisations, in their farewell messages, reflect on Scanlon’s contributions to CITES and beyond over the last eight years.
Former CITES Secretary-General, John Scanlon
Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations: “As you leave CITES after eight years of amazing leadership, I am delighted to know that you will be taking on the vital position of Special Envoy for African Parks.
“The protection of biological diversity is a critical element of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and CITES plays a crucial role in promoting the sustainable trade in and management of these precious resources. You have led the organization impressively over the past eight years, growing not only its membership but its effectiveness on the ground. Your commitment to protecting our fragile environment is longstanding – at IUCN, UNEP and CITES – and I know we can count on your dynamic leadership going forward.
“I wish you the very best in your new role and I look forward to our continued collaboration.”
Dr Edna Molewa, MP, Minister of Environmental Affairs, South Africa: “Your tireless effort demonstrated in all the encounters with South Africa will always be remembered. Your departure is taking place during the most important period within the CITES schedule, when we approach the 18th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES.
“Your contribution during the planning and hosting of the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties which was held in Johannesburg, South Africa, from September 24 to October 5, 2016 is truly appreciated.
“The Ministerial Lekgotia which discussed the Nexus between the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is of most memorable to South Africa. This took place the day before the opening of the 17th CoP to CITSE. South Africa is honoured to have had you as a Secretary-General when we hosted this important conference.”
H.E. General Surasak Karnjanarat, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Thailand: “To learn that you will be soon completing your mandate as Secretary-General of CITES, we would like to express our heart-felt gratitude for your hard work and kind support to the convention and to Thailand on the implementation of CITES. Having met you in South Africa at CITES CoP17 and during your courtesy visit to our office in Bangkok, we were impressed by your energetic and positive personality in moving forward the difficult work in the fight against illegal wildlife trade.
“We also appreciate the strong leadership and direction that you have provided to CITES Secretariat and in the service of the strengthening and implementation of CITES during these eight years. Your excellent work will be memorable and the Royal Thai Government continues its strong commitment to the CITES Convention.
“We would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate you for your new posting as Special Envoy for African Parks. We wish you all the best and sincerely hope that you will have a prosperous life ever.”
Karmenu Vella, European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries: “Thank you John for all your achievements as Secretary General of CITES.
“Your strategic approach to wildlife conservation has significantly strengthened the impact of the Convention.
“You have led the way in making it a critical tool in addressing overexploitation of natural resources.
“As biodiversity on our planet comes under ever greater threat, we need leaders like you.
“I am sure you will be every bit as successful as a Special Envoy for African Parks.
“It has been a real joy working with you.”
Zhang Jianlong, Minister, State Forestry Administration of China: “For more than eight years, CITES, under the leadership of Mr John Scanlon, has achieved extraordinary progress and accomplishments: the considerable increase in the number of CITES Parties and national CITES implementation capacity; the formation and operation of the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crimes, which plays a leading role in fighting the global illegal wildlife trade; the establishment of World Wildlife Day, which helps promote public awareness for wildlife conservation; the control of trade in key marine and timber species; and the promotion of thematic discussion and pilot demonstrations for “CITES and Livelihoods” and “Rural Community”, which have put CITES in an increasingly important position to regulate the international wildlife trade and promote sustainable development.
“These achievements have been made out of the concerted involvement of the international community, the industrious endeavours of the Parties, and the active organization and coordination by you and your CITES Secretariat colleagues. Your passion, devotion, wisdom and hardworking nature have won recognition and respect from far and wide.”
The Rt Hon the Lord Hague of Richmond, the United Kingdom: “During my time as Foreign Secretary and more recently as Chairman of the United for Wildlife Transport Taskfore it has been an absolute pleasure to work with John.
“Over the last eight years he has distinguished himself through his constant dedication to the work of CITES. He has successfully raised the profile of CITES as a whole as well as educating and informing the world of the flora and fauna that are today endangered.
“On a personal level it has been a joy to work with John, who has always brought with him a ready and determined approach to his work on conservation. He is knowledgeable, persuasive, and a very effective leader.
“I thank him for his great service and wish him the best of luck in his next endeavours.”
Prof. Judi W. Wakhungu, Ambassador to France, Portugal, Serbia & Holy See, former Minister of Environment and Natural Resources of Kenya: “It was indeed a great pleasure to have worked together, particularly in the last CoP, where I was the Head of Kenyan delegation and Chair of over 30 African Elephant Coalition Parties to CITES. Through your leadership, we saw the closure of the largest legal domestic ivory markets in China and others have plans for closure. This is a cause advocated for by over 30 African elephant range states. In Kenya, this decision had led to a significant reduction in wildlife trafficking and poaching.
“During your tenure, we saw recruitment of youthful, vibrant staff that practiced a more inclusive strategy with keen interest in African nations in a way that no SG previously did. You spearheaded the listing of many threatened species under CITES Appendices to enhance their protection. I do hope this will continue after your era.
“I am certain your new responsibility at the African Parks will bring more synergy among managers of protected areas, to enhance the conservation and management of our natural resources.”
Judith G. Garber, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, U.S. Department of State: “We would like to thank John Scanlon for his steady and skilful leadership at the helm of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) for the past eight years. He joined CITES during a surge in the illegal trade in wildlife and the recognition of wildlife trafficking as a high-value, low-risk crime involving transnational criminal networks. Under Mr. Scanlon’s leadership, CITES devised new ways to address this challenge and expanded its partnerships beyond the traditional wildlife management community to include key law enforcement organisations. Mr Scanlon was also instrumental in building the high-level political attention needed to tackle this security threat and in the process raised the profile of CITES.
“We will miss his vision and leadership at CITES, but are pleased that he will continue to make a positive difference for wildlife in his future endeavours with African Parks.”
H.E. Ambassador Christoph Heusgen, Permanent Representative of Germany to the United Nations: “John Scanlon has demonstrated visionary leadership and personal dedication in the battle against illegal wildlife trade and poaching as Secretary-General of CITES. He was instrumental in making sure that the mass poaching of elephants and rhinos in Africa was addressed not only in environmental expert circles, but is today at the highest level of the political agenda. Germany worked very closely with him in taking this issue to the United Nations General Assembly, which adopted its ground-breaking Resolution 69/314 on tackling illicit trafficking in wildlife in 2015.
“Having realised early on that this battle could not be won by environmental institutions like CITES alone, John Scanlon has also built a strong cross-sectoral coalition between CITES and other international institutions such as INTERPOL, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the World Bank and the World Customs Organisation. We are convinced that in his next position, he will continue to be a driver for change towards a more sustainable future.”
Franz Perrez, Ambassador for the Environment, Switzerland: “Dear John, I remember when we first met in Nairobi, both fully committed to strengthen international environmental governance, not as an objective in itself, but as a tool to achieve more on the ground. By moving from UNEP headquarters in Nairobi to head and lead the CITES secretariat in Geneva, you continued your engagement for a better environment and brought it closer to the ground. It was a privilege and a pleasure to work with you, to benefit from your sharp analytical and strategic thinking, to enjoy your humour, and to be stimulated by your commitment and friendship. Your answers and proposals were not only clear, clever and thoughtful, they were also honest – and this is what I appreciated most. Thank you so much – and all the best for your next steps!”
Gregory J. Sheehan, Principal Deputy Director, US Fish & Wildlife Service: “On behalf of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), we appreciate your leadership over eight years as the Secretary General of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Under your guidance, CITES has been elevated to new heights and influence in conservation efforts around the globe. It was my pleasure to make your acquaintance recently and your dedication and passion for the work of CITES as ostensible. My colleagues at the Service speak fondly of their time working with you and greatly value the shared achievements that you have reached.
“You have accomplished much during your tenure: seeing the number of Parties growing from 175 to 183; combating illegal wildlife trade and giving it parity with other international crimes; building collaborative partnerships that have increased funding for CITES; bringing more timber and marine species in trade under CITES regulation; increasing the political visibility of the Convention; engaging new audiences to increase the reach of CITES including travel and tourism operators, youth and rural communities whose livelihoods depend on sustainable use of natural resources.”
Mathias Loertscher, Head of CITES Management Authority of Switzerland and Chair of CITES Animals Committee: “First of all, Switzerland would like to thank John for his outstanding leadership in the years he has been working as Secretary General for the CITES Convention. With his dedication, communication skills and extremely hard work, he has been able to raise the profile of our Convention on the international level to unprecedented heights. He has also been paramount in getting necessary funding for the functioning of the Convention in the future and has led a extremely dedicated Secretariat in supporting the needs of the CITES parties. We already now know that we will miss John but nevertheless we wish him all the best for his new endeavours at African parks. Hopefully our paths will cross again in the future.”
Achim Steiner, Administrator, UN Development Programme (UNDP): “John, I would like to congratulate you on your new assignment at African Parks. Over the past four years collaboration between CITES and UNDP has grown considerably. Under your helm, the influence and impact of the CITES Secretariat and the Convention have grown considerably over the past eight years. And thanks to the strong systems you have established in Geneva, we look forward to maintaining our species CITES-UNDP partnership, building on the close working relationships already in place between our technical teams. Although your leadership with CITES will be missed, we look forward to continuing our collaboration with you over the coming months through African Parks.”
Yuri Fedotov, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC): “John, my friend and colleague, you have been a tireless and dedicated leader in the fight against the illegal wildlife trade, and you will be sorely missed. With you and CITES as our partner, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime has been able to achieve real results in raising awareness of the need to stop wildlife and forest crime, and in support governments to sharpen their responses.
“The International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime remains a signature achievement, of which we can all be proud.
“I am delighted to hear that although we are losing you as CITES Secretary-General, you will continue being a prominent voice for wildlife as Special Envoy for African Parks.
“I wish you every success in this new and challenging endeavour.”
Erik Solheim, Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme: “John Scanlon is a true champion of wildlife. Under his leadership, the Convention has moved from strength to strength, galvanizing global support for protecting our endangered plant and animal species.”
Ibrahim Thiaw, UN Secretary-General’s Special Advisor for the Sahel and former Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): “The death of the last male northern white rhino on the planet is a reminder of just how fast the clock is ticking down for some of our most threatened species. For the last eight years, John has made sure that CITES got that message to the people who can do the most to prevent extinction from becoming everyday news. He has not only raised consumer awareness about the illegal trade in endangered species, he has shifted the related social, economic and security issues onto the agendas and action plans of political and industrial leaders around the world. So, while John is moving on to new adventures of his own, his work at CITES will have global impact for many years to come.”
Michael Møller, Director-General of United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG): “During your tenure, the CITES Secretariat has become a strong partner to the United Nations Office at Geneva and I have greatly enjoyed our cooperation in the past years.
“I would like to convey my warmest congratulations to you in your new endeavours. I am pleased that your tireless efforts towards nature conservation will continue in your new role with African Parks.
“I wish you every success in your new position.”
Jim Yong Kim, President, the World Bank Group: “I would like to thank you for your great service over the last eight years as the Secretary-General of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
“We at the World Bank Group appreciate your leadership in raising political awareness around key conservation challenges and driving global action to combat illegal wildlife trade. You helped give CITES Parties and their many partners a strong voice to champion critical wildlife conservation and development issues. Also, we would like to thank you for serving as the Chair of the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC) and for spearheading the efforts to get ICCWC recognised as an important mechanism to fight illegal wildlife trade globally. It was a pleasure meeting you and joining HRH The Duke of Cambridge at the World Bank headquarters in 2014 for the third Biennial Meeting of the International Corruption Hunters Alliance. We look forward to building on the strong collaboration with the CITES Secretariat in the years to come and wish you well on your future endeavours as the Special Envoy of African Parks.”
Jürgen Stock, Secretary General of INTERPOL: “Throughout his leadership at the CITES Secretariat, Secretary General Scanlon has been steadfast in developing a strong and effective partnership with INTERPOL.
“Of special note have been his efforts in actively promoting the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime on the international stage. Part of Secretary General Scanlon’s legacy is the raised profile of law enforcement among the CITES community through Decisions which promote stronger engagement with the ICCWC partners, including INTERPOL.
“Since 2010, CITES and INTERPOL have collaborated on many projects to strengthen law enforcement involvement in combating wildlife crime, including the development of the International Wildlife Forensics Network.
“Secretary General Scanlon has played an important role in enhancing global efforts to protect endangered species and built a strong platform upon which we can continue our joint efforts to safeguard our environment.”
Kunio Mukyuria, Secretary General of World Customs Organisation (WCO): “It was a privilege to work with someone as competent and dedicated as John Scanlon, who has done much to solidify the efforts with regard to the joint objective we have to combat illegal wildlife and timber trade.
“As Secretary General of CITES, John also brought important leadership to the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC), and has, through the CITES Secretariat, done much in bringing the customs community to the forefront in respect of CITES enforcement.
“I wish John all the best with his future endeavours and am confident that he will excel. He will carry with him the best wishes of the international customs community.”
Bob Zoellick, Former President of the World Bank, US Trade Representative, and US Deputy Secretary of State: “John led by mobilizing an extraordinary range of partners to help save species. During my work as President of the World Bank, I deeply appreciated his creativity and energy in uniting the causes of development and biodiversity. He recognized that the animals around us are part of nations’ natural and cultural heritage. John also has been in the forefront of working with law enforcement to raise the profile of investigations, prosecutions, and judicial actions against wildlife traffickers — a critical part of the multi-dimensional battle to save threatened and endangered species. John, thanks and all best with your next endeavours!”
Mukhisa Kituyi, Secretary-General of United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD): “While I am contrite to learn that your tenure as Secretary-General of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) will come to a close at the beginning of April 2018, I would like to express my warm appreciation to you for the good working relations that we have enjoyed in the past.
“Through our Memorandum of Understanding, we have had a long-standing and mutually beneficial cooperation in ensuring sustainable and regulated trade of CITES-listed species. Under your capable leadership, you leave CITES in a much stronger position and thus able to face better the challenges ahead.”
Francis Gurry, Director General, World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO): “I should like to thank you for the exemplary cooperation you have extended to the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and to me personally during the period of your tenure. I further congratulate you on your highly successful leadership of the CITES Secretariat which, as you say, has seen the Organisation go from strength to strength.
“I am delighted to learn that you intend to continue your good work in advocacy on behalf of African Parks, and I wish you every possible success in this important endeavour.”
Monique Eloit, Director General, World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE): “I would like to thank you for the excellent cooperation we had during your time as Secretary-General of CITES, for your active participation in our activities and for your permanent support to the OIE objectives.
I commend you for the role you have already played in strengthening these links formalized by the signing of the Agreement between our two Organisations.
“I am looking forward to a continued partnership with CITES and I wish you all the best in your new life.”
Inger Andersen, Director General, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): “We all owe John a great deal for everything he has done as Secretary-General of the CITES Secretariat.
“Over the last eight years, John has managed to elevate the fight against illegal wildlife trade to new levels. He has helped raise the ambition of decision makers to take on innovative and concrete measures that are protecting some of the planet’s most precious and endangered species.
“I am immensely grateful for John’s partnership and collaboration. During John’s tenure, IUCN – which helped establish CITES almost 45 years ago – has deepened its partnership with the Convention and today provides extensive scientific expertise to CITES Parties concerning both legal and illegal use across a range of species.
“John leaves the CITES Secretariat in a very strong position as it continues with its vital mandate to safeguard the future of our natural heritage. He will go down as one of the great Secretary-Generals.
“I wish him every success as he takes on his new and hugely important role as Special Envoy for African Parks.”
Bradnee Chambers, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS): “John has made a phenomenal contribution to strengthening CITES and species protection, something that is difficult to do from the standpoint of one person having an impact an MEA. He has lifted the visibility of the convention at a time when biodiversity itself had slid off the political map and he has engaged new and important decision makers and stakeholders in the fight against illicit trade – from royals to air cargo CEOs, an unlikely group, but actors who are having profound effects on implementing the agreement, raising awareness of the imperative to act and delivering the funding required to make change. The COPs and Standing Committees have become major events on the biodiversity calendar being extremely well-attended and watched closely by the public, NGOs and governments involved. But for those that have worked with John, this does not come as a big surprise.
“The level of energy, insight and raw instinct that John brought to these political global processes is unsurpassed (exhausting but exhilarating for those working for him!). We will miss him in the UN and from the governmental side for the next couple of years but like the species he protects, it is hard to change his basic nature and I know we will soon see him using his talents again on the international political scene, and hopefully in the UN, to strengthen a new area or take on yet another new challenge that he is so good at mastering. Meanwhile I wish him well and I will miss his collaborative spirit and his support to CMS that he has lent unselfishly over these last five years. As with his dedication to his work, his dedication to his friends is unyielding and I look forward to continuing our friendship in his new role as the Special Envoy for African Parks.”
Martha Rojas-Urrego, Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands: “On behalf of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and myself, I would like to recognise John for his transformational leadership of the CITES Convention in the past eight years, and congratulate him upon successfully generating global interest and sparking grass roots actions to end illegal wildlife trade and crime.
“John has demonstrated that intergovernmental and multi-lateral platforms are an effective mechanism to mobilise actions and resolve matters critical to the survival of the planet and humanity. It is therefore reassuring that he will continue to work for wildlife in his new role as Special Envoy for African Parks. We wish him continued success and look forward to collaborating with him in his new position given that African Parks manage important wetland areas.”
The newly-elected President of Sierra Leone, Mr Julius Bio, on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 issued a directive ordering the suspension of timber export.
President of Sierra Leone, Mr Julius Bio
According to the presidential directive issued by State House, the suspension is part of the government’s strategy to fight deforestation in the country.
Former President Ernest Koroma suspended the export of timber in 2013, but lifted it in early 2017 in the build-up to the 2018 elections.
Although timber logging has created many jobs for Sierra Leonean youths, environmental activists have welcomed the suspension and called on the government to make the suspension a permanent ban.
The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) had expressed concern over the development, saying that deforestation is leading to large scale land degradation, loss of biodiversity and diminished land productivity in the country.
The UN body stated that impacts have negative impact on the livelihoods of local communities including limited access to critical forest resources and loss of agricultural productivity.
It maintained that tree planting would contribute to the restoration of the forest cover in the country, thus promoting the use of renewable energy, mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration and storage.
The Atlantic overturning – one of Earth’s most important heat transport systems, pumping warm water northwards and cold water southwards – is weaker today than any time before in more than 1,000 years.
Sea surface temperature data analysis provides new evidence that this major ocean circulation has slowed down by roughly 15 percent since the middle of the 20th century, according to a study published in the highly renowned journal Nature by an international team of scientists. Human-made climate change is said to be a prime suspect for the worrying observations.
“We detected a specific pattern of ocean cooling south of Greenland and unusual warming off the US coast – which is highly characteristic for a slowdown of the Atlantic overturning, also called the Gulf Stream System,” says lead-author Levke Caesar from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK). “It is practically like a fingerprint of a weakening of these ocean currents.” As the currents slow down, they bring less heat towards the north, causing widespread cooling of the northern Atlantic – the only ocean region that has cooled in the face of global warming. At the same time, the Gulf Stream shifts northwards and closer to shore and warms the waters along the northern half of the US Atlantic coast.
“That region has warmed faster than most other parts of the world ocean in recent decades,” says co-author Vincent Saba from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Laboratory in Princeton, USA. “This specific ocean temperature pattern has been projected by high-resolution computer simulations as a response to rising carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere – now it has been confirmed by measurements.”
Measurements of sea surface temperatures confirm computer simulations
For decades, scientists have investigated the dynamics of the Atlantic overturning. Computer simulations generally predict that it will weaken in response to human-caused global warming. But whether this is already happening has so far been unclear, due to a lack of long-term direct current measurements. “The evidence we’re now able to provide is the most robust to date,” says Stefan Rahmstorf from the Potsdam Institute, who conceived the study. “We’ve analysed all the available sea surface temperature data sets, comprising data from the late 19th Century until the present.”
“The specific trend pattern we found in measurements looks exactly like what is predicted by computer simulations as a result of a slowdown in the Gulf Stream System, and I see no other plausible explanation for it,” says Rahmstorf. It is in fact not just the pattern in space that matches between computer simulation and observations, but also the change with the seasons.
Global warming likely causes the changes – the effects are far-reaching
The weakening is caused by a number of factors that can be linked to global warming which is caused by greenhouse gases from burning coal, oil, and gas. The Atlantic overturning is driven by the differences in the density of the ocean water: when the warm and hence lighter water travels from the South to the North, it becomes colder and thereby denser and heavier – making it sink to deeper ocean layers and flow back to the south. “But with global warming, increased rainfall as well as meltwater from the Arctic sea ice and Greenland ice sheet is diluting the waters of the northern Atlantic, reducing the salinity. Less saline water is less dense and hence less heavy – which makes it harder for the water to sink from the surface into the deep,” explains Alexander Robinson of the University of Madrid, who co-authored the study.
There have been long debates whether the Atlantic overturning could collapse, being a tipping element in the Earth system. The present study does not consider the future fate of this circulation, but rather analyses how it has changed over the past hundred years. Nevertheless, Robinson cautions: “If we do not rapidly stop global warming, we must expect a further long-term slowdown of the Atlantic overturning. We are only beginning to understand the consequences of this unprecedented process – but they might be disruptive.”
Several studies have shown, for example, that a slowdown of the Atlantic overturning exacerbates sea-level rise on the US coast for cities like New York and Boston. Others show that the associated change in Atlantic sea surface temperatures affects weather patterns over Europe, such as the track of storms coming off the Atlantic. Specifically, the European heat wave of summer 2015 has been linked to the record cold in the northern Atlantic in that year – this seemingly paradoxical effect occurs because a cold northern Atlantic promotes an air pressure pattern that funnels warm air from the south into Europe.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says it has disbursed N70 million to 3,000 households in four states in Nigeria as loan to construct improved toilets, under its Sanitation Marketing Programme.
A variant of the improved toilet
Mr Amir Syed, the UNICEF International Consultant on Sanitation Marketing, disclosed this in a news conference on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 in Katsina, Katsina State.
According to Syed, the loan is to assist Nigeria attain Open Defecation Free (ODF) status by 2025.
The international consultant listed Katsina, Jigawa, Bauchi and Benue states as the states that benefited from the loans.
He said that the loan was disbursed through some Micro Finance Institutions (MFI’s) in the participating states.
Syed added that the programme had been extended to Zamfara.
Seyd said 18 local government areas in Nigeria were currently participating in the programme.
The international consultant explained that Toilets Business Owners (TBOs), trained on toilet technologies, were engaged to construct the improved toilets for the affected households.
In his contribution, the Executive Director, Katsina State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Alhaji Aminu Dayyabu, said the programme was being implemented in five local governments in the state.
According to him, the local governments are: Bakori, Mai’adua, Sandamu, Safana and Dutsin-ma.
Dayyabu said that 996 households benefited from the loan package, adding that each household was given N40,000 loan to construct improved toilets.
Dayyabu said the loan would be repaid within 10 months.
“Households can have such toilets from TBOs either through their own monies or availing loans from Micro Finance Institutions,’’ he said.
Earlier, Madam Bhawna Maheswari, UNICEF Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Specialist, Katsina Office, said the project was aimed at providing people with good toilets to prevent them from contracting diseases.
“The programme will provide opportunity for 50 per cent of households using unimproved toilets and 30 per cent of people practicing open defecation to have improved toilet.
“An improved toilet is supposed to be clean, covered and provide a barrier against diseases,’’ she said.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has called on stakeholders to partner with the commission on its roadmap and framework for sustainable regional development in the region.
Nsima Ekere, NDDC Managing Director
Mr Nsima Ekere, NDDC Managing Director, made the call in a telephone chat with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 in Akure, Ondo State.
Ekere said that it had become necessary for the commission to partner with major stakeholders on development projects that would improve the living conditions of the people in the region.
According to him, the commission is looking forward to the synergy that will be unleashed through teamwork, collaboration and sustainable partnership in an atmosphere of peace and security.
“The NDDC board and management have spent the last one year conceptualising and strategising on a roadmap and framework for sustainable regional development.
“Now, we are stepping out of the room armed with ideas. And we are ready to run.
“We need the partnership and collaboration of all stakeholders to make these happen.
“As an intervention agency, our role is to resolve the developmental challenges of the region and support the development ambitions of the states by working together as partners.
“Because this is our home and our region, we have no other place to go,” he said.
He said it was imperative for the commission and stakeholders to come together to improve the living conditions of the people and build a region capable of fulfilling the collective aspirations that would open a new frontier of growth in the region.
Nasarawa State University, Keffi says it has embarked on the training of students on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to enable them find lasting solution to environmental challenges facing the country.
Prof Nasiru Idris
Prof. Nasiru Idris, Dean, Faculty of Environmental Sciences of the university, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday, April 11, 2018.
He said students of the faculty were being trained also to ensure that proper environmental management was maintained.
According to Idris, the students are also being equipped to explore all aspects and methodologies of the environmental assessment process, for them to effectively analyse technical reports and oversee complex projects.
‘‘We are training them to meet the needs of the present environmental standards without compromising the ability of future generations,’’ he said.
‘‘We train them to go out and prove themselves and help maintain the status and dignity of Nigerian cities and environment through environmental impact assessment plans.’’
He said that the faculty would be working with willing stakeholders on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as a tool for achieving sustainable development.
‘‘The main objective of the EIA is to ensure that potential environmental impacts are foreseen at the appropriate stage of project design and addressed before any decision is taken on the project.
‘‘We work with stakeholders to stipulate how we manage the impact and its benefits to the environment.”
He urged stakeholders not to wait for government alone to handle environmental issues but partner to achieve the desired result.
‘‘We do not need to wait for government so in our faculty, for instance we are not solely dependent on government for any of the programme in the seven departments in the faculty.
‘‘If you look at the rest of the world today, advanced countries are deviating from seeing environmental issues as the primary responsibility of government, whereas, the issues are also private sector-driven.”
He said called on environment stakeholders to work together with government with a view to finding solutions to environmental challenges.
‘‘Most of the projects in the advanced nations are private sector-driven, essentially powered by donor agencies.
‘‘If we wait for government, we will not make much progress because there are competing needs requiring the very limited resources available to it.
‘‘Look at China, as an example; most of the projects being executed by its government are private sector-driven.
‘‘Today, Abuja is deteriorating because its residents are waiting for government to do everything for them.
It is supposed to be a world class city being built on the “garden city movement concept” of Ebenezer Howard’s design.
The garden city movement is a method of urban planning in which self-contained communities are surrounded by “greenbelts”, containing proportionate areas of residences, industry, and agriculture.
The idea was initiated in 1898 by Sir Ebenezer Howard in the United Kingdom.
He called on Nigerians to think globally and act locally to tap into the potential that abounds in the nation and boost development.
‘‘Nigeria can go places if we utilise our potential.
‘‘We have the resources and if we synergise with government, we will take Nigeria to enviable heights.’’
Some solar energy consumers and other Nigerians on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 attributed the slow pace at embracing the technology to the high cost of installation materials.
Rooftop solar panels
They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the rising cost of PhotoVoltaic (PV) panels, inverters, and batteries was a major challenge to the installation of the technology.
According to them, despite the abundance of sun in Nigeria, and ability of solar power to end energy deficit, support growth of small businesses, many Nigerians have remained indifferent to adopting the technology.
They were reacting to Federal Government’s call to Nigerians to embrace solar energy and other renewable sources, given the limited nature of the national grid to provide electricity to all Nigerians.
The Federal Government had repeatedly emphasised that it was diversifying electricity generation, distribution and transmission with other renewable energy solutions like solar.
Mr Babatunde Fashola, Minister of Power, Works and Housing, had at a book launch advised Nigerians to embrace solar energy to reduce pressure on the national grid.
“We are committed to incremental power and policies that will drive the power sector. Solar is one of the renewable energy,” the minister said.
NAN reports that installing a solar electricity system is first made possible with the provision of a solar panel itself, although there are various kinds of solar panels used for generating electricity.
A single solar module or PV can produce only a limited amount of power and most installations contain multiple PVs.
For an installer to generate the required energy, he or she must have to buy the required number of PVs.
A PV system typically includes a panel or an array of solar modules made up of a solar inverter and batteries.
Also, a market survey by NAN on the prices of PV panels revealed that a solar PV panel of 150Watts and 300Watts is being sold for between N40,000 and N70,000 respectively, depending on the kind of panel.
To this end, Mr Charles Ugoma, a bank executive, told NAN that he installed the solar technology in his four bedroom apartment in 2015, having spent so much money to purchase the panels and batteries.
He said the panels became bad after two years of installation because the panels sold to him were not designed for the climate in Nigeria.
“The panels were not manufactured to suit the tropics in Africa, the one they installed for me is not sustainable.’’
According to him, it has become difficult for him to replace the panels because of the present high cost of PV panels in the market.
Ugoma said it was important for the government through its relevant energy agencies to work toward implementing right polices that would make solar energy technology affordable to Nigerians.
This, he explained would help rekindle the interest of many Nigerians to deploy the technology to solve their energy issues.
Dr Charles Odeh, a solar energy developer, also told NAN that it was cheering that policymakers at the Federal and State levels were formulating polices on renewable like solar power to address energy poverty.
Odeh, however said it was unfortunate that government policies on renewable energy had not actually reduced the cost of providing solar energy.
He said some of the policies were actually designed to ultimately transfer part of the cost of importing solar energy equipment to ordinary Nigerians buying the technology.
“The actual cost of having a solar power is actually high than most people think, because it comes with other unseen costs like infrastructure and environmental impact issues.
“You should not expect a developer, investor to spend so much on importing solar equipment to record a loss, while deploying the technology to people.
“Government must find a way to ensure that it is less expensive to deploy.
“Engineers need to develop more efficient production techniques, mass production of panels in efficient factories will help bring down production costs and make them cheaper for consumers to buy.”
Mrs Anita Okonkwo, a salon operator in Nyanya, told NAN that she had deployed solar energy solution in her shop to complement electricity supply from the national grid.
This, according to her is to ensure constant electricity to power her hair dryers and ultimately record high patronage from customers.
She, however, said the solar technology could not be sustained as she spends much money to maintain the facility.
Meanwhile, the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) had recently kicked against the new import duty on solar panels, stating that the measure may lead to further hike in costs of the panels.
REAN had in a statement alleged that its members who were solar energy investors and developers were being asked to pay between five per cent to 10 per cent import duty on panels imported.
To reduce environmental impact across its operations and throughout its supply chain, Guinness Nigeria Plc., has partnered with Wecyclers, a for-profit social enterprise that promotes environmental sustainability, socio-economic development, and community health to support its waste management agenda.
L-R: Sustainable Development & Alcohol in Society Manager, Guinness Nigeria, Titilola Alabi; Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Viola Graham-Douglas; Chief Executive Officer, Wecyclers, Olawale Adebiyi; and Head, Brand Protection and Corporate Security, Guinness Nigeria, Kingsely Onyeoziri, at the MoU signing ceremony between Guinness Nigeria Plc and Wecyclers
Guinness, a leading beverage alcohol company, said the partnership was expected to, among other things, help to support the implementation of Guinness Nigeria’s 4R waste management strategy.
The 4Rs covers Reduction, Reuse, Recovery and Recycling, while addressing increasing local and global concerns around the environmental issues of waste disposal.
The Managing Director/CEO, Guinness Nigeria Plc., Mr Peter Ndegwa, said on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 that the partnership with Wecyclers was in line with the company’s commitment to reducing its chain environmental impact.
He added that it was also in line with Nigeria’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy approach under which producers are given a significant responsibility for the treatment or disposal of post-consumer products.
“This partnership with Wecyclers is in line with our commitment to reduce our environmental footprint as well as join the global movement to advance sustainable development.
“Every year at Guinness, we set ourselves stretched targets that will guide us as we work to reduce our impact on the environment.
“We also strive to increase our positive social impact by delivering transformational social investments in communities where we operate,’’ Ndegwa said in a statement.
The Chief Executive Officer, Wecyclers, Mr Olawale Adebiyi, said at the MoU signing that the company aimed to build a low-cost waste collection infrastructure while raising general awareness on the importance of recycling for environmental sustainability and social welfare.
According to him, households are given a chance to generate value from their waste and provide a reliable supply of raw material to the local recycling industry.
“Partnerships with well-meaning organiations such as Guinness Nigeria Plc are a critical part of driving that agenda forward.’’
On her part, Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Viola Graham-Douglas, said: “In the medium to long term, Guinness Nigeria has set targets as part of its 2020 Sustainability & Responsibility commitments.
It comprises three key pillars: Leadership in Alcohol in Society, Building Thriving Communities and Reducing our Environmental Impact.
“Delivering on these goals is an integral part of our long term business strategy and our commitment to making a real difference in communities where Guinness Nigeria operates.’’
She added, “To this end, we have developed a sustainability strategy that will help us reduce our environmental impact, while increasing our positive social impact in the society and this partnership will help us achieve our objectives.’’
Wecyclers provides convenient recycling services in densely populated urban neighborhoods, with services that include the collection of waste products, such as, Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) cans, bottles and other small formats from different locations across Lagos, thereby reducing the chances of them ending up as waste in the open environment.
Guinness Nigeria Plc plans to run this pilot successfully in Lagos and then extend the initiative to other states in Nigeria within the next two years.
The Southern African Governors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) have called on the bank to lead the way to faster-paced development of the African Continent.
The AfDB Southern Africa Governors in a group photo with the bank’s President, Akinwumi Adesina
The AfDB, in a statement on Tuesday, April 11, 2018, said the governors as well as Finance Ministers from Angola, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, and Namibia shared their thoughts at a regional consultation with AfDB in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The ministers of Finance and Planning from São Tomé and Príncipe, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe were also present at the meeting.
According to the statement, the governors expressed concern about the Southern African region’s low growth performance in 2017 and the fact that nine out of 10 developing countries would be in Africa by 2030.
They identified the bank as Africa’s trusted partner to lead the way to reverse the situation.
The Minister of Finance and Budget of Madagascar, Mrs Vonintsalama Andriambololona, said many challenges faced by Africa required that the continent sit up in order to develop and to grow.
She commended the bank’s leadership in reducing time lags between project conception and first disbursements, which she noted was faster with the AfDB than with any other multilateral development institution.
“We are grateful to the African Development Bank for anticipating Africa’s funding needs and addressing them now. Africa needs more resources to grow.
“As such, we are favourable to a capital increase for the Bank to help address Africa’s funding needs,” she said.
Meanwhile, the AfDB president, Mr Akinwumi Adesina, said in 2017, the bank accelerated the scale and delivery of its lending and achieved the highest disbursement ever in its history with over $7.2 billion.
“The challenges ahead of Africa are immense, and the need for faster growth is even more urgent than ever before. Therefore, we cannot rest on our oars,” he said.
Adesina called for collective action to scale-up implementation of Africa’s development, noting that a faster-paced development was what the continent needed.
“We have just 12 years to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. This is not a clock ticking, It is an alarm bell for the world and the bell is ringing louder and louder.
“The Sustainable Development Goals will not be achieved by a ‘business as usual’ attitude and they will not be realised globally unless Africa achieves them completely and comprehensively,” he said.
Adesina said all the countries of the Southern region had a great opportunity to accelerate inclusive growth in the next few years and that the AfDB would be with them on this journey.
According to AfDB data, the bank’s operations are transforming the lives of millions of Africans.
According to figures for 2010-2017, 18 million Africans benefitted from new electricity connections and 57 million Africans benefitted from improvements in agriculture.
In the same period, 420,000 small businesses were provided with financial services, while 83 million Africans benefitted from improved access to transport and 49 million Africans benefitted from better access to water and sanitation.
