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Group charges FCT Minister on inclusive land allocation, housing development 

Michael Simire
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Group charges FCT Minister on inclusive land allocation, housing development 

The Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN) has voiced serious concerns over the recent allocation of over 200 acres of land in Abuja’s Phase 5 area for mass housing. The allocation, reportedly granted to an organisation, has sparked debates on the current state of housing policy, land use, and urban planning within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). 

Nyesom Wike
Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria

In a briefing to journalists, HDAN Executive Director, Festus Adebayo, urged the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, to adopt a more inclusive, balanced approach that prioritises sustainable housing development, economic growth, and job creation over immediate revenue generation.

Adebayo highlighted ongoing demolitions in Phase 5, where over 100 housing units have already been torn down on the minister’s orders. According to him, these demolitions stem from the fact that this area has yet to be officially designated as a development zone and remains ungazetted. Adebayo cautioned that the hurried allocation and clearing of land in such an unplanned area sets a concerning precedent, with negative implications for property owners, developers, and the economy of the FCT. 

He emphasised the need for comprehensive planning before large-scale housing developments are sanctioned, citing that Phase 5’s lack of formal planning has led to unnecessary property destruction and financial loss.

HDAN’s investigation also revealed that many of the land recipients in the Phase 5 allocation intend to sell their parcels rather than develop them.

“Why allocate land to individuals or entities that may lack the resources or intention to build?” Adebayo questioned, arguing that allocating large portions of land to those who prioritise profit over development undermines the larger goals of housing policy and urban growth. 

He also highlighted a policy inconsistency, stating that the FCT’s Mass Housing Policy generally restricts allocations to a maximum of 10 hectares in urban areas and 20 hectares in rural areas. The recent over 200-acre allocation clearly deviates from this policy, raising questions about its legality and oversight.

Adebayo also voiced concerns over organisations that are in partnership with AMAC, and some of these organisations’ land have been taken over in the course of the recent allocations.

“From the records made available to HDAN, we have found out that some of those allocations have been made some years ago where the concerned developers have also paid compensation and even received invoice for payments from the development control.

“There will be need for FCDA to look into the loss of these investors, who have already paid compensation to the settlers of this land. We need clarification on whether AMAC and FCDA will address these losses faced by those partners in housing developments,” he noted.

HDAN urged Minister Wike to use land resources to address the housing shortage, foster job creation, and strengthen the FCT’s economy.

Adebayo appealed to the FCT Minister to consider land use as a tool for public good, advocating for projects that could generate employment, increase housing access, and drive overall economic development.

“This is a unique opportunity for the Minister to reposition the Urban and Regional Planning Department within the FCT,” Adebayo said, emphasising that past failures to effectively manage planning have contributed to today’s housing crises. 

HDAN further suggested that any future mass housing allocation should be preceded by consultations with stakeholders and professional bodies to align on urban planning goals and ensure accountability.

Calling for a shift in focus, Adebayo encouraged Minister Wike to view land management not just as a source of revenue but as a means to drive sustainable development within the FCT.

HDAN is a research, non-profit, volunteer and non-governmental organisation that is promoting affordable housing in Africa, with over 5,000 members drawn from all professions in the housing and construction industry.

WHO unveils Nigeria’s first climate health vulnerability, adaptation assessment report

Michael Simire
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WHO unveils Nigeria’s first climate health vulnerability, adaptation assessment report

The World Health Organisation (WHO) unveiled Nigeria’s first-ever Climate Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment Report (VA) during the Health Sector-Wide Joint Annual Review (JAR 2024) on Friday, November 8, 2024, in Abuja.

Walter Mulombo
WHO Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr Walter Mulombo

The report underscores the urgent need for resilient health systems in the face of mounting climate risks.

The JAR serves as a vital platform for driving the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) in Nigeria.

Delivering a goodwill message, Dr Walter Mulombo, WHO’s Head of Mission and Country Representative for Nigeria, said that climate change was the 21st century’s greatest health threat.

Mulombo expressed WHO’s continued dedication to Nigeria’s journey towards a climate-resilient health future.

“Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and shifting disease patterns are already straining health systems, livelihoods, and well-being, especially among vulnerable populations.

“Together, we can protect Nigerians from the risks of a changing climate by building a health system that prioritises resilience,” he said.

The report projects that climate factors could soon account for up to 21 per cent of Nigeria’s disease burden, underscoring the urgency of transformative action.

It serves as a foundational step for developing Nigeria’s Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP), a strategic framework to guide national policies in mitigating climate-related health risks.

The WHO collaborated with the Nigerian government, FCDO, World Bank, and UNICEF to produce the report, which aligns with the Paris Agreement and COP26 Health Programme.

Since 2021, WHO has supported Nigeria’s commitment to a sustainable and climate-resilient health system, reinforcing initiatives like the training of over 382 health workers across all states on climate-health impacts.

This effort aims to build a strong health infrastructure capable of withstanding climate shocks, benefiting all Nigerians.

Several local and international stakeholders, including donors and civil society organisations, were present at the launch event.

Several stakeholders applauded the new approach, with some stressing the importance of community engagement in the implementation of the reforms.

By Abujah Racheal

Climate change policy will reduce emissions, enhance climate resilience – UNICEF

Michael Simire
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Climate change policy will reduce emissions, enhance climate resilience – UNICEF

UNICEF says the Kano State Climate Change Policy Document will reduce emissions, enhance climate resilience and tackle impact of climate change.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State

UNICEF’s Kano Field Office WASH Programme Officer, Mrs. Stella Terver, said this at the validation of the policy on Friday, November 8, 2024, in Kano.

According to her, the policy goal is to promote low carbon, climate resilient, gender responsive and sustainable socio-economic development in the state.

Terver said the policy would also guide the government’s decisions on sustainable development initiatives as well as prepare the state for future climate challenges.

The WASH officer added that the policy was developed with support from UNICEF, Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE) and inputs from various stakeholders.

“The climate change policy document, when approved by the governor, will help the state in sourcing funds from international organisations to combat climate change and also help in climate mitigation and adaptation,” she said.

She emphasised the organisation’s mission to ensure children’s survival, growth, and realisation of their rights.

Terver called on all the citizens to support the policy for its effective implementation for a climate resilient state.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Kano Watershed, Erosion and Climate Change Management Agency (KN-WECCMA), Dr Muhammad Khalil, restated  commitment to building a climate-resilient Kano, ensuring sustainable development and promoting the well-being of the citizens.

He said that the process adopted in developing policy involved close engagements with the various stakeholders from MDAs with support from UNICEF and PACE.

Khalil commended the efforts of the duo and other stakeholders in tackling the impact of climate change.

Stakeholders demand climate justice to mitigate climate change effects in Africa

Michael Simire
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Stakeholders demand climate justice to mitigate climate change effects in Africa

Stakeholders in Oyo State under the aegis of “African Climate Caravan” are demanding for grants instead of loans to mitigate the effects of climate change in Africa.

Climate change justice
Climate change justice campaign rally

The demand was made on Saturday, November 9, 2024, during the Ibadan Climate Caravan Walk, organised by Oxfam Nigeria in partnership with Climate Justice Youth Ambassador.

The Convener of the Walk, Mr Oluwatobiloba Ojuoluwa, said the African continent had suffered enough from the effects of climate change of which it contributed minimally.

Ojuoluwa, a representative of Oxfam, said it was high time wealthy countries, according to COP27, made all of their promises come through.

“We can’t be servicing what we don’t owe. We demand for climate justice because we can’t keep serving loans for what they have caused.

“Local people and vulnerable groups must access grants and finance to mitigate flooding and other disasters due to the effects of climate change,” he said.

Ojuoluwa lamented the recent flooding incidents in Adamawa and Borno states which had caused victims to lose their hard-earned property.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of Eco Science Generation Initiative, Ms Jumoke Omodeni, said the call was for climate financing to finance adaptation initiatives and strengthen climate resilience for vulnerable communities in Africa.

She underscored the need to combat drought, flooding, desertification and other impacts of climate change.

The Founder, EcoSmart Club, Ms Hannah Omokhaye, called for the implementation of an energy transition initiative aimed to stop the use of fossil fuels and promote the uptake of renewable energy.

She noted that African countries like Nigeria lacked the capacity and infrastructure to take up renewable energy initiatives hence financing would be needed to support developing countries.

Other climate change enthusiasts, Wale Alabi, Olayomade Adeyemo of Nigerian Conservation Foundation, and Adeyemi Adebisi, Founder of Climate Solutions Limited, all called for immediate climate actions.

They also called for actions instead of advocacy without commensurate activities, to enhance climate adaptation for developing countries.

By Ibukun Emiola

Sanwo-Olu tasks Banana Island residents, restates smart city vision

Michael Simire
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Sanwo-Olu tasks Banana Island residents, restates smart city vision

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has called on residents of Banana Island to continue obeying the building and environmental laws of the state, in order to mitigate the effects of flooding in the area.

Banana Island
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Mrs. Daisy Danjuma and Mr. Frank Aigbogun at the inauguration of some social facilities at Banana Island

Sanwo-Olu made the call on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the inauguration of some projects undertaken by Banana Island Property Owners and Residents Association, Lagos (BIPORAL).

The projects inaugurated include the Banana Island Administrative Office, a recreational park, Banana Island Club House, a fire fighting truck, a tennis court and an astroturf five-a-side football pitch.

Sanwo-Olu decried the lack of maintenance culture, tasking the residents to maintain the facilities for the benefit of the public and future generations.

He, however, commended them for compliance with the state environmental and building laws, urging continuity.

The governor also lauded the efforts of the outgoing executives of the association, led by Mr Frank Aigbogun, and the new executive of Mr Abidemi Sonoiki for a good working relationship with government officials.

“Lagos State officials enjoy good working relationships with current executives to ensure necessary fees are paid to the government and residents keep within the rules of engagement in the estate.

“As a government, what we can do is to continue to support you, while you also complement the government’s effort in infrastructural development,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

Earlier, the residents appealed to the governor for immediate intervention over persistent flooding of the area, particularly whenever it rains, apparently due to drainage challenges, especially on the road leading to the estate.

Sanwo-Olu pledged that the Ministry of Environment would inspect the road to find lasting solutions.

He noted that the flood is caused by houses built on the water channel around the area, adding that the government would not hesitate to demolish such houses after inspecting the area.

“Somebody has built a house on a channel of water that is supposed to be flowing to the sea.

“I plead with you to work with us. I don’t have an interest in demolishing people’s houses or making life uncomfortable for them, but we have to do what we have to do.

“Meanwhile, I will direct the Commissioner, Ministry of the Environment, and Office of Drainage, as well as Waterfront Infrastructure to look at what the issues are and come up with possible and permanent solutions to the problem.

“I know that the challenge on that road is a major outfall. It needs to be able to discharge that water, right, onto the canal out on the right and see how we can also navigate some canal and get it on the left,” he said.

The governor advised the new executive members to apply wisdom and draw from the experience of their predecessors.

Similarly, Aigbogun urged the incoming executives to build on the success of his team.

The outgoing chairman, however, noted that residents in Banana Island did not build on drains.

“Most of the houses built on drains are outside Banana Island and not inside.

“We work hand in hand with the Lagos State Government and I urge the incoming executives to do the same,” he said.

On his part, Sonoiki said that being a member of the outgoing executive had prepared him for the task ahead.

“I served as the public relations officer in the outgoing executive, so I understand what needs to be done to ensure that residents have a peaceful and enjoyable home to come to.

“Also, my focus is to ensure that we have a first aid service here so that in cases of emergency we can be well equipped,” the new chairman said.

In a related development, Governor Sanwo-Olu, has restated his administration’s determination to transforming the state into a smart city, where technology and sustainable urban planning converge.

The governor gave the assurance at a Global Property Conference held on Saturday in Lagos.

The conference was organised by Gtext Holdings, a conglomerate that covers real estate and other businesses.

The governor, at different forums, stated that by 2030 the smart city ambition of the state would have been fully realised.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mrs Temitope Akinbola, the Director, Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority, said the state government had initiated projects to improve housing affordability and infrastructure.

“Also, partnering with private investors to develop housing projects, meeting diverse income levels.

“This is all part of our larger vision to ensure that every Lagos resident has access to safe, secure, and affordable housing,” the governor said.

Also speaking, a legal practitioner, Mr Femi Falana, urged parties seeking to succeed in the real estate sector to seek professional advice and make integrity their watchword.

“You need to study the environment; partner with those already in the business; and learn the act of succeeding in the business.

“Once you can do that, you must ensure that you are not too much in a hurry to make money to the extent that you sacrifice integrity,” he said.

He also urged young professionals to seek financial, and legal advice, and to know the rudiments of the business in order to succeed.

According to him, this entails familiarising themselves with laws governing real estate in the country, the Land Use Act, and other relevant laws.

“So, you must also join the movement to get the government to contribute more in terms of prices of building materials.

“Also, in terms of registration of title documents, and reducing the cost of registering and processing documentation,” Falana said.

Founder, Gtext Holdings, Dr Stephen Akintayo, said that the conference was apt as the real estate sector was going through a tough season – from legal to police issues to government policies.

“I believe that if we want to get the Nigerian economy back on track, create jobs, boost the economy, we can turn Nigerian economy around just with the real estate sector.

“However, the bottlenecks have to be removed.

“First of all, the Land Use Act is not working the way it should work.

“The Land Use Act intends to provide affordable housing,” he said.

By Aderonke Ojediran and Esenvosa Izah

Chair of Least Developed Countries sets expectations ahead of COP29

Michael Simire
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Chair of Least Developed Countries sets expectations ahead of COP29

The 29th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) commences on Monday, November 11, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan, and Evans Njewa, Chair of the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Climate Group, representing 45 countries and 1.1 billion people, has been commenting ahead of the international summit. 

Evans Njewa
Chair of the Least Developed Countries, Evans Njewa

Njewa said: “The LDC Group urgently demands scaled up, new, additional, and easily accessible climate finance. Finance that meets the unique needs of our vulnerable communities, and is delivered as grants, not loans. For too long, debt burdens have crippled our economies and deepened our vulnerabilities.

“Through partially costed estimates, the LDCs alone are in need of at least $1 trillion by 2030 to implement our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). A failure to conclude COP29 without a bold new finance goal would be a tragic disservice to both the planet and vulnerable populations.

“This year alone, severe flooding and landslides devastated lives and property across Nepal, Chad, Ethiopia, Bangladesh and more. The world must step up with a game-changing climate finance goal that matches the true scale of our needs. Not billions, but trillions.

“It’s more important than ever that countries remain committed to continuing to work together to address this global crisis and collectively step up efforts.

“COP29 must be clear on this, encouraging countries to submit strong new climate action plans – Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) – early next year that are aligned with the 1.5°C goal. Additionally, our countries must be provided with adequate support to implement these plans.

“COP29 must also finalise the remaining rules on carbon markets, ensuring the market mechanisms support emissions reductions and don’t compromise environmental integrity.”

COP29 is expected to come to a close on Friday, November 22.

Vulnerable to environmental and economic shocks, and disproportionately affected by the climate crisis, LDC countries negotiate together as a bloc at UN climate talks to advance their shared interests in a fair and ambitious global response to climate change.

COP29: Africa CSOs issue key demands, asks 

Michael Simire
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COP29: Africa CSOs issue key demands, asks 

As the 29th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) opens on Monday, November 11, 2024, in Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, the African Civil Society, civil society organisations coalesced under the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), have released their demands and asks on climate finance for key climate issues facing the continent.

African civil society

With COP29 dubbed the “Climate Finance COP,” African civil society leaders are urging a focus on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) to achieve substantial and equitable financing solutions for climate action.

In a consolidated declaration, African CSOs highlighted the urgent need for global commitments on adaptation, just transition, critical minerals, mitigation, and transparency in carbon markets.

“We call for the establishment of an ambitious sub-goal for adaptation finance that prioritises public, grant-based support for developing countries, responding to needs outlined in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), and other national plans,” reads the statement.

Dr. Mithika Mwenda, Executive Director of PACJA, emphasised that COP29’s NCQG negotiations must address Africa’s pressing adaptation needs as well as Loss and Damage.

“If the NCQG fails to consider the adaptation needs of vulnerable populations, COP29 will not meet the threshold to be a genuine Climate Finance COP,” he stated.

The adaptation finance gap for developing nations remains significant – currently 10 to 18 times greater than actual international financial flows, which amount to approximately $20 billion per year. This falls well short of the estimated $166 billion – $366 billion needed annually to meet adaptation demands.

Obed Koringo, Climate Policy Advisor at Care International, pointed to the critical need for measurable progress on the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA).

“Despite ongoing discussions, tracking adaptation progress remains challenging. We advocate for the GGA to become a permanent agenda item, with clear indicators to drive action,” he noted, stressing that effective implementation must be a top priority.

Youth advocate Elisabeth Wathuti, a Kenyan environment and climate activist and founder of the Green Generation Initiative, also stressed the importance of meaningful youth engagement in climate negotiations, highlighting that the continent’s young population must play an active role in shaping climate solutions.

“The cost of inaction is far greater than the cost of taking action. We need clear outcomes on adaptation and Loss & Damage at COP29 to protect vulnerable communities and build resilience,” Wathuti emphasised.

As the COP29 discussions begin, African Civil Society called upon world leaders to prioritise adaptation, Loss & Damage, and a just transition that meets the urgent needs of African communities on the frontlines of climate change.

The key demands and asks echoed by African civil society touched on pressing needs including, adaptation, climate finance, just energy transition and critical minerals, mitigation, loss and damage, carbon markets, transparency and reiteration of Africa as a region of Special Needs and Circumstances.

Prof. Seth Osafo, Senior Legal Advisor at AGN, said that it’s hard to talk about the New Collective Quantified goals leaving behind considerations of other dimensions.

“We must reimagine the quality of finance, moving beyond debt-based approaches – currently at 72% – to include concessional loans, grants, and innovative financing mechanisms. Additionally, funding must be accessible, predictable, and structured to prioritise essential sub-goals, including Loss and Damage, while aligning on whether a single-layer or multi-layer approach best serves the mobilisation and provision of funds,” Prof Osafo stated.

The convening was facilitated by the Azerbaijan NGO forum in an effort of solidarity. Ms. Aygun Aliyeva, Executive Director, Azerbaijan State NGO Agency, and Member of COP29 Organisational committee, appreciated the efforts made and promised that African CSOs will get the opportunity to articulate their pressing issues and raise the voice of communities at the frontline of crisis during COP29.

COP29: WHO demands urgent integration of health in climate negotiations

Michael Simire
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COP29: WHO demands urgent integration of health in climate negotiations

Ahead of the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference in Baku (COP29), the World Health Organisation (WHO) has called for an end to reliance on fossil fuels and advocates for people-centred adaptation and resilience.

Tedros Ghebreyesus
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organisation (WHO)

Launching the “COP29 special report on climate and health and a technical guidance on Healthy Nationally Determined Contributions”, WHO urges world leaders at COP29 to abandon the siloed approach to addressing climate change and health. It stresses the importance of positioning health at the core of all climate negotiations, strategies, policies and action plans, to save lives and secure healthier futures for present and future generations.

“The climate crisis is a health crisis, which makes prioritising health and well-being in climate action not only a moral and legal imperative, but a strategic opportunity to unlock transformative health benefits for a more just and equitable future,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

“COP29 is a crucial opportunity for global leaders to integrate health considerations into strategies for adapting to and mitigating climate change. WHO is supporting this work with practical guidelines and support for countries,” he added.

Bold health argument for climate action

Developed by WHO in collaboration with over 100 organisations and 300 experts, the “COP29 special report on climate change and health” identifies critical policies across three integrated dimensions – people, place and planet. The report outlines key actions aiming to protect all people, particularly the estimated 3.6 billion people who live in areas which are most susceptible to climate change.

The report underlines the importance of the governance that integrates health in climate policy-making – and climate in health policy-making – being essential for progress. The report’s top recommendations include:

• make human health and well-being the top measure of climate success to catalyse progress and ensure people-centred adaptation and resilience;

• end fossil fuel subsidies and reliance by realigning economic and financial systems to protect both people’s health and the environment, through investment in clean, sustainable alternatives that reduce pollution-related diseases and cut carbon emissions;

• mobilise financing for climate-health initiatives, particularly to strengthen responsive health systems and support the health workforce, creating resilient, climate-proof health systems to protect health and save lives;

• invest in proven solutions; just five interventions – from heat-health warning systems, to clean household energy, to efficient pricing of fossil fuels – would save almost 2 million lives a year, and bring US$ 4 in benefits for each dollar invested;

• build greater focus on the role of cities in health outcomes, through more sustainable urban design, clean energy, resilient housing, and improved sanitation; and

• increase protections for and restoration of nature and biodiversity, recognizing the synergistic health benefits of clean air, water and food security.

“Health is the lived experience of climate change,” said Dr Maria Neira, Director, Environment, Climate Change and Health, WHO. “By prioritising health in every aspect of climate action, we can unlock significant benefits for public health, climate resilience, security, and economic stability. Health is the argument we need to catalyse urgent and large-scale action in this critical moment.”

Enhanced WHO action on health and climate

Climate NDCs or Nationally Determined Contributions are national plans and commitments made by countries under the Paris Agreement. While health is identified as a priority in 91% of the NDCs, few outline specific actions to leverage the health benefits of climate mitigation and adaptation or to protect health from climate-related risks.

To support countries to better integrate health into their climate policies, WHO released on Thursday, November 7, 2024, “WHO quality criteria for integrating health into Nationally Determined Contributions: Healthy NDCs”. The guidance outlines practical actions for ministries of health, ministries of environment, and other health-determining sectors (e.g. transport, energy, urban planning, water and sanitation) to incorporate health considerations within their adaptation and mitigation policies and actions.

This technical guidance serves as a concrete framework to implement the recommendations included in the WHO’s COP29 special report, addressing key areas such as leadership and enabling environment; national circumstances and policy priorities; mitigation; adaptation; loss and damage; finance; and implementation. Integrating health within climate plans will support:

• addressing health impacts: tackling the diverse health effects of climate change;

• strengthening health systems: enhancing climate resilience and decarbonisation in health systems; and

• promoting co-benefits: focusing on key sectors that have a strong influence both on health and climate change mitigation and adaptation, such as transportation and energy.

In addition to its own initiatives, WHO convenes 90 countries and 75 partners through the Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health (ATACH). This platform was established to advance the commitments made at COP26 for building climate-resilient and sustainable health systems.

ATACH promotes the integration of climate change and health nexus into respective national, regional, and global plans using the collective power of WHO Member States and other stakeholders to drive this agenda forward with urgency and scale.

António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, said: “The climate crisis is also a health crisis. Human health and planetary health are intertwined. Countries must take meaningful action to protect their people, boost resources, cut emissions, phase out fossil fuels, and make peace with nature. COP29 must drive progress towards those vital goals for the planet’s health and for people’s health.”

Dr Rajiv J. Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation: “The impact of climate change has to be measured in more than degrees: we have to account for lives saved, lost, and improved. The Rockefeller Foundation is working closely with the World Health Organisation and many other partners to centre health considerations in all climate action, including efforts to enable just energy transitions and to increase economic opportunities for people living in frontline communities.”

Dr Vanessa Kerry, WHO Director-General Special Envoy for Climate Change Health: “This report exposes how the accelerating climate and health crisis impacts more than just our health – it undermines economies, deepens inequities, and fuels political instability. As leaders gather for COP29, we urge them to fast-track a just transition and increase funding for health systems and frontline health workers to protect the most vulnerable. Health must be central in climate discussions, metrics, and Nationally Determined Contributions. To safeguard people, economies, and global security, health must be at the heart of climate action. We can’t afford to wait.”

Dr Alan Dangour, Director of Climate & Health at Wellcome: “In every single country, climate change is costing lives, causing pain and suffering. It is a common crisis that must unite us to act, and act quickly. At COP29, countries must grasp the opportunity to commit to ambitious cross-government climate actions that both protect the planet and improves health for all. By working together, we can still change our current course and save lives.”

Dr Micaela Serafini, President, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Switzerland: “Today, we are in an unacceptable situation where the world’s most vulnerable people are paying the highest price for a problem they did not cause. Solutions to safeguard their health must be prioritised, with the well-being of people placed at the heart of climate action. Failing to do so will take a toll on the very vitals of humanity.”

Jagan Chapagain, Secretary General, The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC): “From the impacts of extreme heat to the spread of illnesses through floodwaters, from malnutrition as crops fail to mosquito-borne diseases where they haven’t been seen before, the climate crisis is the ultimate health crisis. This report is vital – highlighting how climate change makes us sick and what we need to do about it.”

COP29: Vanuatu-driven ICJ climate change case looms amid emissions rise

Michael Simire
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COP29: Vanuatu-driven ICJ climate change case looms amid emissions rise

With a new, revised schedule announced this week, the stage is set for the International Court of Justice (ICJ) proceedings on the obligations of States under international law in respect of climate change. The first day of testimony will now feature a delegation from Vanuatu, the Pacific Island State that initiated the request for the advisory opinion from the ICJ.

President Nikenike Vurobaravu
President Nikenike Vurobaravu of Vanuatu

The climate change advisory opinion is the largest case ever before the ICJ, with record numbers of written statements and comments already submitted and 110 States and Intergovernmental Organisations scheduled to make oral presentations next month. At a briefing several days before the start of COP29, the UN’s annual climate change talks, Vanuatu’s government called on nations around the world to finally and decisively act on climate change.

With COP29 set to begin November 11 in Azerbaijan, many delegations from Small Island Developing States attending the meeting are looking to the ICJ and its advisory opinion to compel more significant global efforts to lower emissions and address the already growing impacts of climate change.

According to the October 2024 report from the United Nations Environment Programme, global greenhouse gas emissions continued to increase in 2023. The G20 countries (excluding the African Union) were responsible for 77% of all emissions; in comparison, the 47 least developed countries combined were responsible for just 3%.

The ICJ case, led at the State-level by Vanuatu, seeks to clarify the legal obligations of States to combat climate change and protect vulnerable communities. Vanuatu contributes only 0.02% of global greenhouse gas emissions yet suffers disproportionately from climate impacts. For decades, Pacific Island States have experienced devastating impacts of climate change, including increasingly severe cyclones, rising sea levels and land degradation. These disasters have displaced communities, threatened livelihoods and eroded local economies.

The ICJ is scheduled to hear oral statements and impact testimonies on the case starting on December 2; 94 oral statements will be given by States, including a joint statement by the Nordic States, and 12 will be given from intergovernmental organisations including the European Union and the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). The ICJ also received 91 written submissions and over 60 additional written comments, making the advisory proceedings the largest case in the history of the ICJ.

Ralph Regenvanu, Special Envoy for Climate Change and Environment for the Republic of Vanuatu, said: “Vanuatu and other small island states are among the most affected by climate change, even though they contribute only a fraction to global emissions. The lack of progress at UN climate change talks in lowering emissions and slowing down climate change – despite the Paris Agreement – necessitates legal action.”

Margaretha Wewerinke-Singh, Attorney at Blue Ocean Law and legal counsel for Vanuatu in the ICJ case, said: “This case addresses the ongoing violation of fundamental legal norms, including human rights, through the destruction of Earth’s climate system. The damage being inflicted represents an unlawful assault on the very foundations of life itself.

“Communities are already suffering devastating losses and damages from disappearing territories and livelihoods to forced displacement and death. The continuing degradation of our climate system infringes upon established rights to life, health, culture, and self-determination – with the world’s most vulnerable peoples suffering the gravest violations.”

Cristelle Pratt, Assistant Secretary General, Environment & Climate Action, Organisation of African Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), said: “The remarkable coalition supporting this case extends far beyond small island developing states. We have seen strong backing from nations across Latin America, Africa, Europe, and Asia. This isn’t simply about island nations – it is about all countries (and their communities and citizens) recognising that the destruction from climate change violates fundamental principles of international law. We all hope that the ICJ advisory opinion on the obligations of States with respect to Climate Change will compel everyone on our Blue Planet to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.”

Vishal Prasad, Campaign Director for the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC), said: “For our generation and for the Pacific Islands, the climate crisis is an existential threat. It is a matter of survival, and the world’s biggest economies are not taking this crisis seriously. We need the ICJ to protect the rights of people at the frontlines, those now and those who will come after us. This is a historic opportunity to shape the development of international law to work for us.”

Forests get a boost from new GCF policy on REDD+ results-based payments

Michael Simire
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Forests get a boost from new GCF policy on REDD+ results-based payments

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has adopted a landmark policy on REDD+ results-based payments, a major boon for forest finance. The decision was made at the 40th meeting of the GCF Board.

Mafalda Duarte
GCF Executive Director, Mafalda Duarte

REDD+ (Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation) is based on the principle that developing countries which reduce their emissions from deforestation and forest degradation can receive financial compensation, known as results-based payments. This is a highly efficient way of financing emissions reductions, as payment is made for verified emissions reductions.

In addition, REDD+ results-based payments deliver a wide range of adaptation and other benefits, including supporting forest-related livelihoods, biodiversity and other ecological services.

Why is the REDD+ results-based payments policy important?

The policy permanently integrates REDD+ results-based payments into GCF’s regular project activity cycle. This will significantly enhance the predictability of REDD+ financing, providing a powerful incentive for developing countries to embark on REDD+ and reduce their emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.

The price of $8 per tonne – a 60 per cent increase on previous REDD+ results-based payments provided by GCF – reflects the strong environmental integrity of eligible results and is a nod to forests’ immense contribution to climate change mitigation and adaptation. With many countries immediately eligible, GCF expects results-based payments to flow in the hundreds of millions to countries from all regions and all categories, including Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries, under the current GCF programming cycle alone (2024-2027).

Mainstreaming results-based payments into GCF programming will ensure they are fully consistent and compliant with all GCF policies, including the Gender Policy, Indigenous Peoples’ Policy, and environmental and social safeguards – in addition to the Cancún Safeguards already agreed under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The policy also complements GCF’s newly revamped Readiness Programme, which will enable countries to top up their existing REDD+ Readiness efforts and swiftly become eligible for results-based payments under the new policy.

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