An international NGO, Self Help Africa (SHA), has partnered Kano State Government to provide support and strengthen sustainable and robust Water Sanitation and Hygiene WASH services.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State
This came to the fore at a two-day “Visioning Workshop” on Friday, August 23, 2024, in Kano.
Shadrack Guusu, Head of WASH Programmes, said that Wash System for Health (WS4H) programme was being implemented by SHA in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and Kano State Government.
Gusuu said that the programme was a £5 million FCDO-funded initiative aimed at improving access to inclusive, reliable, and climate-resilient water and sanitation services in Cross River and Kano State.
He highlighted the need to strengthen local institutions and communities for the effective management and sustainability of WASH services.
The head of the programme emphasised SHA’s role in advocacy and policy influence, working with the government to prioritise WASH in development agendas and secure necessary resources.
According to him, the project is focusing on identifying systematic issues and gaps that exist in the sector and also supporting the state to build strategies and ensure that those gaps are fixed.
He said that the visioning workshop was a participatory meeting where sector actors come together to carry out an evaluation of the WASH system, using the building blocks analysis.
“Building blocks means different building blocks that make up the system and each of the building blocks are analysed by team of small actors.
“This is to ensure that the gaps will be identified, and a work plan is developed to see how those gaps are filled.
“Our aims is to ensure that the system is strengthened and leading to sustainable WASH services delivery in Kano State,” he said.
Some of the stakeholders emphasised Kano’s large population and the urgent need for better access to potable water and sanitation facilities.
They also highlighted the state’s commitment to addressing these issues as a priority for inclusive development and environmental improvement.
They further pledged to come up with a robust plan that would ensure the success of the programme.
Environmental advocates led by the Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) on Thursday, August 22, 2024, asked the Federal Government to carry out a comprehensive audit of moribund coal mining sites in Enugu to ascertain the true health of the bed rocks. The group also wants disengaged living miners and the families of those that have died over the years to be identified and adequately compensated for the neglect they have experienced since legal mining stopped.
Participants at the Town Hall Meeting on coal mining in Enugu
These demands were made at a town hall and media interactive discussion on coal mining in Enugu convened by RDI in collaboration with the New Life Community Care Initiative (NELCCI), Neighborhood Environmental Watch (NEW) Foundation, Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF) and the Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN). Participants included former miners and the wards of those from Onyeama, Okpara and Iva Valley mining communities that are deceased.
Philip Jakpor, Executive Director, RDI, said that recent reports on the recertification of mining firms by the Enugu State Government was very disturbing in the light of the harms that coal mining has done to the state’s environment and its citizens.
Jakpor said that nearly 70 years of coal mining activity did not leave any positive legacy on Enugu’s finances, its environment and the few surviving former coal miners, many of whom live in squalor, deprivation and regret, hence the state government should halt the coal mine adventure.
The RDI boss opined that rather than promote investment in dirty energy, the Enugu State Government with ample evidence of the consequences of coal on the environment should be in the vanguard for calls for remediation of the environment and a just energy transition that respects the people and the environment.
He lamented the lack of information about the mining firms operating in the state, urging the Governor Peter Mbah administration to periodically update citizens in respect to the government engagement with the firms. He also wants the Enugu government to properly explain its role in the extraction of coal, if it is a spectator, a collaborator or only some officials of government are running the show.
In his remarks, Barrister Chima Williams, Executive director of EDEN, said that the call for environmental audit and decommissioning of the coal mines are necessary in view of the threats that mining pits and pollution of ground water pose to local communities.
Williams maintained that it was grave injustice for veterans of the mines in Enugu to be living in abject poverty while the state government concerns itself only about so-called revenue that coal will fetch the state.
He stressed that civil society groups would continue to remind those in government that they are tasked with managing what sustains life hence they should concern themselves with the impacts that coal has on the lives and livelihoods of locals including veterans of coal mining.
He maintained that there is no alternative to the recommended decommissioning of the moribund coal mines as coal has been proven to be dirty and hazardous to man and the environment.
Ubrei Joe-Mariere, Director, Campaigns and Administration, Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF), also toed the same line, even as he argued that the Enugu State Government should not be talking of mining at this time when the global community is moving in the direction of clean energy.
He asserted that coal mining disrupts the social and economic lives of local communities, that it is a major cause of landslides and erosion.
According to him, large scale mining favours only the multinationals because of the power relations that weigh against the communities in terms of governance of their lands and their ability to seek redress when their rights to a safe environment is violated.
Other speakers at the event were Afulike Okezie of NEW Foundation and Ebere Ekeokpara, a journalist from Ngwo. Okezie said coal affects not just the economic landscape, but also the health and well-being of communities, as well as the sustainability of the environment.
Ekeokpara who said her father, a former coal miner, dedicated over 45 years of his life to coal mining, added sadly that he has almost nothing to show in terms of recognition or the financial wherewithal to justify the hard work he did.
Earlier, while welcoming the participants, Florence Ngozi-Aneke, Executive Director of NELCCI, said that the coal issue is one that needs to be addressed squarely to ensure the rehabilitation of the environment and abandonment of former miners, many of whom are dead and their families still living with the trauma of dashed hopes.
The NNPC Ltd says that its attention has been drawn to a press release signed by Mr. Paul Ibe, a Media Adviser to the former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
Nigerian National Petroleum Company
In the statement, the former Vice President was quoted to have lamented “the criminal hijack of the NNPC by corporate cabals around the current President”.
He was also quoted to have listed the retention of Mr. Mele Kyari as the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd as a compensation for the alleged acquisition of NNPC Retail Ltd by OVH in which he claimed Mr Wale Tinubu held 49% stake.
He further alleged that the NNPC Retail Ltd—OVH acquisition deal was part of a grand scheme by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to integrate his personal business interests into Nigeria’s public enterprises at the federal level.
NNPC Ltd says it wishes to set the records straight with the following facts:
1. We are a commercially-focused and profit-driven company managed by professionals who are committed to adding value to the nation.
2. Investment decisions by NNPC Ltd Management are strictly determined on the basis of commercial viability and national interest.
3. At the time NNPC Ltd acquired OVH in 2022, Oando (in which Mr. Wale Tinubu has equity interest), had fully divested its equity in OVH to the two other partners – Vitol and Helios. Oando actually began its divestment in 2016, with Vitol and Helios coming in as equity partners, leading to the change of name from Oando to OVH. In 2019, Oando fully divested its equity interest in OVH resulting in Vitol and Helios holding 50% equity interests respectively.
4.Upon acquisition of OVH by NNPC Ltd, both NNPC Retail Ltd and OVH effectively became subsidiaries of NNPC Ltd. However, based on professional advice and sound commercial considerations, NNPC Ltd opted to merge NNPC Retail Limited into OVH, and thereafter retain NNPC Retail Limited as the company name post-merger.
5. The first step of merging NNPC Retail Ltd into OVH has been completed and the post-merger renaming as NNPC Retail Ltd is ongoing.
6. Contrary to the false alarm raised, neither Wale Tinubu nor the President has any interest in the OVH acquisition.
7. As a businessman, the former Vice President should know that effectiveness in business leadership is best measured by balance sheets and bottom lines rather than pedestrian considerations.
8. The management of NNPC Ltd, under the leadership of Mr. Mele Kyari, has done very well in growing the company’s fortunes as shown in the 2023 Audited Financial Statement (AFS), where it reported N3.3 trillion as profit after tax.
9. NNPC Ltd as a commercial entity is devoid of political interest and shall continue to conduct its business full of commitment to national interest and value creation for the benefit of all stakeholders. NNPC Ltd shall resist any attempt to draw its Board and Management into partisan politics.
Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has cautioned community leaders to desist from encroaching forest and reserves to check deforestation.
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State
Mohammed stated this on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at the groundbreaking of 25 kilometres Mainamaji – Pali – Gwaram access road in Alkaleri Local Government Area of the state.
He urged the people to utilise the forest resources for crop and livestock production as well as profitable ventures.
The governor said the road project would be executed under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), funded by the World Bank, French Development Agency, the Federal Government and the 19 participating state governments.
The road project, he said, would open up the area and boost economic activities, adding that, “the area is blessed with natural resources attracting investors.
“No fewer than 200 youths will be employ as truck drivers, skilled and casual workers while many others will learn welding,” he said.
According to Mohammed, a cement factory will be establish at Gwana district, adding that his administration would continued to initiate viable infrastructure development projects, to check rural – urban drift.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Rural Development and Special Duties, Farouk Mustapha, said the state government had contributed N2.5 billion counterpart fund, to facilitate smooth execution of the project.
The Federal Government has entered into partnership with Shelter Afrique Development (ShafDB) to deliver 5000 housing units as part of effort to provide housing for Nigerians.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, made this known while briefing on the achievements of the ministry within one year in office.
“Under the partnership, the Pan-African housing institution will support the Renewed Hope Program with advisory services and financing of competent developers.
“We are looking at about 5,000 housing units in the pilot scheme.
“This will be the first time the ministry is entering into such a practical and direct partnership with a multi-lateral institution for the construction of homes for Nigerians.
“Nigeria is the second largest shareholder in ShafDB after Kenya with over $29 million share subscription,’’ he said.
Dangiwa vowed to explore all possible housing financing options to tackle the massive housing deficit that faced the country.
He recalled that upon assuming office, an action plan was developed in line with the priorities and deliverables of President Bola Tinubu .
The action plan, according to him, was to guide the ministry in implementing reforms and initiatives to increase access to affordable housing and unlock the potential in the housing sector.
“We may not have the financial war chest, but we have to leverage as a government.
For too long, we have failed to maximize our relationships with bilateral and multi-lateral institutions, including those that we have substantial interests.
“We have seen where smaller African countries are taking advantage of these housing development institutions to boost housing for their citizens while we simply watch.
“Within this one year, we have taken steps to change this,” he said.
Dangiwa said over the past one year, substantial progress had been recorded and the ministry was exploring a partnership with the World Bank on land reform, specifically, the implementation of a National Land Titling Programme.
“Through this programme, we aim to partner with State Governments towards improving land formalisation from the less than 10 per cent to 50 per cent, in the next ten years.
“The government, through the Ministry aims to establish a comprehensive, efficient, and accessible land registration system across Nigeria in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
Dangiwa said that progress haf been made in fixing issues on the Federal Land Information System (FELIS), adding that the digital system was created to centralise records on federal government land.
He said that substantial progress had also been made in increasing the stock of affordable and decent housing stock for Nigerians.
The minister recalled the groundbreaking for 6,612 housing units across 13 locations nationwide under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme.
He said, the houses, once completed Nigerians could own them through a broad range of affordable ownership options,like single digit and up to 30-year mortgage loans to be provided by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria.
Dangiwa said that over the past months, over 47,605 Nigerians both local and abroad had created accounts on the renewed hope housing portal indicating interest in homeownership.
“In fact, over the last two weeks alone, over 250,000 Nigerians have visited the website.
“We received a total of 8,925 Expression of Interest. This comprises 1,294 for Outright Purchase, 2,408 for Mortgage, 2,184 for Rent-To-Own and 3,039 for Instalment payment.
“We have released the 1st batch of Offer of Provisional Allocation Letters for Outright Payment for successful applicants and keys issued to some of them,” he said.
According to him, those who applied to own the homes via mortgage weee currently being processed by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN).
He said the ministry planned to do groundbreaking for 2, 000 housing unit Renewed Hope Cities in Lagos, and 1,500 housing unit Renewed City in Kano through PPP and FMBN next month.
According to the minister, lands have also been acquired in Enugu and Borno to build a 2,000 housing unit of Renewed Hope City in each location under a PPP arrangement.
Dangiwa said other planned locations for the Cities included, Nasarawa (2,000 units) and Rivers (2000 units).
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has provided updates on its crude oil exploration activities in the Northern part of the country, reiterating its commitment to achieving the Federal Government’s aspirations in the frontier basins.
Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Mr Mele Kyari
“The company has been actively drilling in basins in and around Northern Nigeria, as a result of the need to increase oil exploration in the country’s frontier basins”.
This was contained in a publication authored by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd, Olufemi Soneye, who noted that “this is a strategic engagement that NNPC Ltd will not compromise on.”
Soneye pointed out that the NNPCL is intensifying its patriotic efforts, making significant progress, and advancing considerable prospects to make do its promises to Nigerians.
Soneye added that the discovery and exploration of crude oil in the north will not only appear as a dream pursued, but as an economic reality to boost oil production as well as deepen the strength and efficiency of the petroleum industry value chain in Nigeria.
He said: “NNPC Ltd, in compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, is leaving no stone unturned to continue oil drilling projects in the North after decades of exploration in other basins.
“With crude oil reserves of more than 37 billion barrels and the 6th largest world producer, the discovery of hydrocarbon deposits in the Kolmani River II Well on the Upper Benue Trough, Gongola Basin, in the north eastern part of the country will only accentuate the prosperity and growth of Nigeria in the comity of nations.
“It is therefore untrue for naysayers or sceptics to claim that NNPC has halted the search for oil in Nigeria’s inland basins. On the contrary, NNPC Ltd is intensifying its patriotic efforts, making significant progress, and advancing considerable prospects to make do its promises no matter whose ox is gored.”
While stating that the NNPC Ltd would not suspend its inland basins oil and gas exploration activities, as some have suggested, he quipped that “Instead, the company is intensifying efforts to expedite the process and ensure the efficient exploitation of hydrocarbon resources in these areas, thereby contributing to national energy security.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPCL) has assured that contrary to insinuations in some quarters, oil exploration in the northern of the country is on course.
Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer (CCCO) of NNPC Limited, made this clarification in a recent publication noting that the company in compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, is leaving no stone unturned to continue oil drilling projects in the North after decades of exploration in the South.
He emphasised that the company is currently active in the inland basins of Nigeria with some drilling projects including Wadi-2 Appraisal/Exploratory Well in OPL 732 and Ebenyi-1 Exploration Well in OPL 826.
According to him, the Wadi-2 Appraisal/Exploratory Well in OPL 732 in Borno State, within the Chad Basin, was spudded on November 4, 2023, and drilled to a total depth of 12,050 feet.
He noted that the drilling phase concluded on June 29, 2024 and the preliminary results from the geological evaluation of the well objectives led to post-drilling well testing, which began on July 4, 2024, and is ongoing.
“This testing aims to further evaluate the target reservoirs for the occurrence of a commercial accumulation of hydrocarbons and to obtain data for future field development,” he stated.
On Ebenyi-1 Exploration Well in OPL 826, which is situated in Nasarawa State within the Middle Benue Trough, drilling began on July 17, 2023.
“The 17½” hole section was drilled and cased to a depth of 3,449 feet. The drilling operations faced challenges due to issues with the hole and equipment breakdowns. The turnkey contractor is finalising plans to replace the drilling equipment with newer models to continue drilling operations to the planned total depth of 14,250 feet, ” Soneye stated.
On the Kolmani River where in 2019 1 billion barrels of oil reserves and 500 billion cubic feet of gas was discovered, Soneye said the defunct Frontier Exploration Services (FES) of NNPC Ltd drilled three wells—Kolmani River-2, Kolmani River-3, and Kolmani River-4—in the Upper Benue Trough (northeast Nigeria) on its and its partners behalf.
He said the drilling campaign confirmed the presence of commercial hydrocarbon deposits in the Kolmani field of OPLs 809 and 810.
He noted that the rig that drilled the wells was subsequently moved to start the Nasarawa project, with the goal of replicating the success achieved in the Kolmani field.
“In collaboration with co-venturers, we are working towards the next phase of field development. The post-exploration planning takes time to meet regulatory requirements before the development phase can commence. Significant infrastructure projects are currently underway to facilitate the movement of heavy-duty equipment for the next project phase in the area.
“NNPC Ltd has not and will not suspend its inland basins oil and gas exploration activities, as some have suggested. Instead, the company is intensifying efforts to expedite the process and ensure the efficient exploitation of hydrocarbon resources in these areas, thereby contributing to national energy security,” Soneye stated.
The NNPC Ltd. spokesman said the current leadership of the company is committed to addressing every gap within its purview including infrastructural issues associated with the oil and gas industry such as gas shortages for power supply, pipeline protection and maintaining the uninterrupted provision of petroleum products across the country.
“For clarity, the NNPC Ltd, under the chairmanship of Chief Pius Akinyelure and managerial leadership of Mele Kyari, is well-positioned to capture the economic opportunities associated with developing and selling hydrocarbons in a resource rich country like Nigeria. These benefits are to be equitably distributed across society and create wealth for human capital development and capacity building.
“It is to further achieve this sufficiency that, under Kyari’s leadership, NNPC Ltd is fully aligned with the federal government’s ambition to accelerate economic growth and diversify the economy for the benefit of all Nigerians.
“This is being achieved through timely, credible, clear, and consistent policies. Since taking charge in July 2019, he has driven significant organisational renewal and greatly improved NNPC’s performance and long-term viability. The board and Kyari have been the driving force behind ambitious business growth and have instilled a new commercial mindset throughout the company’s entire value chain, ” Soneye said.
He said Kyari’s leadership style has revitalised NNPC Ltd. workforce even as the company continues to attract the interest of business partners, customers, suppliers, and shareholders noting that since its transition to a commercial entity under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, and in line with the Company & Allied Matters Act (CAMA) provisions, NNPC Ltd. has consistently delivered value despite its unique operational challenges.
Soneye said in addition to thus, the company hsd maintained steady growth.
“For the first time in 43 years, NNPC declared a profit. From a loss of N803 billion in 2018, the company reduced this to just N1.7 billion in 2019. Remarkably, in 2020, NNPC posted its first-ever profit of N287 billion, which grew to N674.1 billion in 2021, and by the end of 2022, it had soared to N2.548 trillion.
“In our 2023 Audited Financial Statement, AFS, we declared a net profit of N3.297 trillion for the fiscal year, indicating an increase of 28 percent (over N700 billion) compared to the N2.548 trillion recorded in 2022. The N3.297 trillion profit declared for 2023 is very symbolic as it is the highest ever to be recorded since inception, 46 years ago.
“In terms of asset growth, we have moved from N13,300 billion in 2019 to N15,836 billion in 2020; N16,262 billion in 2021; N58,652 billion in 2022; and N246,816 billion, in 2023,” the NNPC spokesman said.
He added that NNPC Ltd. would continue exploration in the north so that it can sustain this type of excellent financial performance and gains for its investors and Nigerians at large noting that “the more strategic explorations we make, the better for all of us.”
Malawi, serving as the Chair of the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group on Climate Change, will host the LDC Strategy & Ministerial Meetings from August 26 to 28, 2024, at Bingu Wa Mutharika International Convention Centre (BICC).
Chair of the Least Developed Countries, Evans Njewa
The crucial and timely gathering will unite high-level representatives, including ministers, climate negotiators, and experts from the LDCs, marking a significant step in the global climate dialogue.
Under the theme “Uniting for 1.5°C – Aligned Climate Action and Resilient Futures,” the meeting will focus on reviewing progress in international climate negotiations, addressing critical issues, and crafting strategies to ensure impactful engagement at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Participants will align on priorities, set goals, and explore future strategies while building support for LDC-led initiatives.
The meeting follows a technical strategy session held in March in Lilongwe and the 60th UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies (SB 60) sessions in Bonn, Germany. The leaders will tackle highly important topics such as the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance (NCQG), the remaining rules on Article 6 on carbon trading, mitigation outcomes for COP29, financing to address loss and damage, and common position on matters related to the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA).
Evans Njewa, Chair of the LDC Group, highlighted the meeting’s significance.
“This gathering represents a crucial moment in our unified efforts to achieve an ambitious outcome at COP29. Our goal is clear: to set an ambitious new goal for climate finance that reflects the needs of our countries, to limit global temperature rise to below 1.5°C and bolster resilience in our most vulnerable nations,” he said.
Njewa stressed the LDCs’ commitment to impactful action: “The outcomes of this meeting will be instrumental in shaping our collective positions and priorities moving forward. The Lilongwe meeting will play a key role in setting a unified agenda for the LDCs, strengthening our negotiating stance at COP29, and advancing towards a sustainable and resilient global climate framework.”
Highlights of the meeting will culminate into the Lilongwe Declaration, accompanied by a detailed report and follow-up plan, reflecting positions informed by latest climate science, the needs of LDCs and the overall outcomes of the Global Stocktake (GST).
The declaration will be shared with participants and relevant LDC representatives to ensure a unified approach at COP29, aiming to raise ambitions and address the urgent need for financial support for the most vulnerable countries.
The Least Developed Countries (LDCs) Group consists of 45 nations spanning Africa, the Asia-Pacific, and the Caribbean, representing over one billion people. These countries, highly susceptible to environmental and economic shocks and disproportionately impacted by the climate crisis, come together as a united bloc at UN climate talks.
The Group’s collective aim is to advance a fair and ambitious global response to climate change, addressing our shared vulnerabilities and striving for equitable solutions.
The number of heat-related deaths in the UK is predicted to increase more than six-fold by the end of the century if the world warms by 3 degrees Celsius, a study shows.
UK has issued the highest-level alert following the heatwave
But deaths related to cold, at the moment much higher than from heat, were predicted to rise only slightly, reaching nearly 70,000 per year by 2100.
This is according to the analysis published in the journal Lancet Global Health.
Modelling data from 30 European countries also suggests heat-related deaths could triple in the continent by the end of the century under current climate policies, increasing from 43,729 to 128,809 per year.
In the same scenario, deaths attributed to cold would remain high, with a slight decrease from 363,809 to 333,703 by 2100, scientists said.
Juan-Carlos Ciscar, of the Joint Research Centre at the European Commission, said.
“Our analysis reveals that the ratio of cold-heat deaths will shift dramatically over the course of this century, with those attributed to heat increasing in all parts of Europe and surging in some areas.
“At the same time, cold-related deaths will decline slightly overall.
“Our study looks at more than 1,000 regions across 30 countries, enabling the identification of hotspots where people will be worst affected in the future.’’
Heat-related deaths per year in the UK are predicted to rise six-fold, from 1,258 to 7,931 per year.
While cold-related deaths are estimated to increase slightly from the current 64,195 to 64,952 per year by the end of the century.
In Ireland, cold-related deaths are predicted to jump from 3,974 to 7,696 per year by the end of the century, while deaths attributed to heat are estimated to rise from 30 to 563 per year.
Deaths from cold are highest in Eastern Europe and the Baltic states and lowest in Central and parts of Southern Europe, while heat-related deaths have the lowest rates in the UK.
Scandinavian countries and are highest in Croatia and the southernmost parts of the continent, analysis shows.
It said, although most countries had pledged to curb emissions that would help to slow down the global warming.
A UN analysis published last year suggested that the world is still on track to warm by nearly 3 degrees Celsius by the end of the century.
David Garcia-Leon, also of the Joint Research Centre at the European Commission, said.
“There is a critical need for the development of more targeted policies to protect these areas and members of society most at risk from temperature extremes.’’
Commenting on the study, Leslie Mabon, lecturer in environmental systems at The Open University, who was not involved, said.
“The results are broadly in line with what existing research has shown in multiple contexts around the globe namely, that temperature extremes do not affect everyone equally.
The elderly and the least well-off being most at risk were affected differently.
What is especially striking is that the authors find clear differences in risk across country boundaries and also regional clusters of mortality risk.
“Temperature gradients do not respect borders, so, as the authors point out, these shows how demographic and socio-economic factors influence the risk we face from temperature extremes.
“There are counter-measures we can take, which may be particularly effective if they are targeted towards the most vulnerable people and places.
“For example, the study points to investment in health infrastructure, the presence of heat and cold preparedness plans.
“The quality of the buildings we live and work in as factors that could reduce mortality under a changing climate.’’
Extensive flooding in eastern Bangladesh has left two people dead and nearly three million people stranded, the government reported on Thursday, August 22, 2024.
Flooding in Bangladesh
Heavy rains and water surges from upstream hilly areas caused local rivers to burst their banks, leading to widespread flooding.
Over the past three days, rescuers have evacuated about 75,000 people to safety out of an estimated 2.9 million affected by the floods, Ali Reza, a senior government official said.
Reza confirmed two flood-related deaths, though local media reports suggest the death toll has risen to four.
The floodwaters have submerged homes, croplands and roads across vast areas east of the country.
Authorities have suspended railway service between the capital Dhaka and the port city of Chattogram, as many sections of the railway tracks are submerged, railway official Mohammad Moniruzzaman said.
Footage shows army troops and volunteers from the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society rescuing flood-affected people by pulling them onto speedboats from chest-deep water in a remote village.
The local weather office reported on Thursday that major rivers in the north-eastern and eastern regions of Bangladesh are continuing to rise.
While some areas are still experiencing heavy rainfall, it is expected to taper off by Friday morning, the weather office said.
At COP29, scheduled to be held in Baku in November 2024, Azerbaijan will call for a global ceasefire, Elnur Soltanov, Deputy Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan and CEO of COP29, said in an interview with Anadolu Agency.
Baku in Azerbaijan hosts COP29 in November 2024
Soltanov stated that climate change will be the main focus of COP29: “Developed countries will also show more support to developing countries, which will be on the agenda of COP29. Climate change affects Africa the most.”
The CEO noted that Armenia has also been invited to COP29: “We will have approximately 80,000 guests. Invitations have been sent to all the presidents of the world. Ministers from more than 50 countries will attend, and this number is expected to increase.”
“COP29 will be an event unlike any other hosted by Azerbaijan. We will lead the climate debate and showcase Azerbaijan’s hospitality. COP is unlikely to fail,” he said.
Dr. Nariman Pashayev, head of the Department of Economics and Geography at the Institute of Geography, in an interview, emphasised that Azerbaijan must take substantial measures to combat climate change.
“Global climate change affects people’s lives and economic activities. If drought occurs in one area, floods, landslides, and mudslides happen in another. People try to adapt to these changes, but currently, there is a global drought prevailing worldwide,” stated Dr. Pashayev.
He believes that hosting COP29 in Azerbaijan can boost efforts to address climate change. “The COP event, previously held in various countries, will take place in Azerbaijan this November. Until now, developed countries have been fighting climate change, and we started in 2015. COP29 is of great importance for Azerbaijan as it can increase attention to processes such as soil protection, restoration of geological diversity, and creation of water basins, ultimately enhancing people’s care for the environment,” he added.
The geographer noted that the consequences of climate change are clearly visible in Azerbaijan. “The greatest impact has been around the Caspian Sea, where the sea has receded by at least 200 meters from Samur River to Astara River, with some areas experiencing a 300-meter retreat. The effects of drought are evident in Azerbaijan, and the water level in the Kura River has also decreased, although this year’s heavy rainfall has slightly increased the water level,” he explained.
Dr. Pashayev emphasised the need to adhere to the provisions of the Paris Agreement, with the main goal being to keep the 1.5°C target within reach and not to overlook any country, especially COP participating countries.
“The environment is extremely polluted, causing rising temperatures. Glaciers in the Arctic, Antarctic, and Caucasus are already melting. The Paris Agreement is crucial for Azerbaijan, as every piece of waste and carbon emission hinders longevity. Countries must understand that the world is united, and everyone should protect their territory with care, fighting pollution together. So far, 28 such conferences have been held. Now it is held in Azerbaijan.
“COP measures show that everyone should protect their territory with care. There should be a joint fight against pollution. We have also supported the Paris Agreement and took obligation in this regard. By 2030, we must reduce pollution and the amount of waste. This reduction should be achieved by at least 35 percent. These are massive issues. They take long research and hard work,” he stressed.
The department head also highlighted that one of COP29’s most significant achievements will be the transition to alternative energy. “Azerbaijan heavily relies on oil and gas, while some countries use coal. However, these resources are depleting, necessitating a shift to alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, water, and tidal energy, which are clean and inexhaustible. Azerbaijan has committed to using 30% alternative energy by 2030, currently at 7-10%, with the potential to increase it to 80% in Nakhchivan and Karabakh,” he noted.
Dr. Pashayev emphasised that increasing the number of recycling plants in Azerbaijan is essential to reduce pollution and maintain a stable global temperature. “All production facilities should minimise waste discharged into the environment, and extensive training should be provided. Baku has only one waste recycling plant, while valuable raw materials are discarded daily. Each region should have at least one waste recycling plant to meet our needs. Thanks to those plants, waste must be reprocessed. In this regard, COP29 will create the foundation for the creation of new jobs worldwide,” he concluded.
