An energy expert, Mr Ado Oseragbaje, has emphasised the crucial role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices in ensuring the long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Delegates at the Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE) organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (Nigeria Council), in Lagos
Osaragbaje said this on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at the ongoing Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE) organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (Nigeria Council), in Lagos.
The theme of the SPE 2024 is “The Outlook of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry, Post IOC Divestment and Exits: Challenges and Opportunities”.
Asaragbaje, Chief Executive Officer, Heritage Energy Operational Services Ltd., said that it became imperative for oil companies to comply with ESG factors.
Represented by Mr Sola Adebawo, General Manager, Government, Joint Venture and External Relations, Heritage Energy Operational Services Ltd., he added that companies should also adopt sustainability as a default way of operating.
This, he noted, would allow them to be able to explore and produce hydrocarbon in Nigeria.
The CEO reiterated the company’s commitment to ESG practices, saying, “We are committed to operating in an environmentally responsible, socially inclusive and ethically sound manner.
“Our ESG charter outlines our core principles and approach to Environmental, Social and Governance matters and serves as a foundation for our ESG strategy and our guide to operating in a responsible and sustainable manner.
According to him, Nigeria has a prime place in the global energy landscape.
Asaragbaje added that if some of the over 200 TCF of gas was sustainably produced, it would help the country through the clean energy transition and enable it to fill the gap left by declining oil.
“Gas will play a huge role in the future and at Heritage Energy, we are planning to ensure a secured, affordable and sustainable gas production process.
“This is through our gas monetisation programme to meet some of the growing demands for gas,” he said.
Asaragbaje said that ESG was the way to go because Nigeria and several other African countries had committed to net zero by 2060 and restricting methane emissions.
According to him, they also agreed to halt and reverse forest loss, phase out coal, and end international financing for fossil fuels.
He said that any company that did not make ESG factors intrinsic to its operations would not be able to survive the legislation by the government, in line with its climate change commitments.
He added that ESG was all about sustainability and it had been defined by the United Nations as that development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
“This concept of sustainable development aims to sustain economic advancement and progress while protecting the long-term value and integrity of the environment.
“This can only be achieved through the integration of economic, environmental, and social concerns throughout the decision-making process for oil and gas exploration and production.
“We need the money from oil and industries to drive our development no doubt.
“However, as we undertake our businesses, regardless of our field of human endeavour.
“We believe that strong ESG practices are not only essential for protecting the environment and supporting our communities but also contribute to our long-term business success,” Osaragbaje said.
Heritage Energy is the operator of the OML 30 Joint Venture between NNPC E & P Ltd., (NEPL) and Shoreline Natural Resources Limited (SNRL).
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working closely with the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC) in tackling piracy and unlawful maritime crimes.
Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs (right), during the 6th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of State and Government of GGC in Accra, Ghana. Photo credit: NAN
Tuggar disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, by Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant to the minister at the 6th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of State and Government of GGC held in Accra, Ghana.
According to him, the importance and significance of Gulf of Guinea to Africa cannot be over emphasised in respect to the promotion of a safe and secure region.
Tuggar said, “To this end, Nigeria takes this opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to the work and mandate of the GGC.
“As a demonstration to our commitment to the GGC, Nigeria’s National Assembly passed the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Act in 2019.
“To prevent and suppress Piracy, Armed Robbery and any other unlawful acts against any vessels unlawfully operating in the Gulf Region.
“Nigeria continues to deploy significant resources towards tackling piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. This has resulted in a significant containment of threats.
“We are proud to state that since 2022 till date, there has been no incident of piracy recorded in Nigeria’s territorial waters.”
He said that Nigeria is aligned with the theme of this year’s Summit titled: “Building a Secure and Prosperous Gulf of Guinea Region for Sustainable Development”.
Tuggar restated that Nigeria would remain committed to the goals, objectives and vision for the establishment of the Commission, and support for the work of the Secretariat.
He decried pursuit of many mechanisms with little resources to be distraction from the goals and objectives of the Commission, while urging the Assembly to approve strategies for accomplishing the goals.
Tuggar identified such goals to include safety and security, sustainable development, and protection of the environment.
He said, “Regarding safety and security, it is important to harmonise an effective mechanism backed by legally binding agreements, to roll back criminality, bunkering, illegal trade migration and unreported fishing.
“The internalisation of the Yaoundé code of conduct with our national legislation presents the region legally binding agreement for our water ways and seas.
“There is the need for timely exploration of the rich natural resources of our deep waters; the Commission requires more constructive approach to building relationships with international, regional and sub-regional partners.
“This is towards enhancing capabilities to adopt technologies and know-how for the exploration, and subsequent exploitation of the natural resources in the blue economy of the Gulf of Guinea.
“The Commission should safeguard the environment and protect the region from environmental degradation, guard against dumping of radioactive material and nuclear waste. Guarding against pollution by ships is another priority.”
Tuggar called for endorsement of the initiative of the Chiefs of the Navies and the Coast Guards in the establishment of the Combined Maritime task Force to promote synergy in the region.
He explained the implementation of suppression of piracy law resulted in the convictions and clear demonstration of its effectiveness in combating piracy and other maritime crimes.
The success, according to him, improved Nigeria’s international image and highlighted her determination to fight crime in her territorial waters and Gulf of Guinea.
One of the main priorities of the upcoming 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Azerbaijan in November 2024 is the full mobilisation of all stakeholders for active climate action, the head of the environmental policy department of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan, Faig Mutallimov told Report.
Head of the environmental policy department of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan, Faig Mutallimov
He noted that developed and developing countries have their own specific roles in the fight against climate change.
“Developed countries have historically been the cause of more greenhouse gas emissions due to their economic and industrial power. Therefore, they have a greater responsibility in the fight against climate change, and they must lead in technological innovation, financial support and infrastructure development,” Mutallimov said.
The representative of the Ministry of Ecology emphasised that COP29, which has identified climate financing as a priority, will present a forward-looking view based on two parallel directions – increasing climate ambitions and stimulating action.
“These areas reinforce each other – progress in one supports the other. Successful implementation of key mandates and climate measures is important for strengthening trust, solidarity and the pace of development,” he noted.
Mutallimov spoke about 14 initiatives on the COP29 agenda, including the Climate Finance Action Fund, the Baku Initiative for Dialogue on Climate Finance, Investment and Trade, the Just Transition Partnership for Skills, initiatives on green energy, water resources, sustainable tourism and other key areas.
“The Multi-Actor Partnership (MAP) for Sustainable, Climate-Resilient and Healthy Cities aims to strengthen multi-sector national action in cities and promote stronger partnerships to scale up global urban climate finance, global coherence on climate and urban development and resilience. The Global Partnership for Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism (GPECAT) aims to reduce the growing trend of global emissions from the tourism sector by promoting a paradigm shift in global tourism policy making.
“The Reduction of Organic Waste (ROW) Partnership, an initiative to reduce methane and enrich soils, aims to reduce methane emissions from the waste sector, thereby addressing global challenges related to food waste, sustainable urbanisation, soil management. The partnership will seek commitments for Nationally Determined Contributions consistent with the 1.5°C target in the waste sector, increased financing and investment, communication of actions, innovative partnerships and stakeholder engagement,” he said.
According to the representative of the Ministry of Environment, it is expected that COP29 will agree on a fair and ambitious New Collective Quantitative Target for financing, taking into account the needs and priorities of developing countries. The launch of the Loss and Damage Fund will also be an important step in scaling up action to combat the effects of climate change.
Specialists have recommended that the Nigerian government involve rural populations in the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), which is currently being developed, to build resilience and strengthen the country’s preparedness for climate change.
Participants during the one-day pre-field mission multi-stakeholder workshop held in Abuja
In line with the Cancun Adaptation Framework (CAF), which requires parties to formulate and implement NAPs as a means of identifying medium-to long-term adaptation needs, one important aspect of this process is to conduct a Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA) to identify communities’ vulnerabilities and propose possible adaptation options to address their issues.
As a result, Nigeria is presently conducting a CRVA in five ecological areas across the country’s six geopolitical zones to establish climate adaptation as a core component of national and economic development in all sectors, allowing citizens to be more proactive rather than reactive to disasters.
The experts said engaging this group in the process will go a long way towards reducing the danger and scale of impacts, as well as ensuring the restoration and rehabilitation of the ecosystem whenever such disruptions occur.
Adaption, according to Lawrence Flint, Nigeria’s team leader for the CRVA project, partly takes place in governance as well as out there in the field, for example, where you have people farming, fishing, and carrying out other livelihood activities.
Speaking at the one-day pre-field mission multi-stakeholders workshop organised by the Federal Ministry of Environment’s Department of Climate Change (DCC), he added that the process should ensure that it brings all segments of society together for a discussion on how to build and implement the plan. This way, the people who must adjust to the changing environment will be able to participate in the process and feel included.
Another issue he raised that is worrisome is climate change and conflict. Many of the ongoing conflicts are being fuelled by climate and ecosystem changes, which are posing a significant challenge for Nigeria.
Flint is confident that if his suggestions are properly integrated into the causes of the nation’s climate risks, it would set the path for the country to begin addressing those issues that are unique not only to Nigeria but to others across the Sahel region.
“And, by that method, we will not always have to face situations where we will need to start calling for humanitarian aid and assistance when everything breaks down after extreme weather obstructs,” he said.
In a similar spirit, Chiranjibi Tiwari, the Climate Change and WASH Manager at the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), says that inclusion is crucial because it gives room for the voices of young people, the media, civil society organisations, and other relevant stakeholders to be included in the process of creating and implementing the country’s adaptation commitment.
According to him, a landscape climate analysis conducted by UNICEF in 2023 found that Nigerian women and children are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change in terms of access to health, education, floods, droughts, and other factors.
“So, children are affected, and that is why we believe that children need to be part of this discussion,” he stated.
Tiwari disclosed that his organisation is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to create a strategy that will assist in identifying and mitigating Nigeria’s climate change risk.
Nigeria’s environment minister, Balarabe Lawal, emphasised the significance of the process, saying that adapting to climate change is critical to dealing with its consequences.
“Adapting to climate change means taking action to prepare for and adjust to both the current effects of climate change and the predicted impacts in the future,” the minister, who was represented by Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, DC’s director, asserts at the event.
He went on to highlight some of the country’s climate adaptation efforts, such as the 2011 National Adaptation Strategy and Plan of Action on Climate Change in Nigeria (NASPA-CCN), which identified 13 thematic areas in need of urgent adaptation.
When completed, the national adaptation plan, according to the country’s environment helmsman, will help reduce vulnerability to the effects of climate change by increasing adaptive capacity and resilience. It will also make it easier to integrate climate change adaptation into important new and existing policies, programs, and activities, namely development planning processes and strategies, across all relevant sectors and levels, as needed.
In the fight against climate change, education plays a crucial role. By imparting knowledge and skills related to environmental sustainability, we can empower communities to take action and make a tangible difference.
Rural women in Tanzania planting trees
One of the most impactful ways to achieve this is through climate education, particularly focusing on teaching rural women tree planting techniques and the production of briquettes. These practices not only contribute to environmental conservation but also provide socio-economic benefits to the communities involved.
Climate education involves teaching individuals about the science of climate change, its impacts, and the strategies needed to mitigate and adapt to its effects. It is essential for fostering an informed and engaged populace capable of making sustainable choices. For rural women, who often bear the brunt of environmental degradation, climate education can be transformative. It equips them with the knowledge to protect their environment, improve their livelihoods, and enhance the resilience of their communities.
Teaching tree planting techniques offers numerous advantages. Trees play a vital role in combating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. They also help prevent soil erosion, enhance biodiversity, and provide habitats for wildlife. By teaching rural women how to plant and care for trees, we enable them to contribute directly to environmental conservation and restoration. Trees provide essential ecosystem services that maintain the balance of natural environments.
They act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere and mitigating the effects of climate change. The presence of trees also contributes to the stabilisation of soil, preventing erosion and protecting water resources. These environmental benefits are crucial for sustaining agricultural productivity and ensuring food security in rural areas. Tree planting can also be a source of income for rural women. Trees such as fruit-bearing varieties can provide food and a source of revenue, while timber trees can be harvested sustainably for wood.
This economic empowerment helps improve the standard of living for women and their families. Fruit trees, for example, offer a dual advantage: they contribute to food security by providing a steady supply of fruits, and they generate income through the sale of surplus produce. Timber trees, when harvested sustainably, can provide materials for construction, furniture, and other uses, creating economic opportunities and enhancing livelihoods. The financial independence gained from these activities can significantly improve the quality of life for rural women, enabling them to support their families and invest in their future.
Furthermore, trees help build resilient communities by providing shade, reducing the impact of natural disasters like floods, and improving soil fertility. These benefits enhance the overall quality of life and reduce vulnerability to climate-related impacts. Shade from trees helps to moderate temperatures, creating a more comfortable and livable environment. In times of extreme weather events, trees act as natural buffers, reducing the severity of floods and protecting infrastructure and homes. Improved soil fertility, resulting from the presence of trees, enhances agricultural productivity and ensures the sustainability of farming practices.
The benefits of teaching rural women to produce briquettes are equally significant. Briquettes are a sustainable alternative to traditional wood fuel. Made from agricultural waste, such as sawdust, rice husks, and other biomass materials, briquettes reduce the need for deforestation and help manage agricultural residues effectively.
By teaching rural women how to produce briquettes, we reduce pressure on forests and promote cleaner, more sustainable fuel options. The utilisation of agricultural waste for briquette production addresses two critical issues: it provides a sustainable energy source and reduces the accumulation of waste that could otherwise contribute to environmental degradation.
This innovative approach to energy production aligns with the principles of circular economy, ensuring that resources are used efficiently, and waste is minimised. Traditional cooking methods using wood or charcoal produce harmful smoke, leading to respiratory problems and other health issues. Briquettes burn more cleanly and efficiently, reducing indoor air pollution and improving the health of women and their families.
The smoke produced by traditional cooking fuels contains harmful pollutants that pose serious health risks, particularly for women and children who spend significant time near cooking fires. By switching to briquettes, households can significantly reduce their exposure to these pollutants, resulting in better respiratory health and overall well-being.
The production and sale of briquettes can become a viable income-generating activity for rural women. It creates opportunities for entrepreneurship and financial independence, enabling women to contribute to their households and communities economically. The process of briquette production involves several stages, from collecting and processing raw materials to manufacturing and marketing the final product.
Each stage offers employment opportunities and potential for skill development. Women engaged in briquette production can establish small businesses, generating income and contributing to the local economy. This economic empowerment enhances their social standing and allows them to invest in education, healthcare, and other essential services for their families.
Briquettes also provide a reliable and sustainable source of energy. Unlike wood, which can be scarce and expensive, briquettes can be produced locally, ensuring that rural communities have access to affordable and sustainable fuel. The local production of briquettes reduces dependency on external sources of energy and ensures energy security. It also promotes the use of renewable resources, contributing to the overall sustainability of energy systems. By adopting briquettes as a primary fuel source, rural communities can achieve greater energy independence and resilience.
The success of climate education and sustainable practices can be seen in various regions around the world. In Kenya, the Green Belt Movement, founded by Nobel Laureate, Wangari Maathai, has successfully mobilised women to plant over 51 million trees. This initiative has not only reforested large areas but also empowered women economically and socially.
The Green Belt Movement serves as a model for similar initiatives globally, demonstrating the transformative power of engaging women in environmental conservation and sustainable development. By leveraging the knowledge and skills of women, the movement has achieved significant environmental and socio-economic outcomes, contributing to the overall well-being of communities.
In Nigeria, organisations like the Climate Action Team Initiative have been instrumental in teaching rural women tree planting techniques and briquette making. These efforts have led to significant improvements in environmental conservation, health, and economic conditions in participating communities. The Climate Action Team Initiative’s programmes focus on building the capacity of women to adopt sustainable practices and take on leadership roles in their communities. By providing training, resources, and ongoing support, the initiative empowers women to drive positive change and create a more sustainable future for themselves and their families.
To maximise the impact of climate education, it is essential to integrate these practices into broader development programs. Governments, NGOs, and private sector partners should collaborate to provide resources, training, and support to rural women. This includes access to quality seeds, tools, and materials for briquette production, as well as ongoing education and capacity-building programmes.
By fostering partnerships and leveraging resources, stakeholders can create a supportive ecosystem that enables women to thrive and contribute to sustainable development. Comprehensive support systems that address the diverse needs of rural women are essential for the success and scalability of climate education and sustainable practices.
Investing in climate education and empowering rural women with sustainable practices can create a ripple effect that benefits the environment, improves livelihoods, and strengthens communities. It is a powerful strategy for achieving sustainable development and building a more resilient and equitable world. The advantages of teaching rural women tree planting techniques and briquette making are manifold.
These practices promote environmental conservation, improve health outcomes, provide economic opportunities, and enhance community resilience. By prioritising climate education and supporting sustainable initiatives, we can empower women to become champions of change and stewards of a sustainable future. Through their leadership and participation, rural women can drive the transition towards more sustainable and resilient communities, ensuring a better quality of life for present and future generations.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) is calling for vaccination campaigns for risk groups in view of increasing Coronavirus infections and falling immunisation rates.
WHO expert, Maria Van Kerkhove. Photo credit: AFP via Getty Images
“We have seen an alarming decline in vaccine coverage,” WHO expert, Maria Van Kerkhove, said in Geneva, referring to lower rates in the last two years. This is especially true for older people and healthcare workers.
“This urgently needs to be turned around,” she said.
Among all Coronavirus tests, the proportion of positive results has been rising for several weeks and is over 10 per cent, the WHO reported, based on data from 84 countries. In Europe, the rate is over 20 per cent.
Wastewater analyses shows that the virus is much more widespread than the infection statistics suggest, said Van Kerkhove.
She also pointed out that more than 40 athletes had tested positive at the Olympic Games in Paris.
However, the epidemiologist emphasised that the current situation is not comparable to the pandemic phase, as more people are now protected from severe courses of the disease by vaccinations and infections they had.
Van Kerkhove also pointed out that the WHO only receives data on the number of Coronavirus treatments in hospitals and intensive care units from very few countries.
She said the WHO is “blind” when it comes to understanding the extent of the disease.
Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Bauchi State have explored partnership with the media to enhance tuberculosis (TB) control through effective awareness campaigns in the state.
Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare
Executive Director of LANGA Women Development Initiative, a CSO, Ms Grace Maikudi, stated this at a TB sensitisation forum for CSOs on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, in Bauchi, the state capital.
According to Maikudi, TB remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in regions with high prevalence rates.
“Civil society organisations (CSOs) and media play crucial roles in public health awareness and education.
“TB is a contagious disease. Therefore, effective awareness campaigns are essential to educate the public, reduce stigma and promote early detection and treatment.
Maikudi said that the forum was organised by LANGA and funded by USAID and Palladium for the CSOs to understand the budget cycle and strategies to push for budget line for TB control in the state.
Also speaking, the organisation’s Programme Manager, Mr Ogala Ogala, said that CSOs were vital in community outreach and advocacy.
“They provide information about TB symptoms, prevention and treatment options.
“They also offer support to individuals affected by TB, including counselling and treatment adherence support as well as lobbying for improved TB policies and funding,” he stated.
Ogala also identified the media as instrumental to shaping public perception and disseminating information.
“The collaboration will enhance broadcasting accurate information about TB prevention, symptoms and treatment.
“It will also help in running targetted campaigns to reach diverse audiences and addressing and reducing stigma associated with TB through positive messaging,” he said.
The programme manager further said that the partnership would create a platform for public discussion and question-and-answer session with health experts.
He said that media engagement with CSOs would be working with local radio stations, newspapers and community blogs to address TB within specific communities in the state.
The Lagos State Government has reiterated commitment to inclusive planning and ensuring that the Badagry Sub-Region Master Plan reflects the needs and aspirations of its stakeholders.
Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, stated this in a statement issued by the Deputy Director, Public Affairs Unit, Mr Mukaila Sanusi, on Monday, August 5, 2024, in Lagos.
According to the commissioner, the ministry is holding a stakeholders’ meeting on the review of the Badagry Sub-Region Master Plan on Aug. 8, at the Lagos State University, Ojo.
Olumide described the stakeholders’ engagement as an integral part of the plan preparation process in Lagos State as well as an avenue to promote inclusiveness and ownership.
“We are seeking first-hand information on action areas and proposals in the reviewed plan.
“Also, we aim to encourage stakeholders’ active participation in the upcoming meeting,” he said.
The commissioner emphasised the importance of stakeholders’ engagement in the planning process.
“In Lagos, we plan with the people and not just for the people. The review process has undergone various stages of engagement, aligning with the T.H.E.M.E.S. Agenda of Lagos State,” he said.
The COP29 climate talks in Azerbaijan’s Baku is the world’s only chance to bridge the gaps in climate action and finance which is crucial to “rebuild trust” among countries and protect lives and livelihoods, Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, has said.
Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland
In an interview with PTI via Zoom, Scotland said it is important to have the fossil-fuel producers as allies in the fight against climate change.
“We are nearing the cliff, the critical 1.5 degrees Celsius limit. In fact, some of our scientists say that we are there now. Our home, our planet, is literally on fire. Instead of action, we see the gaps in emissions, finance, and justice widening. It is our duty to bridge those gaps, and COP is our only chance. It comes at a moment of immeasurable urgency,” Scotland said.
She said rich countries promised to provide $100 billion (one billion =100 crore) in 2009. It’s only a drop in the ocean but “we still haven’t got it”.
Rich countries, historically responsible for the climate crisis, in 2009 pledged to mobilise $100 billion per year by 2020 to help developing countries address climate change. However, this target has not been fully met, with much of the financial aid provided as loans at market rates, increasing the debt burden on poor and vulnerable countries. These nations now require trillions to effectively combat the climate crisis.
According to the UNFCCC’s Standing Committee on Finance, $5.8 trillion to $11.5 trillion is required by 2030 to meet the targets set by developing countries in their national climate plans (Nationally Determined Contributions or NDCs).
The 2023 UN Adaptation Gap Report estimated adaptation costs in developing countries to be 10 to 18 times greater than current international adaptation finance flows, which are $21.3 billion.
Financial support to help middle-income and poor countries fight climate change will be at the centre of the UN climate conference in Baku, where the world will reach the deadline to agree on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), the new amount developed nations must mobilise every year starting in 2025 to support climate action in developing countries.
But achieving consensus will not be easy, given the disappointing progress made on the issue at the mid-year UN Climate talks in Bonn, Germany.
Scotland said fulfilling the NCQG will “rebuild trust” and support the developing countries in protecting lives, livelihoods and ecosystems.
Asked about her expectations from COP29 host Azerbaijan, a major fossil fuel-producing country, Scotland said: “It is a good thing that they are in the spotlight.”
The Commonwealth Secretary-General said it’s important to have the fossil-fuel producers as allies in the fight against climate change.
“We have to work together. This is not about them or us – it’s about all of us. Without a global solution, we have no solution at all. Developed countries and major producers must seriously engage in this conversation because COP29 needs to provide accessible climate finance so that developing countries can adapt and build resilience,” she told PTI.
“Expectations are very high for Azerbaijan to balance its role as a major fossil fuel producer with the global need for sustainable energy. We hope Azerbaijan will use its leadership to promote useful and practical discussions on reducing dependence on fossil fuels,” she added.
Scotland said the slow approval process for climate funds, especially for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), must be improved. The current system, where it takes four to five years for project approval, is insufficient.
She said the Commonwealth has utilised artificial intelligence and geospatial data to expedite the process of securing climate finance. Normally, it takes years to get an application approved and funds disbursed. However, by using these technologies, the Commonwealth managed to secure $5.7 million for Fiji within a year to build a nature-based wall.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General said that this approach has also facilitated a successful application for $63 million in Namibia’s Zambezi region.
Scotland also called for enhanced collaboration among Commonwealth space agencies to better analyse data and develop targeted climate solutions.
She said solutions like methane reduction should be scaled up, as they can have a significant impact on global warming.
Scotland said that the time for promises and words is over. “Now is the time for concrete actions.”
The COP29 will take place in Baku from November 11 through 22, 2024. During this event, Azerbaijan’s capital is expected to welcome approximately 70,000 to 80,000 international visitors.
Developed countries participating in the Kyoto Protocol’s second commitment period (2013–2020) achieved an average annual emissions reduction of 22% compared to 1990 levels, marking a significant step forward in the fight against climate change.
Greenhouse gas increases are leading to a faster rate of global warming. Photo credit: earthtimes.org
This achievement comes to light as the reporting and review process for the Kyoto Protocol’s second commitment period concluded successfully in June 2024.
The conclusion of this exercise highlights a push by Parties to reverse the trend of rising emissions, a drive which started almost 35 years ago, with the European Union reducing average emissions between 2013 and 2020 by 23% compared to 1990. Notably, 10 countries, including nine EU member states and the UK, achieved reductions exceeding 30% compared to 1990. Seven countries, however, saw an increase in average annual emissions.
The reductions by most developed nations under the Kyoto Protocol are an indication that countries can take the necessary steps to meet the more ambitious emission reduction targets outlined in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. This agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre‑industrial levels, ideally striving for 1.5°C.
“The completion of the Kyoto Protocol’s second commitment period paves the way for enhanced climate action by countries,” said Don Cooper, Director of the Transparency Division at UN Climate Change. “This momentum is crucial as we strive to significantly reduce the risks and impacts of climate change.”
Expert Review Teams Ensure Accurate Reporting
The review process by teams of expert reviewers is a crucial characteristic of the Kyoto Protocol, ensuring transparency, accuracy, consistency, and comparability of data on emissions, removals and overall trends. Similar processes are established under the Convention and the Paris Agreement.
The review of reports submitted by Parties under the Kyoto Protocol covers greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from sectors including energy production, industrial processes, agriculture and waste, as well as the net emissions or removals achieved by land-use activities such as afforestation and reforestation.
The review of GHG inventories was one of the pillars of the measurement, reporting and verification system established before the Paris Agreement. Over 500 experts from 100 developing and developed countries participated in reviewing GHG inventories over the past two decades. This experience lays a solid foundation for building further systems under the Paris Agreement that guarantee a rigorous and transparent climate reporting system.
