Climate change is exacerbating floods and droughts and reducing water quality, posing an increasing threat to people’s health.
Flooding in Russia
This is according to a report published by the European Environment Agency (EEA) on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.
The Copenhagen-based EU agency called for swift action and better coordination between governments and authorities to limit or avoid health risks.
According to the report, one in eight Europeans already live in areas that are potentially susceptible to river flooding.
Elderly people, children, people in poor health, lower-income groups, farmers, and rescue workers are the most affected by floods, droughts, forest fires, or waterborne diseases and pathogens, according to the report.
The Secretariat of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, in collaboration with the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) and with financial support from the European Union, has launched “Minamata Tools”, a set of interactive training modules designed to explain the Convention and assist in the fight against mercury pollution.
Executive Secretary of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, Monika Stankiewicz
The online learning platform aims to support Parties in meeting their obligations under the Convention. Minamata Tools is targeted primarily at national focal points of the Convention, who are designated by Parties for the exchange of information, but it also offers accessible information and knowledge for both entry-level and experienced officials.
Executive Secretary, Monika Stankiewicz, stated: “Minamata Tools will help us enhance the training and information surrounding our fight against toxic mercury, a crucial element for the effective implementation of the Convention. This online learning platform aims to further empower national focal points and other officials while also providing key resources to partners everywhere. A cornerstone of our Secretariat’s mandate, we firmly believe that, by providing accessible capacity-building, we are building solid foundations for a healthier, safer planet for all.”
The platform currently offers four modules, which are listed to include:
Introduction: exploring the Convention’s purpose, the important role of national focal points, the different reporting obligations, and how to better plan for preparing the National Reports.
Supply sources and trade: covering the provisions related to responsible practices in managing mercury mining, stocks and trade in mercury.
Products and processes: addressing the phase-out of mercury manufacture, import and export in consumer and industrial products, as well as the use of mercury in manufacturing processes.
Emissions: focusing on the provisions and guidance related to controlling and mitigating emissions of mercury and mercury compounds into the atmosphere.
The modules offered through Minamata Tools are available for free and provide a certification upon completion. The online platform is currently in English, with plans for translation into French and Spanish in a near future.
National focal points, officials and other stakeholders are encouraged to enroll here.
In line with its renewed hope agenda, the Federal Government has reiterated its determination to utilise Nigeria’s abundant gas resources towards revamping the nation’s industrial growth and kickstarting its economic prosperity.
Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekumaro, cuts the tape to mark the Presidential commissioning of the ANOH Gas Processing Plant, one of the three critical gas projects delivered by NNPC and its partners, in Assa Community, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State. Supporting the Deputy Governor is the GCEO NNPC, Malam Mele Kyari (2nd from right), and Chairman, Seplat Nigeria, Sen. Udo Udoma
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu disclosed this while commissioning three critical gas infrastructure projects executed by NNPC Limited and its partners in Ohaji-Egbema, in Imo State and Kwale, in Delta State, on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.
The three projects commissioned include the expansion of the AHL Gas Processing Plant, the ANOH Gas Processing Plant and the 23.3km ANOH to Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) Custody Transfer Metering Station Gas Pipeline Projects.
“It is pleasing that approximately, 500MMscf of gas in aggregate would be supplied to the domestic market from these two Gas Processing Plants, which represents over 25% incremental growth in gas supply. In practical terms, this translates into more gas to the Power Sector, Gas-Based Industries, and other critical segments of the economy,” the President added.
The President said from the onset, his administration was clear of its intention to leverage on the virtually unlimited capacity of gas to deepen domestic gas utilisation, increase national power generation capacity, revitalise industries, and create multiple job opportunities for economic growth.
He said aside the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative which is aimed at moving Nigerians away from petrol and diesel as vehicular combustion fuel, significant progress has also been recorded in incentivising gas development through Presidential Executive Orders.
While congratulating the projects partners NNPC Limited, Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) and Seplat Energy for the successful implementation of the three projects, Tinubu particularly charged the NNPC Limited to, as the national energy company of choice, sustain its relentless efforts and record more successes in the energy sector for the benefit of all Nigerians.
He described the commissioning as a highly significant milestone for Nigeria as it demonstrates his administration’s efforts to accelerate the development of critical gas infrastructure geared at enhancing the supply of energy to boost industrial growth and create employment opportunities.
He said the projects were fully in line with the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas initiative, and his administration’s quest to grow value from the Nation’s abundant gas assets while concurrently eliminating gas flaring and accelerating industrialisation.
“I wish to assure the citizenry that these are just the beginning, as the federal government is stepping up its coordination of other landmark projects and initiatives that will ensure the earliest realisation of gas fueled prosperity in our country. Consequently, I wish to assure investors in the energy space that this is an investment enabling government and we will not relent in facilitating the ease of doing business,” the President noted.
Earlier in his address, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, highlighted the efforts of his ministry to continue to champion the utilisation of gas as a transition fuel as Nigeria moves towards achieving clean energy efficiency and security by 2060.
Ekpo commended the President for his leadership and support towards the success of the three projects.
In his remarks, the GCEO NNPC, Mele Kyari, described the commissioning as a demonstration of Mr. President’s commitment and support to grow the domestic utilisation of natural gas for power generation, as feedstock for gas-based industries and overall rapid industrialisation of Nigeria on the back of the enormous gas resources in the country.
Kyari assured that, as part of its mandate, NNPC Ltd remains committed to maintaining energy security by executing more strategic gas projects for the benefit of Nigeria.
The Elephant Protection Initiative (EPI), an alliance of 24 African countries with common policies on elephant conservation, has celebrated its 10th anniversary in Nairobi, Kenya, with the appointment of Nigeria’s former Minister of State for Environment, Sharon Ikeazor, as the chairperson of its Leadership Council.
At the 10th anniversary celebration, the EPI Foundation’s CEO John Scanlon, the incoming Chair, Sharon Ikeazor, with her predecessor, His Excellency, Dr Ian Khama, former President of Botswana, and EPI Trustee, Ian Craig
Speaking at the EPI’s celebration event, Ikeazor said: “It is an honour for me to be assuming this position. The EPI has made enormous strides as an African-led elephant conservation alliance, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to steer it towards further progress.”
The EPI’s Leadership Council is a group of eminent Africans, including a former president of Botswana, prime minister of Ethiopia, and first lady of Kenya, which gives advice and counsel to the EPI’s secretariat, known as the EPI Foundation.
In announcing her appointment, the CEO of the EPI Foundation, John Scanlon AO, said: “Sharon Ikeazor is respected across Africa and beyond as a passionate and politically adept environmentalist. We are thrilled she’s joining us to help the EPI realise its long-term ambition of securing the future of Africa’s elephants and improving the livelihoods of its people.”
The EPI was formed in 2014, with an initial membership of five African countries, and has since grown rapidly to 24 countries, including Nigeria. Today the majority of Africa’s elephants; of both the forest and savannah; species are in EPI countries.
Ikeazor added: “EPI countries have made great progress in restricting the illegal ivory trade and reducing elephant poaching. In our second decade, our big challenges are to reduce human-elephant conflict and raise adequate financing to protect elephant habitats. If we can do that, we will also mitigate the impact of climate change and conserve broader biodiversity.”
Multiple explosions were on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, reported at the gas processing plant operated by the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) at Gbarain, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
A gas explosion
The gas plant feeds the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) export terminal in Bonny Island, Rivers State.
Speaking on Tuesday evening, a community source said the explosion occurred on a pipeline feeding the gas plant.
A resident, Jessie David, claimed the blast was traced to a pipeline attacked by suspected vandals which led to explosions and eruption of thick smoke and gaseous emission.
He explained that the operator of the plant was alerted, and the line was isolated, reducing the pressure.
Confirming the incident, SPDC spokesman, Michael Adande, noted that the incident occurred near the facility and that the cause was yet to be ascertained.
“We are actively monitoring reports of smoke detected near our Gbarain Central Processing Facility in Bayelsa State.
“While the source appears to be external to our facility, we are in close communication with regulatory authorities to investigate the incident and ensure the safety of the surrounding communities,” Adande said.
The Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) and the Neighborhood Environment Watch (NEW) Foundation have expressed worry over the noticeable absence of community representatives at last Friday’s meeting of the Presidency and companies extracting and processing lithium in Nasarawa State.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake
The meeting which held in Abuja had in attendance Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, who was accompanied by Hi Yongwei, chairman of Avatar New Energy Materials Company Limited, and Zhenhua Pei, chairman, Canmax Technologies as well as Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake.
At the meeting President Bola Tinubu hailed the inauguration of Nigeria’s largest lithium processing plant in Lafia, Nasarawa State, as a clear indication of the country’s attractiveness for foreign investment.
Avatar, a Chinese firm, built the lithium processing plant which produces about 4,000 metric tonnes daily in Nasarawa while Canmax Technologies, another Chinese firm responsible for over 30 percent of global battery material production, announced a new investment of $200 million for another lithium processing plant in the state.
In his remarks, President Tinubu urged the Chinese firms to prioritise environmental protection, community engagement, and corporate social responsibility initiatives as integral parts of their operations and asked them not to leave the community in ruins as they explore high-grade minerals.
But, in a reaction to the engagement, RDI and NEW frowned at the absence of representatives of host communities where mining is happening in the meeting, cautioning that the same approach heralded the resource control crisis in the Niger Delta where oil-bearing communities were never part of the decision-making processes on the exploration and extraction of their oil and gas resources.
RDI Executive Director, Philip Jakpor, said: “Here we go again. It is worrisome that such a high-level meeting with the Chinese miners did not have a single representative from the communities where lithium is now being mined. While we welcome the charge that the president gave to the miners to safeguard the environment, there is nothing to show that the companies involved are even engaging host communities in any of such discussions.”
Jakpor pointed out that locals in Uke district, one of the sites approved for lithium mining in Nasarawa State are already complaining that miners have started encroaching on community lands and polluting ground water.
NEW Foundation Executive Director, Kelechi Okezie, said: “We are very skeptical about the benefits that lithium will bring to the host communities. From Ebonyi to Enugu and other parts of the country where different solid minerals are mined, we see a pattern of non-engagement and ruination of the local environment while the miners rake in profits that our government cannot even account for.”
Okezie pointed out that Chinese firms in the extractives sector are not known to be accountable to host communities even as he stressed: “We expect to see communities that are better than the miners met it, not the master – slave relationship that is already being noticed in the mining fields and host communities.”
The two organisations said that the introduction of a condition that mining firms must put in place viable and sustainable remedial measures viable before their fresh applications for mining are approved, clear engagement policies with communities must also be in place.
“A situation where the discussions are top level and only between the government and the mining firms is unacceptable and will create the same crisis as is happening in oil-bearing communities. Obviously, the government has not learnt any lessons,” they insisted.
The Green Connection and Natural Justice on Friday, May 10, 2024, submitted comments on the revised Environmental Impact Assessment report (EIA) concerning the offshore oil and gas Exploration Right (ER) for Block 3B/4B. The comments were supported by Masifundise Development Trust.
Liziwe McDaid of Green Connection
Located off the West Coast, the project raises significant concerns regarding its potential risks and negative impacts to some of South Africa’s most precious marine ecosystems and the ripple-effect for coastal communities and their livelihoods. The eco-justice organisations also emphasise that this, and other such projects, are in direct contradiction with South Africa’s climate commitments, which should see a reduction in the reliance on carbon-emitting fossil fuels.
The Green Connection’s Liziwe McDaid stresses the catastrophic consequences of potential spills. She says, “The impact of spills, even minor ones, could devastate affected marine ecosystems, endangering fish species, which underpin local fisher livelihoods. And there is always a threat of a spill, no matter how these may be downplayed, which could jeopardise the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal communities. Our submission outlines various scenarios of oil spills, ranging from minor to severe. Each scenario poses significant potential impacts on fisher livelihoods, which can include job losses, market disruptions, and economic hardships for communities reliant on seafood trade.”
The revised EIA report – compiled by Environmental Impact Management Services (EIMS) – comes after a public review resulted in overwhelming opposition and concerns regarding the potential environmental and socio-economic impacts. However, the revision fails to adequately address these concerns and exposes the stark disconnect between corporate profit motives and public interest. The organisations also argue that the revised EIA report all but completely avoids the urgency for South Africa to move towards a just energy transition for all.
Defending Rights Programme Manager at Natural Justice, Melissa Groenink-Groves, underscored the legal implications. She cautions, “It is imperative to consider the legal framework in evaluating the risks posed by such projects. Environmental regulations and climate commitments must be upheld to protect both ecosystems and communities.”
These sentiments are also echoed by David Mtshali who is the Defending Rights Senior Programme Officer at Natural Justice. He laments the fact that the EIA process followed in respect of the proposed project was not child friendly, did not consider children’s environmental rights, and contravenes the generational equity principle.
The Green Connection’s Community Outreach Coordinator, Neville Van Rooy, says that he is most concerned about how the risks associated with potential spills, coupled with the sheer disregard for the climate crisis and the urgent need to move toward a just energy transition, could completely devastate coastal communities.
He says, “Local livelihoods and ways of life are at stake here. The risks associated with offshore drilling could irreversibly harm coastal communities, their livelihoods and even their very way of life. Furthermore, the cultural and heritage significance of the coastal and marine ecosystem cannot be overlooked. Any harm to these ecosystems could have profound implications for spiritual practices, sense of place, and overall wellbeing of coastal communities. Coastal communities stand to suffer the most from the reckless exploitation of our oceans. Their way of life hangs in the balance.”
Should the project – spearheaded by Africa Oil SA Corp (AOSAC), Ricocure (Pty) Ltd, and Azinam Limited – get the green light, TotalEnergies will be the operator. According to The Green Connection, TotalEnergies is at the forefront of the onslaught on South Africa’s oceans, prioritising profit over people and the planet. Despite overwhelming opposition, TotalEnergies persists in its shortsighted pursuit of offshore oil and gas reserves.
The organisations stress the vital need for decision-makers to prioritise both the long-term health of marine ecosystems and the wellbeing of communities dependent on them. Amidst escalating climate change and increasing social inequality, they urge reflection, emphasising the collective responsibility of government, industry, and civil society to prioritise the environment and people over profit-driven motives. This, they argue, is essential to secure the positive transformation our country needs.
Ocean 14 Capital Fund I, focusing exclusively on the multi-trillion-dollar “blue economy”, has announced it has closed on €201 million to support its mission of funding sustainable solutions to improve ocean health.
Chris Gorell Barnes, co-founder of Ocean 14 Capital Limited
The Ocean 14 Capital Fund is focused on driving a sustainable and regenerative “blue economy” – a sector that uses ocean resources for economic growth and preservation. Following the closing at the end of March, the impact fund has added a host of large institutional investors to its already high-profile list.
The world’s largest food and beverage company Nestlé, HQ Capital and The Green Earth Impact Fund managed by Schroders and BlueOrchard have recently invested in the fund, positioning it as the largest in the blue economy.
“Oceans are the critical life-support system for life on earth. The ocean provides half the oxygen we breathe, it absorbs half the carbon, it feeds the world, it employs hundreds of millions of people. If it’s not functioning it will be game over for humanity. Institutions are now awakening to the fact that we need to overhaul the capital market to stand a chance of averting the climate crisis,” said Chris Gorell Barnes, co-founder of Ocean 14 Capital Limited.
Using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number 14: Life Below Water as a guiding principle, Ocean 14 Capital Fund invests in entrepreneurs and businesses with big ideas around aquaculture and alternative proteins, reducing plastic waste pollution, protecting ecosystems and marine flora, and ending overfishing.
The Fund aims to act as a tidal surge to supercharge the blue economy, which is expected to be worth $3 trillion by 2030, according to the OECD. At the same time, it will provide jobs to 40 million people.
Dan Smith, Head of Nestlé Purina’s Global Business Unit, said: “The world’s oceans have suffered from overfishing, pollution, and climate change, resulting in the dramatic loss of marine habitats. That’s why we are delighted to collaborate with the Ocean 14 Capital Fund I, a visionary partner that is at the forefront of exploring this field.
“Together, we aim to drive innovation and create positive change by preserving and harnessing the power of the ocean’s resources to ensure a more sustainable future. We recognise the potential within the blue economy and are dedicated to seizing the opportunities it presents.”
Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd (SNEPCo) produced more oil at Bonga last year than the previous one, a review of operations has shown. Nigeria’s first deep-water development produced some 138,000 barrels of oil per day (boepd) in 2023 compared to around 101,000 in 2022.
SNEPCo’s Bonga FPSO
Among other factors, the improvement was driven by drilling of new wells, optimising reservoir and facility management and excellent asset management.
“Bonga continues to justify the investments and hard work that led to its discovery,” said SNEPCo Managing Director Elohor Aiboni. “The uptick in production is the result of commitment by staff, continuous improvements in production processes and maintenance and the support of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPC) and our co-venture partners – TotalEnergies Nigeria Limited, Nigerian Agip Exploration and Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited. Working together, we will continue to power lives and deliver value to all stakeholders.”
Bonga began production in November 2005 through the 225,000-barrels-per-day capacity Bonga FPSO, anchored 120 kilometres offshore. The FPSO exported the 1 billionth barrel of oil last year.
The operations have resulted in remittance of taxes and royalties to the Government of Nigeria to finance development, development of indigenous contactors and service providers, and a wide-ranging social investment portfolio which has improved lives across the country.
No fewer than 435,000 rural residents across four Local Government Areas (LGAs) are benefitting from the World Bank-supported Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme in Imo State.
Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo State
The $700 million programme is underway in seven states of Delta, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Katsina, and Plateau.
The General Manager, Imo State Small Town Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (ISTOWA), Mr Chibuzo Ezigbo, said at the ongoing Stakeholders Forum of the SURWASH programme in Abuja on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.
Ezigbo said this was also made possible with the commitment and provision of N600 million by the state government to kickstart the programme in four local government areas.
They are Oguta, Mbaitoli, Oru East and Ideato south local government areas.
According to him, the programme which is in its first phase has brought relief to the benefiting communities as all stakeholders have been carried along in the processes.
The general manager said that the ISTOWA had also established the Water Consumers’ Association in the benefiting local governments to ensure that ownership of these facilities was maintained and sustained.
“The SURWASH programme has really brought relief to the people of Imo state, currently; we are working in four LGAs of Oguta, Mbatoli, Oru East and Ideato South.
“We are still intervening in other local government areas; his Excellency has graciously approved the release of N600 million for the implementation of this programme”.
The general manager said initiatives such as baseline surveys, stakeholder engagement, water reticulation to households, and provision of toilets for schools and health centres were underway.
He added that strategies to prevent waterborne diseases include construction of toilets in health centres and public areas, establishing piped water networks for domestic use and ensuring clean drinking water access particularly for vulnerable populations.
This, he said, was made possible through the use of the national social register to verify those most in need.
Ezigbo projected that the benefiting local governments would be Open Defecation Free by 2025, urging local governments to take ownership of infrastructure to ensure sustainability, curb vandalism, and maximise community benefits.
SURWASH will provide six million people with basic drinking water services and 1.4 million people access to improved sanitation services.
The programme will deliver improved water sanitation and hygiene services to 2,000 schools and health care facilities and assist 500 communities to achieve open defecation free status.
