The Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP) and some NGOs are partnering with OXFAM to train women on agriculture and climate change.
Stakeholders and female farmers at a workshop on Climate Change and Access to Climate Finance Climate
Dr Michael David, Executive Director, GIFSEP, communicated this at a workshop on Female Food Heroes (Ogbonge), Women on Climate Change and Access to Climate Finance on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, in Abuja.
David said that the training was crucial because female farmers produced largely the food eaten in the country.
“Climate change is impacting on how they grow their food; looking at the food inflation the country is facing, we can attribute climate change to one of the causes of food inflation in the country.’’
He said that it was paramount to train the farmers to become change agents in their various communities and states so they could train others on how to build climate change resilience and simple climate adaptation techniques.
David said that the Federal Government needed to support the smallholder farmers with interventions that would proper bumper farming harvest in the country.
“If we must attain the Millennium Development Goals by 2030, then we must empower the small-scale farmers; we need to train more women not just the ‘Ogbonge’ women to help our country attain food sovereignty,’’ he said.
Similarly, Peggy Maimaji, Project Coordinator, Together Against Poverty, OXFAM, said that the project worked with female farmers to address issues that were salient to them especially the impacts of climate change on farming.
She assured that project would continue to address issues of access to land and finance saying that OXFAM collaborated to award no fewer than 12 women farmers every year since 2012 through the female food hero project.
Monica Maigari, one of the participants from Kaduna State, who had been awarded by OXFAM in 2014 for her performances, commended the NGOs for the training.
Maigari said she had learned how to mitigate climate change as well as to adapt to it.
Sahara Energy has unveiled its target of achieving zero carbon emissions from its oil and gas operations by 2060.
Sahara Energy presenting plaques made of waste materials to experts who have contributed to various sustainability initiatives
The company, along with its sister companies in the energy value chain, has commenced arrangements to reduce carbon emissions and earn carbon credits for a sustainable future.
The agenda was disclosed at a news conference, tagged, “Carbon Footprint and the African Narrative”, held by Sahara Group and Asharami Square in Lagos on Tuesday, June 25, 2024.
Mr Wole Ajeigbe, Group Project Manager, Asharami Energy, while speaking on “Decarbonisation of Africa’s Upstream Operations”, said Sahara Energy was building a sustainable energy future with an ambitious but pragmatic approach to its upstream carbon net zero journey.
According to him, efforts are ongoing at its seven oil-producing assets across Nigeria to ensure that operations at the sites are considerate of global warming.
Ajeigbe said that the net zero plan would be achieved gradually by reducing and minimising carbon emissions on a yearly basis.
He said that the company had some gas commercialisation projects which were expected to be completed by 2025 to 2026.
He listed the strategies to include elimination of gas flare across its upstream operations, reduction in freshwater usage during operation, and making use of Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS), among others.
Emphasising its determination, he said that the company had already joined the global group of CCUS, emerging as the first African company in the forum.
Ajeigbe said that, to ensure oil and gas continue to be used to meet Africa’s energy demands, the sector needed to decarbonise its operations quickly.
He noted that the energy demand and usage in Africa would increase significantly in coming years,
Ajeigbe stressed the need for the government to create an enabling environment that would stimulate investments and grant fiscal incentives on gas projects such as tax holidays, funding securities, risk mitigation among others.
The government and stakeholders, according to him, also need to encourage availability of capital pools; improve bankability of gas projects; give support to projects that have taken decarbonisation seriously; and attract skills and develop the capabilities needed for the energy future.
Regional Director, West Africa, Ford Foundation, Dr Chichi Aniagolu-Okoye, said although Africa was contributing about four per cent to global warming, the continent has been severely affected by the phenomenon.
She said the fact that Africa holds up to 17 per cent of the global population yet contributes just four per cent to global carbon emissions.
This, she noted, means that the continent could do more for a sustainable environment through careful and strategic planning.
Aniagolu-Okoye said that Africa must focus not only on challenges, but also on opportunities that global warming presents.
“There are numerous opportunities to place Africa firmly at the forefront of climate debate and the media should lead the campaign,” she said.
The Director, Governance and Sustainability, Sahara Group, Ms Ejiro Gray, spoke on most viable solutions for mitigating carbon emissions and meeting Africa’s development.
According to her, these solutions include natural gas development; increase in use of renewables; protection and rehabilitation of African natural carbon sinks.
She listed others to include innovation in low cost/low emissions clean energy solutions; carbon culture storage/carbon capture and re-utilisation and utilisation of domestic knowledge.
She said that Sahara had continued to make improvements to its operations, to reduce the carbon footprint and by extension, the continent footprint.
Gray listed some of the strategies to include increased use of renewables; gas commercialisation; research and development and sustainable energy and carbon sinks.
Others are Carbon Capture Usage and Storage (CCUS); tree planting initiatives; and awareness campaigns for youths, among others.
The Head, Corporate Communications, Sahara Group, Bethel Obioma, said the Asharami Square has come to stay and would be having training and mentorship for journalists.
Obioma said that it would also be having Asharami Awards to appreciate those works that had contributed to building sustainability in Africa.
He said that the body was already in partnership with University of Lagos and Pan Atlantic University in the quest to upscale skill on sustainability.
Health journalists under the auspices of the Health Writers’ Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) have said they are concerned about the cost of essential drugs and increased disease burden in the country.
Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare
In a statement jointly signed by the President, Chioma Obinna, and the Secretary, Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu, the group explained that patients with chronic illnesses and many vulnerable Nigerians were finding it difficult to buy their medications and access quality healthcare services.
The statement stated that the development necessitated the HEWAN annual symposium coming up on June 27 at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Alausa, Ikeja.
It said that the theme of the symposium is “Dwindling Local Drug Production and High Cost of Essential Medicines: Rethinking Strategies for Growth”.
“Today, many Nigerians can no longer afford medicines for their ailments, coupled with the high level of fake drugs in circulation.
“HEWAN, in line with its visions and missions, believes that the array of experts from the pharmaceutical industry would deliberate on the issue as part of finding a lasting solution to the problem.”
The keynote speaker, Mr Oluwatosin Jolayemi, President, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN), and other stakeholders would discuss some of the challenges and hindrances to local drug manufacturing in the country and ways to address them.
The sub-themes for the event, which are: “Funding as a Catalyst for a Resilient Pharmaceutical Sector” and “HPV Vaccination in Nigeria: Challenges, prospects, and Way Forward”, will be delivered by Adewale Oladigbolu, National Chairman, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), and Dr. Abimbola Bowale, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, respectively.
Akinjide Adeosun, Chief Executive Officer of St Racheal’s Pharmaceuticals, will chair the symposium.
“HEWAN will also be awarding Pharm. Fidelis Ayebae of Fidson Healthcare PLC; the Director-General, Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Prof. Babatunde Salako; and Dr. Ignorgbor Jude Chukwumeke, an academic and researcher in public health and environmental microbiology, for outstanding performance in their areas of speciality.
The Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) has described the failure of the Niger State Government to mobilise to the site of the June 3, 2024, mine collapse in Shiroro Local Government Area to recover the bodies of victims as abdication of responsibility and clear disdain for the lives of citizens of the state.
Gov. Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State
The RDI frowned at the fact that nearly three weeks after the incident, which was allegedly caused by heavy downpour, the bodies of the victims are yet to be recovered, and the state government has kept sealed lips on the matter.
Community sources told RDI during a field visit to Galadima-Kogo that, contrary to the claim by the state Niger State Emergency Management Agency that 30 people were trapped, seven rescued and one person confirmed dead, the number of people trapped in the pit were more than 50. They maintained that only six people survived the disaster and escaped on their own and not through any effort of the agency.
They also wondered why the state government has not sanctioned the company – Jurassic Mines Limited – for operating the mines even when a ban on mining activities in the state was in force.
In a statement shared with newsmen, RDI described the growing incident of mine collapse as another phase in the saga over solid mineral extraction in the country which has been plagued by despoliation of the environment, child labour issues, reported sex slaves trafficking and clear lack of proper oversight to ensure safety of people and the environment near mining operations.
RDI Executive Director, Philip Jakpor, said: “The revelation by the locals that the Niger state government abandoned efforts to recover the bodies of victims is very disheartening. It would seem the state government is comfortable at merely representing the dead as insignificant figures, but these were promising young men and children who took to artisan mining because they were not privileged to get decent jobs or go to school. This development is pure insensitivity to the plight of the victims and their families.”
Jakpor maintained that the failure of the state government in carrying out its statutory oversight function of enforcing the ban on mining is the reason why the firm involved was still mining which has cost the lives of citizens of the state.
“How come the company was able to carry on business as usual even when a ban was in force? The state government should take full responsibility for these disasters and address the genuine grievances of the local people who have been abandoned to their fate.
“The disturbing report that the firm even engaged children in mining activities in contravention of local and international laws that forbid it is enough reason for a thorough investigation and sanction to be meted on it.”
Jakpor revealed that the community people had compiled a list of some of the missing young miners who he said, are not just figures. They include Abdullahi Yahaya, Ibrahim Mansir, Abubakar Isah, Friday Musa. Godwin Hussaini, Benjamin Ashafa, Zayyanu Ibrahim, Abdul Ali and Hamza Musa. Others are Umar Abubakar, Joseph Madaki, Ibrahim I, Ishiaku Kuta, Abbas Musa, and Yakubu Mamman.
The RDI urged the state government to immediately engage expert companies with the right excavators to trace and dig out the bodies of the remaining trapped miners to help the families put a closure to their apprehension and agony.
Other demands are the need for adequate compensation for families of victims and free treatment for survivors including trauma treatment, a comprehensive audit of the environment in Galadima-Kogo in Shiroro Local Government Area and enforcing compliance with Nigeria’s Mineral and Mining Act 2007 which stipulates that no reconnaissance activity shall be carried out and no mineral title shall be granted under the Act over any area that is designated as closed to mining, among others.
“The silence of the Niger State government on this matter is unacceptable. The dead are human beings and not mere chickens that can be thrown away and forgotten, we demand immediate steps to recover the bodies still trapped under the rubble in Galadima-Kogo,” he insisted.
High-level dignitaries, government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and hundreds of youths from 87 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and America on Monday, June 24, 2024, converged on Kenya for the International Symposium on Climate Justice.
Delegates at the official opening of the fourth Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice (NSSCJ) in Kenya
The event marked the official opening of the fourth Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice (NSSCJ), with the theme “Igniting Youth Power for Enhanced Global Solidarity on Climate Justice.”
Dr. Mithika Mwenda, the Executive Director of the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), stated that it is the perfect time for the youth to step forward and advocate for climate justice.
He further noted that the interest shown by the applicants indicates the willingness of the youth is a step in the right direction as they play a critical role in addressing climate change issues in Africa and beyond.
Since its inception in 2020, NSSCJ has graduated over 1,500 alumni who continue to drive climate advocacy across Africa and beyond, with various alumni getting placements in climate spaces such as the African Group of Negotiators, The Commonwealth, United Nations, among many more.
“We are definitely proud of these young and brilliant minds,” stated Mwenda, adding that Cohort IV aims to further enhance the capacity of young climate advocates, activists, policymakers, and community leaders to champion climate justice.
Dr Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, Principal Secretary, State Department for Higher Education and Research, Ministry of Education, Kenya, applauded the opportunity offered for youth to learn about climate change and related dialogues and emphasised the role of the education sector in combating climate change and fostering climate justice.
“We recognise the pivotal role that education plays in equipping our young people with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to drive sustainable development and resilience,” said Dr. Inyangala.
She added that the Nairobi Summer School of Climate Justice is more than just a conference. “It is a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change. This forum provides a wide spectrum of opportunities to learn, collaborate, and innovate. I commend each one of you for taking the bold decision to seize this opportunity,” she said.
Ayele Kabede the Programme Manager for SIDA, Regional Office, Africa, praised the youth attending the training and highlighted that the future belongs to the young generation hence building their capacity and fostering knowledge in climate justice and climate change remain essential and the focus of the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA).
“This is a big achievement to have all these students here. Like last here, the discussions revolve around COP29 to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, this year. The Conference will focus on the advanced goals of the UNFCC and Paris Agreement. We know that the future belongs to the young people and the decisions of the future should be taken by you and for you,” noted Kabede.
President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria remains committed to a balanced approach to energy transition.
President Bola Tinubu and Mr Bill Winters, Group Chief Executive of Standard Chartered Bank, during the meeting with the bank’s executives on Monday in Abuja
According to him, the country still requires substantial investments in the oil and gas sector to meet its energy demands and economic needs.
Tinubu made the remarks at a meeting with the Group Chief Executive of Standard Chartered Bank, Mr Bill Winters, on Monday, June 24, 2024, in Abuja.
He called for a just energy transition that supported vulnerable communities across the nation.
The President highlighted the importance of balancing the mutually beneficial shift to green industrial growth and energy with the immediate energy needs of Nigerians.
“We value your cooperation, friendship, and partnership. Substantially, we have oil and gas as our primary source of revenue today.
“As friends, we do not expect you to run away from investments in this sector. We face the future prospect while prudently maximising the present.
“Green industry and energy, yes. We will surely catch up with that. To run a marathon, you need energy today. Nigeria holds the largest reserves of gas in Africa.
“We know we can make best use of great opportunities that exist in the sector. We do not want you to back away from fossil fuels,” the President said.
He said he had seen retractions and retreat positions by some players in the industry, but explained that for any energy transition to succeed, people must live and live well.
“We must be able to meet our obligations to the vulnerable communities. We are committed to being prudent with our natural resources to bring prosperity to our deserving people.
“As we hold the largest reserves in gas on the continent, we do not want to go backward, we want to move forward, and we welcome deepened partnership with your institution,” said Tinubu.
He also highlighted strategic projects across different sectors embarked upon by his administration to stimulate economic growth.
He reiterated his commitment to sustaining ongoing economic reforms and measures to stabilise the economy.
The Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Mr Wale Edun, described Standard Chartered Bank as a valued partner to Nigeria, providing finance for infrastructure, advice on ratings, and the prudent management of Nigeria’s Eurobond.
He said the Bank had indicated interest to finance key infrastructure projects in Nigeria, including the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail line rehabilitation, as well as the provision of 3 billion dollars in innovative financing for the NLNG dividend initiative.
“They are also one of our lead managers for Eurobond issuance, and they advise us on our ratings.
“I am pleased to note that Moody’s has just completed our rating review and maintained Nigeria’s rating as a positive outlook, which is very encouraging,” the Minister said.
He also said Moody’s positive outlook rating followed the recent announcement of the World Bank’s $2.25 billion financing package for Nigeria, reflecting the positive trajectory of the current administration’s economic reforms.
In his remarks, Winters lauded Presidential directive Tinubu’s bold economic reforms, noting the international investment community’s recognition and support.
“We see ourselves as ambassadors to Nigeria in the international investment community, and we take our advisory role very seriously.
“We will continue to offer objective advice to the country because we have commitments in the country backed by our strong belief in what this administration is doing,” he said.
The delegation from Standard Chartered Bank included Mr Foluso Phillips, Chairman of Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria, and Mr Dalu Ajene, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria branch of the bank.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 1,598 suspected cases of cholera across 107 local government areas.
Director-General of NCDC, Dr Jide Idris
The cholera outbreak is characterised by a case fatality rate of 3.5 per cent, significantly higher than the national expected average of one per cent, underscoring severity of the situation.
The Director-General of NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed this on Monday, June 24, 2024, in Abuja while providing an update on the cholera epidemiological situation in Nigeria and ongoing prevention and response efforts at the national and subnational levels.
Cholera is a severe diarrheal illness caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
The disease remains a significant health challenge, especially in regions with inadequate sanitation and clean water access.
Understanding the transmission mechanism of cholera is crucial in curbing its spread and implementing effective prevention measures.
Idris, therefore, said “government is deeply concerned about the rapid spread and higher-than-expected mortality rate, indicating a more lethal outbreak.”
He emphasised that the fatalities represented significant personal losses, including family members, spouses, parents and healthcare workers.
“This situation can be compounded as the rainy season intensifies,” he added.
He disclosed that Lagos State accounted for the highest number of deaths with 29, followed by Rivers with eight, Abia and Delta with four each, Katsina with three, Bayelsa with two and Kano, Nasarawa and Cross River with one each.
He added that “this alarming trend highlights the urgent need for coordinated response to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
“Sixteen states accounted for 90 per cent of the confirmed cases, with Lagos being the epicentre of the outbreak.
“Lagos State, having the highest number of cases, has received significant focus, with ongoing support and resources directed to manage the outbreak effectively.”
He added that the outbreak also affected Bayelsa, Abia, Zamfara, Bauchi, Cross River, Ebonyi, Rivers, Katsina, Delta, Imo, Nasarawa, Ondo, Kano, Niger, Osun, Sokoto, and Kwara.
He expressed regret that the country is facing another public health emergency, just after dealing with Lassa Fever and Meningitis outbreaks.
He explained that experts had conducted a dynamic risk assessment last week on the cholera outbreak situation, “in response to the rapidly increasing cases.”
He expressed the agency’s deepest sympathy to those affected by the outbreak and reaffirmed commitment to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of Nigerians.
He disclosed that an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) had been activated to coordinate national efforts to combat the disease.
He said theEOC would coordinate the national response, particularly across affected states, to interrupt disease transmission and reduce its impact and socioeconomic complications.
“The EOC’s key actions and goals are to serve as hub for coordination and response, ensuring a unified approach across the country.
“It will provide critical support to affected states and local governments, facilitating rapid communication and resource mobilisation, strengthen surveillance and improve data analysis capabilities.”
He added that the EOC would coordinate the mobilisation and distribution of medical supplies, logistics and other resources, among others, to stem spread.
The NCDC boss disclosed that an incident manager had been appointed to oversee the day-to-day operations of the EOC, coordinating efforts across several pillars, including surveillance, case management, use of oral cholera vaccines, infection prevention and control, logistics support and research.
Prior to the activation, he said, NCDC and the National Cholera Protection Agency had already undertaken several preventive measures, including distribution of medical supplies, provision of on-site support to states and daily reporting on progress made.
Other measures are the training of laboratory scientists and community mobilisers, he said.
He explained that the NCDC, through the National Cholera Technical Working Group, carried out prevention and response efforts, including prepositioning and distribution of medical supplies for case management, infection prevention and control, and laboratory diagnosis, in 36 states and the FCT.
He acknowledged efforts of stakeholders, including ministries, departments, agencies, state and local governments, local and international partners, healthcare workers, community leaders and individuals who worked hard in responding to the outbreak.
He also urged state governors to increase support and resources to manage the outbreak in their states.
The Federal Ministry of Environment in partnership with the European Union (EU) has commenced a three-day training for 36 media professionals on climate change reportage.
Director, Department of Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment, Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe
The training, under the auspices of the Department of Climate Change (DCC) and the Nigeria Climate Change Response Programme (NCCRP) kicked off on Monday, June 24, 2024, in Lagos.
The media professionals were selected from the 36 states of the country.
The EU funded NCCRP intends to enhance Nigeria’s capacity to meet its Nationally Determined Contributions pledge of 47 per cent reduction in greenhouse gases emissions by 2030 in line with the Sustainable Development Goal 13.
The workshop, the second in the series, would strengthen the capacity of media professionals in climate change reporting.
In her opening remarks, Dr Iniobong Abiola-Awe, the Director, Department of Climate Change (DCC) of the Federal Ministry of Environment, urged journalists to responsibly and ethically report climate change issues.
“This workshop is organised to enhance the capacity of media professionals in the reportage of climate change.
“As professionals in this space, journalists have a unique opportunity and responsibility to report effectively the realities of climate change.
“We urge you to approach this workshop with willingness to learn and commitment to excellence.
“The knowledge you gain here will not only benefit you but will also help professionally in addressing climate change issues in your reports.
“As media professionals, you can shape the narrative on climate action responsibly, ethically and courageously tell your stories on climate change,” Abiola-Awe said.
Also speaking, Dr Todd Ngara, NCCRP Team Lead, said the training was organised to enhance the dissemination of climate change knowledge among media professionals.
“You are welcome to today’s training session; it shows the importance you as journalists place on climate change.
“You could be covering stories that will earn you money, but you chose to learn about updates on climate change, this shows the importance the media attach to climate change.
“The NCCRP climate change programme has three tasks, which are monitoring, reporting and verification; as well as dissemination of climate change knowledge (where this training falls under).
“One of our goals is the dissemination of knowledge on climate change. Our aim also is to introduce a new curriculum on climate change starting from the primary schools to the secondary schools.
“We hope that apart from the knowledge journalists will get from this training, we hope their reportage will here after bring about more visibility for climate change effects,” Ngara said.
Governments gathered in Geneva have advanced in the process to establish a science-policy panel on chemicals, waste and pollution prevention, agreeing to continue negotiations to further develop the proposal for this body, akin to the IPCC on climate change and the IPBES on biodiversity.
Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Industry and Economy Division
Negotiations were held last week during the third session of an ad hoc open-ended working group (OEWG) that was mandated by the UN Environment Assembly in 2022 (UNEA-5). Discussions will continue at a date to be defined, preceding the intergovernmental meeting expected to establish the panel.
The new panel will support governments and other stakeholders by providing science-based advice to review problems and issues of concern and co-create solutions with governments and other stakeholders for the sound managements of chemicals and waste to prevent pollution.
Pollution is estimated to be responsible for 9 million deaths a year globally, or one in six fatalities, as a result of challenges such as lead exposure, air pollution, antimicrobial resistance, and mismanagement of solid waste.
“A new science-policy panel is a critical step to securing a pollution-free world,” said Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Industry and Economy Division. “A new panel will be able to work with governments, companies, farmers and many others on how we can better manage chemicals, reduce waste and prevent pollution. We look forward to working with countries to deliver this and tackle our waste and pollution crisis.”
From June 17 to 21, 2024, governments negotiated on the functions and operating principles of the panel and critical elements that enable its establishment, including its scope and objectives, composition and governance, and an Interdisciplinary Expert Committee to enable its utility and relevance to realities on the ground.
Members of UNEP’s Major Groups, representing civil society, children and youth, women, Indigenous Peoples, and industry, among others, joined the session and advocated for procedures to decide on their engagement with the panel and ensure its outcomes contribute to the development of scalable solutions to address their priority issues of concern.
Recognising the urgent need to strengthen the science-policy interface to support action on chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution, UNEA decided in March 2022 to set up a “science-policy panel to contribute further to the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution.”
The OEWG, chaired by Ms. Gudi Alkemade of the Netherlands, was established by UNEP to prepare proposals for the science-policy panel. Previous sessions were held in 2022 and 2023 in Bangkok and Nairobi, respectively.
The final proposal by the OEWG will be considered by the intergovernmental meeting for the establishment of the science-policy panel to be convened by the Executive Director of UNEP in 2025.
As interest in carbon markets in Africa continue to rise, the sixtieth session of the subsidiary bodies (SB60) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) failed to reach agreement on all technicalities related to the implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, demonstrating the complex challenges of emissions trading. The methodological elements of the new UN carbon crediting mechanism also remained largely unresolved.
Delegates gather for the Glasgow Dialogue on Loss and Damage at SB60. Photo credit: IISD-ENB / Kiara Worth
Article 6 governs how countries can cooperate voluntarily in the implementation of their nationally determined contributions to climate action while promoting sustainable development and environmental integrity.
The SB60 negotiations on Articles 6.2 and 6.4 of the Paris Agreement focused on the technicalities of international carbon trade, particularly authorisation and reporting on transaction, as well as the role of an international registry. The African Group of Negotiators on climate change (AGN) offered progressive solutions which can potentially break the impasse and link the voluntary trading schemes of Article 6.2 with authorisation processes deriving from Article 6.4, and thus addressing many of the uncertainties of voluntary carbon trading.
The AGN’s contributions to the SB60 negotiations on Article 6 were informed by key outcomes from a regional workshop on “Regulating carbon markets: building capacity for the Implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement”, that was held from May 14 to 16, 2024, in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Organised by the African Climate Policy Centre of the ECA, in collaboration with the AGN and the Government of Zimbabwe, the workshop was motivated by the increasing interest in carbon markets in Africa against a background of lack of clarity on operationalisation of the rulebook for the implementation of Article 6 Paris Agreement and the need to provide technical backstopping to the AGN ahead of the SB60 meetings.
The workshop highlighted the essential role of carbon markets in incentivising emission reductions and fostering sustainable practices to align with the goals of the Paris Agreement. Emphasising the need for integrity and transparency in carbon market design, participants discussed the importance of promoting technologies and practices that drive emissions reductions, rather than solely relying on mobilising development or climate finance.
Key topics addressed during the event included the current asymmetry between supply and demand in African carbon markets, the urgent need for regulatory tools to manage these markets effectively, and the significance of focusing on cleaner technologies to achieve emissions reduction targets. Discussions also centred on the operationalisation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, the submission of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and the impact of internationally transferred mitigation outcomes (ITMOs) on climate commitments.
Prominent initiatives undertaken by countries such as Ghana, Mozambique, Senegal, Zambia, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe were lauded for their efforts in implementing Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, showcasing a commitment to combating climate change through carbon pricing mechanisms, clean energy projects, and sustainable agriculture practices. The workshop served as a platform for experience sharing, peer learning, and capacity building to enhance the implementation strategies of African countries striving to meet their climate goals.
The gathering featured insights from distinguished speakers, including El Hadji Mbaye, Article 6.4 Mechanism Supervisory Board member, who shared Senegal’s experiences in implementing Article 6 provisions. Discussions led by Washington Zhakata of Zimbabwe shed light on Africa’s potential in carbon trading by overcoming market participation barriers and transitioning projects from the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) to Article 6.4 mechanisms.
Participants were briefed on the creation of Article 6.4 carbon registries at national, regional, and international levels, with a focus on utilising platforms like Verra and Gold Standard for credit registration. The workshop also highlighted the UN Development Programme’s support for African countries in implementing a comprehensive carbon credits registration software and building capacities for effective participation in carbon markets.
With insights from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) representatives, the event concluded on a note stressing the importance of sustaining dialogue, collaboration, and innovation to advance sustainable economic development and resilient climate action in Africa.
