The inaugural Africa Gas Innovation Summit (AGIS 2024), an event aimed at reshaping the future of Africa’s gas industry, will hold from June 13 to 14, 2024, at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja. With the theme “Igniting the Future: Driving Sustainability in Africa’s Energy Landscape through Gas Technology and Innovation,” the summit promises to be a pivotal moment for the industry.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo
Presented by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council in collaboration with key partners such as the Nigerian Gas Association (NGA), Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria (NAEC), Abuja Chamber of Commerce & Industry Nigeria, African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO), Decade of Gas, Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), and African Energy Chamber, among others, AGIS 2024 will be a landmark occasion.
“AGIS 2024 represents a unique opportunity to drive sustainability and innovation within our energy landscape. By bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs, we aim to foster a collaborative environment where cutting-edge research and technological advancements can thrive,” said Salahuddeen Tahir, Chairman, Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Nigeria Council.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, will be the Special Guest of Honour while the chief host is Olalekan Ogunleye, Executive Vice President, New Energies, Gas & Power, NNPC Limited. Other confirmed guests and speakers include Mele Kolo Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Limited; Farouk Ahmed, Authority Chief Executive, Nigeria Midstream & Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA); Emeka Ene, Chief Executive Officer, Oilda Energy; Ed Ubong, Director, Decade of Gas Secretariat; and Gbite Falade, Chief Executive Officer, Aradel Holdings, among others.
The theme of the summit underscores the commitment to advancing sustainable energy practices through innovative gas technologies and highlights the crucial role of gas in Africa’s energy transition.
According to Tahir, “our commitment is to not only advance sustainable energy practices but also to unlock the immense potential of gas as a key driver in Africa’s energy transition.”
AGIS 2024 is primed to be a catalyst for revolutionising Africa’s gas sector through cutting-edge research and technological breakthroughs. With a focus on promoting innovation, shaping policy frameworks, unlocking financing avenues, nurturing capacity building, and cultivating entrepreneurship, this summit aims to ignite the future and drive sustainability in Africa’s energy landscape.
The summit will feature a detailed technical agenda with a variety of sub-topics designed to address the most pressing issues and opportunities in the gas sector. Attendees will have the chance to engage with industry leaders, policymakers, financiers, and entrepreneurs, fostering a collaborative environment for knowledge sharing and networking.
The intended Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project has become well-known to many generating diverse reactions from Nigerians. Initiated since 2005 during the Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime, on completion this project will link Lagos to Cross River, traversing through six other coastal states: Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom, before reaching its final destination in Cross River.
Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road
In April 2023, construction began on the 700 km Lagos-Calabar coastal road. This project is planned to be a dual carriageway with five lanes on each side, and a train track in the middle. It is set to become one of Nigeria’s most expensive road projects. However, the initiation of this project without a fully approved Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) would be too significant an oversight for an infrastructure development of this magnitude. It is a clear case of putting the cart before the horse.
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a tool used to evaluate the significant effects of a project or development proposal on the environment. EIAs ensure that project decision-makers consider the potential environmental impacts as early as possible, aiming to avoid, reduce, or mitigate those effects.
At a recent stakeholder meeting where compensation for the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project was raised. Laila Johnson Salami, a correspondent from Arise News, inquired of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, about the project’s environmental impact assessment (EIA).
Unfortunately, the Minister bluffed over the question and dismissively replied, “Sister, I was raised in the village, me I nur dey hear fo-ne (a slang for phonetics).” The journalist further asked if the minister could share the final approval for the project with the media, but he did not give a definitive answer. “Everything in order,” Umahi replied.
Great things have been said about this massive project, such as its potential to stimulate economic growth, facilitate trade, and enhance regional integration by improving connectivity and reducing travel times between key economic zones. However, little consideration has been given to the environmental impact this project will have on the environment.
Beyond the environmental potential sacrilege, I gathered first-hand information about the human and economic implication from some construction actors, residents who will be affected by the project, fishing associations and small business owners – including a young man who recently lost his livelihood due to the demolition of businesses and properties along the shoreline.
Disruption of marine ecosystem
The road project spans across diverse and sensitive ecological zones, where the impacts can range from habitat destruction and biodiversity loss to alterations in hydrological patterns and increased pollution. The project’s activities, such as land reclamation, would have a profound environmental impact, resulting in the loss of various flora and fauna. This could lead to irreversible damage to already critically threatened habitats and ecosystems. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the environmental impacts before proceeding further.
Impact on water quality
The construction and operation of the coastal road could disrupt the natural flow of water and sediment along the coast, potentially leading to changes in water quality, increased erosion, and sedimentation. Given the rapid climate change occurring worldwide and the rising sea levels threatening Lagos’ already vulnerable infrastructure, the dredging activities on the seashore to reclaim land portions risk exacerbating the city’s vulnerability to climate change and contributing to greater environmental damage.
Damage to coastal biodiversity
Furthermore, the construction activities and land refilling efforts damage fragile coastal ecosystems. There are significant concerns that coral reefs and essential fish spawning sites may be destroyed, leading to disruptions in marine food chains. These ecological disruptions underscore the importance of thoroughly assessing and mitigating the environmental impacts of the road project to protect these critical ecosystems and maintain environmental balance.
Destruction of ancestral heritage
The rerouting of the coastal highway from its original Right of Way to some residential areas of various communities is another significant issue that needs to be highlighted. Recently, the leaders of the Okun-Ajah community took action to draw the attention of stakeholders to the circumstances surrounding this change. “The rerouting of the original Right of Way will result in the demolition of over 2,000 houses, including ancestral homes and the palace of our Oba,” the community leaders emphasised.
The cultural and historical significance of the homes and communities along the shoreline should be considered. A complete disappearance of these communities would not only displace residents but also erase a vital part of their heritage. This situation underscores the need for stakeholders to carefully consider the social and cultural implications of infrastructure projects.
Impact on Fishing Communities
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project would have negative effects on Ise community in Ibeju-Lekki, Akodo Community, Orimedu Communities to mention are few along the Lagos shoreline as well as the livelihood of people in these communities who majorly are fishermen and fisherwomen and even farmers. Changes in the environment, such as pollution and the destruction of natural habitats, can affect the availability and quality of fish, which in turn can impact the livelihoods of fishermen.
Additionally, the construction of roads may disrupt traditional fishing practices and access to fishing grounds. Therefore, while coastal roads can provide benefits in terms of improved access, it is important to consider and mitigate the potential negative impacts on fishermen and their livelihoods.
In conclusion, the Lagos-Calabar coastal road project is a controversial infrastructure initiative on many fronts: the N15 trillion ($11 billion) project cost, the substantial environmental risks, including the destruction of coastal habitats, disruption of marine ecosystems, and potential negative impacts on local communities which is a matter of significant concern.
As the project moves forward, do we embrace its potential such as improved connectivity and economic national growth and look away from other impacts? Can we collectively seek the possibility for stakeholders to carefully consider all pros and cons, potential benefits and associated risks? It is crucial for environmental monitoring and mitigation measures to be put in place to minimise the project’s impact on the environment.
Ultimately, the success of the Lagos-Calabar coastal road project will depend on careful planning, implementation, and ongoing monitoring.
Firefighters are battling wildfires in Brazil’s Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland.
Aerial view of Pantanal, Brazil
The Pantanal is a natural region encompassing the world’s largest tropical wetland area, and the world’s largest flooded grasslands. It is located mostly within the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul, but it extends into Mato Grosso and portions of Bolivia and Paraguay. It is home to jaguars, giant anteaters, and giant river otters.
Close to 32,000 hectares have already been destroyed by the fires in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, local media report.
Climate experts say this year’s wildfire season has started earlier and is more intense than in previous years.
Firefighters said their efforts to extinguish the flames were being hampered by high winds over the weekend.
The region has also seen less rain than in other years, which has made it easier for the fires to spread.
The number of fires from the start of the year up to 9 June has been 935% higher than in the same period last year, according to figures from Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research (INPE).
The rise is particularly worrying as the high season for wildfires is not due to start until July.
Mato Grosso, do Sul state authorities declared “an environmental state of emergency” in April, saying low levels of rainfall were creating ideal conditions for wildfires.
The number of fires so far in 2024 has been the highest since 2020, which was the worst year on record in terms of Pantanal fires.
In that year, about 30% of the Pantanal was consumed by fire.
The difference in the number of fire outbreaks so far this year compared to last year is already “staggering”.
Between January 1 and June 9, 2023, 127 fires had been reported. In the same period this year, that number was 1,315.
Vinicius Silgueiro from local NGO Instituto Centro da Vida said that “what is most worrying is that even in the rainy season, we had this increase in fires.”
Mr Silgueiro warned that “the situation would probably deteriorate further at the peak of the dry season in August and September.”
Last week, Brazil’s federal government announced it would work together with the state governments of Mato Grosso do Sul and Amazonia to combat wildfires.
Environment Minister, Marina da Silva, said it was key to respond to fires more quickly while also doing more to prevent them from breaking out in the first place.
Nigeria is planning to utilise significant climate financing in partnership with the US to advance the country’s green industrial agenda in the coming years.
Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action (SPEC), Ajuri Ngelale, in a meeting with the U.S. Head of Delegation to the United Nations Climate Conference and Principal Deputy Special Envoy for Climate, Sue Biniaz, in Bonn
The Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action (SPEC), Ajuri Ngelale, made this known during his meeting with the U.S. Head of Delegation to the United Nations Climate Conference and Principal Deputy Special Envoy for Climate, Sue Biniaz, in Bonn, Germany.
Ngelale said the nation’s mutual ties with the United States of America will extend into Nigeria’s realisable ambition to become a green industrial powerhouse over the next 10 years.
“I certainly cherished the quality and productive time spent today with the U.S. Head of Delegation to the United Nations Climate Conference and Principal Deputy Special Envoy for Climate, Ms. Sue Biniaz, in Bonn, Germany, on Sunday afternoon.
“We shared views concerning tangible next steps to be taken towards leveraging large-scale climate financing instruments to drive Nigeria’s green industrial agenda in the years ahead.
“The ties of mutually fruitful cooperation between the United States of America and the Federal Republic of Nigeria will extend deeply into Nigeria’s realisable ambition to become a green industrial powerhouse over the next 10 years.”
SPEC acknowledged that more work is needed to establish new mechanisms for the transparent and innovative allocation of resources to achieve the set goals of de-risked investment capital from around the world.
“We have much work to do in the form of putting in place new mechanisms to achieve a truly transparent and innovative application of available resources to meet our objective of attracting new and de-risked investment capital from around the world,” he added.
Ngelale expressed confidence in Nigeria’s Climate Action team towards achieving the mandate of becoming a green industrial powerhouse saying the group will attain its mandate.
“I am confident that we have the team to deliver on this for the country. One step at a time.”
The U.S. Principal Deputy Special Envoy for Climate was joined in the meeting by Trigg Talley, the Managing Director for Negotiations and Director for the U.S. State Department’s Office of Global Change.
Recall that the Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, on Sunday directed Special Envoy on Climate Action, Ajuri Ngelale, to serve as Nigeria’s Chief diplomat and lead representative on all climate-related engagements and negotiations while also supervising the Energy Transition Office.
SPEC is the lead negotiator on climate-related matters on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, reporting directly to the President.
The envoy is responsible for overseeing all interactions between the Secretariat of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) and the NCCC Supervising Council, chaired by the President.
The Special Presidential Envoy on Climate, Ajuri Ngelale, will serve as the coordinator of all climate action-related activities. His mandate is to directly engage with other nations, international organisations, and non-governmental entities to build coalitions and advance global climate goals while keeping Nigeria’s national interest in mind.
Every year on June 11, wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists around the globe come together to celebrate International Lynx Day. This particular day is dedicated to raising awareness about the elusive and majestic lynx, a wild cat species known for its distinctive tufted ears, piercing eyes, and solitary nature. International Lynx Day aims to educate the public about the importance of protecting these remarkable creatures and their natural habitats.
The lynx
Lynxes belong to the medium-sized cat family, Felidae. They are the biggest wild cats found in Europe but, depending on the species, can be slightly smaller than a bobcat. Unlike most cats, lynxes have a short, stubby tail that looks almost bobbed, giving them a distinctive silhouette. Their most striking feature, however, is the presence of black tufts adorning the tips of their pointed ears. These tufts enhance their hearing, allowing them to pinpoint even the faintest sound of prey.
Eurasian Lynx: The largest lynx species, the Eurasian lynx can be found in the forests of Europe, Russia, and Central Asia. These cats have a broad range, inhabiting diverse environments from the dense boreal forests of Siberia to the mountainous regions of the Alps and the Carpathians.
Canada Lynx: Native to North America, the Canada lynx primarily resides in the boreal forests of Canada and Alaska. These cats are well-adapted to cold climates, with thick fur and large, snowshoe-like paws that help them navigate deep snow.
Iberian Lynx: One of the most endangered wild cats in the world, the Iberian lynx is found in the scrub forests and rocky areas of southwestern Spain and Portugal. Intensive conservation efforts have been made to save this species from extinction, leading to a gradual increase in their population.
Bobcat: The most adaptable of the lynx species, the bobcat can be found throughout North America, from southern Canada to northern Mexico. Bobcats inhabit various environments, including forests, swamps, deserts, and even suburban areas.
One of the most notable features of lynxes is their large paws, which are covered in thick fur. These paws act like snowshoes, distributing their weight and allowing them to move efficiently across snowy landscapes. This adaptation is particularly evident in the Canada lynx, which relies heavily on its ability to traverse deep snow to hunt its primary prey, the snowshoe hare.
Regardless of the species, all lynxes share some common characteristics. They are solitary creatures, preferring to live and hunt alone except during breeding season. Their keen eyesight and exceptional hearing make them skilled predators, adept at stalking and pouncing on unsuspecting prey. Their primary food source consists of snowshoe hares, but they’ll also hunt rabbits, rodents, small birds, and even fish.
Conservation Status
The conservation status of lynx species varies. The Eurasian lynx is listed as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), but some local populations are endangered due to habitat loss and hunting. The Canada lynx is also classified as “Least Concern,” although it faces threats from habitat fragmentation and climate change.
Once on the brink of extinction, the Iberian lynx is now listed as “Endangered.” Intensive conservation efforts, including captive breeding and habitat restoration, have helped increase its population from fewer than 100 individuals in the early 2000s to over 400 today. Despite this progress, the Iberian lynx remains one of the most threatened wild cats in the world.
Bobcats are the most abundant and widespread lynx species, classified as “Least Concern.” Their adaptability to various environments has allowed them to thrive, even in areas heavily influenced by human activity.
A Call to Action
As we celebrate International Lynx Day, let us remember that the future of these magnificent creatures lies in our hands. The lynx, with its silent grace and striking presence, symbolises the wild beauty of our planet. Each of us has a role in ensuring their survival, from supporting conservation initiatives to spreading awareness about their plight. By protecting the lynx, we are safeguarding the delicate web of life that sustains us all.
Let us be the voice for these silent hunters, advocating for a world where they can roam free and wild. Together, we can make a difference and leave a legacy of hope and conservation for generations to come.
On Monday, June 10, 2024, a coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) from South Africa, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Senegal presented the “Principles for a Fair Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP)” during a virtual press conference launch ahead of the G7 Summit proceedings starting on June 13.
G7 leaders gather for a group photo in Hiroshima on May 20, 2023
These guiding principles for global just transitions highlight the integral need for accountability, transparency, equity, and other principles in climate finance towards addressing the urgent climate crisis, from the perspective of the Global South communities and civil society in line to receive JETP finance.
The JETP deals announced in South Africa, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Senegal underscore the necessity for finance in combating the climate crisis. As discussions around COP29 in November begin to take shape, robust commitments to principled climate finance are deemed essential for the world’s climate response.
Despite finally meeting the $100 billion annual goal, developed countries are seemingly in favour of placing higher interest rates and restrictive conditions on their investments. This course of climate finance may ultimately hinder effective climate action in developing nations and increase their debt burden. Civil society voices urge G7 leaders and developed nations, as major polluters, to commit to creating a sustainable energy future through just climate finance deals.
Collectively developed by 350africa.org, 350.org Indonesia, Trend Asia, Nu Climate Movement, Enviro Vito, Good Governance Africa, Lumière Synergie Développement (LSD) and Action Solidaire International (ASI), through sharing knowledge and experiences, these Global JETP Principles call for climate justice and affirm the aspirations of CSOs in recipient countries for enduring climate solutions.
They aim to serve as an advocacy and capacity-building tool, bringing together civil society and grassroots communities to advocate for fair and ambitious climate finance that is responsive to the realities of developing countries.
JETPs recognise the need for resources to transform energy systems and support developing countries. Expensive access to finance traps these nations in debt, limiting climate investments and necessitating a reevaluation of climate finance delivery. Collaboration among CSOs in the global south is vital to challenge the top-down approach. Principles developed by recipient countries, facilitated by civil society, are essential for accountability and asserting local aspirations in the energy transition.
Alia Kajee, Public Finance Campaigner at 350.org, said: “Finance is not neutral; it can support transformative aspirations or perpetuate injustices under the guise of environmental progress. The current international financial system reveals significant power imbalances between developed and developing nations, which must be addressed to achieve just, people-centered climate action.”
Ndeye Fatou Sy, Programme Manager at Lumière Synergie Développement (LSD), said: “Finance ministers must prioritise funding mechanisms aligned with justice objectives to avoid undue strain on national economies, while ensuring greater transparency and accountability within JETPs. These partnerships, guided by principles ensuring efficacy and impact, are critical for driving effective climate action.”
Andreas Sieber, Associate Director of Policy and Campaigns at 350.org, said: “A principled approach to finance is vital for navigating the global climate finance landscape, ensuring equitable and effective solutions. Initiatives like JETP highlight the need for just transitions, but aligning them with national climate finance direction and unlocking public finance, particularly in the Global South, is crucial. It is crucial that G7 member states demonstrate willingness to deliver finance at COP29.”
Maureen Harris, Senior Advisor at International Rivers and coordinator of the Vietnam Climate Defenders Coalition, said: “In Vietnam, the government has committed to a just energy transition and signed up for a JETP, while at the same time imprisoning the country’s leading climate defenders. Targeted attacks on climate leaders and environmental organizations severely limit genuine opportunities for consultation with civil society, which are essential to any just transition. To meet the urgency of the climate crisis, energy transition financing must center principles of transparency, participation and accountability, towards truly just and sustainable solutions.”
Liangyi Chang, Asia Managing Director at 350.org, said: “In the scorching grip of the 2024 climate heat wave, Asia bears witness to the harsh reality of climate change. As temperatures soar and ecosystems strain, the urgency of transitioning to renewable energy becomes ever more apparent. Every climate leader from civil society shall be part of the Just Energy Transition Partnership from all governments, only together we can make it possible and to solve the climate disruption.”
Year 2024 is the big climate finance year where countries will agree on a new global climate finance goal known as The New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG). This goal will be a key marker for a successful outcome at the annual UN climate talks (COP29) in Baku Azerbaijan.
Delegates gather for the Glasgow Dialogue on Loss and Damage at SB60. Photo credit: IISD-ENB / Kiara Worth
In 2009, at COP15 in Copenhagen, developed countries committed to a goal of mobilising $100 billion per year by 2020 for climate action in developing countries. At COP21 in Paris, countries agreed to set a new collective quantified goal before 2025, taking into account the needs and priorities of developing countries.
The NCQG aims to mobilise financing to support the climate needs and priorities for developing countries which include mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage and just transitions. It is also meant to provide clarity on the public funding available for developing countries to implement their next round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and adaptation plans which are due by February 2025. Countries agreed at COP28 to submit the NDCs 9-12 months ahead of COP30.
As countries meet in Bonn, Germany for technical discussions that lay the roadmap to what will be agreed later this year, there is high expectation that this preparatory work sets a clear ambition for a realistic finance target that is commensurate with the scale of needs and speed to deal with the climate crisis.
For developing countries, this means provision of finance that enables them to deal with the frequency of extreme weather events that leave the most vulnerable bearing the brunt of climate impacts.
For developing countries, this means a quantum figure in the trillions, with some like the Africa Group citing a figure of not less than $1.3 trillion per year by 2030. More than the amount in quantitative terms, countries are clear on the need for the financing to be quality. This means that the agreed climate financing will not be given in the form of loans as has happened in the past, should not be double counted and hence should be additional to development finance.
Climate finance that has been given in the form of loans has exacerbated the debt burden of developing countries. A study by ONE Campaign shows that due to debt service repayments, financial outflows from African countries have surpassed inflows that include official development assistance.
Will Bonn set the direction for considerations to inform an adequate and quality finance target? Looking at the agenda currently, the answer hangs in the balance. There seems to be an attempt to avoid discussing the amounts at these technical discussions. The danger with this is, leaving that crucial item to be discussed too late in the day and history repeating itself – having an arbitrary figure that is more of a political guess work, disregarding the real needs and purpose for which it is meant for.
Ali Mohamed, African Group of Negotiators Chair, said: “As the negotiations get into the second week, our work as the AGN is to ensure that we get a progressive draft text that sends a signal that non debt inducing climate finance will flow to developing countries at the scale needed to drive non carbon intensive and climate resilient development. SB60 is an opportunity to rebuild trust in the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. That trust can only be rebuilt if we come out of Bonn with a quantum that adequately covers the needs of the continent. The figure Africa is asking for from here as we head into COP29 is $1.3 trillion per year by 2030.”
Evans Njewa, Chair of the Least Developed Countries Group, said: “The first week has been promising, as the chair mandated to oversee 45 Least Developed Countries (LDCs) across the world, I have been keen to shape a process that is inclusive and meets the needs of LDCs. As we get into the second week where a lot of negotiation texts are likely to be concluded, we hope to agree that developed countries will provide climate financing that is based on science, is accessible and scaled up to meet the needs of developing countries. It is my hope that we will agree on shared commonalities that will produce a draft text that will give us positive decisions in Baku.”
Sven Harmeling, Head of Climate, Climate Action Network, Europe, said: “We analysed European Union climate finance and while there has been an increase in contributions in recent years, the scale definitely doesn’t match what is required. This year and in future climate financing debates, the EU must significantly increase the quality of financing and move away from non-grant instruments like loans, which have been 50% and step up in grants as these are particularly important for vulnerable countries to address the climate crisis.”
Imane Saidi, Diplomacy and cooperation researcher, Imal Initiative for Climate & Development, said: “The NCQG consultations have been held hostage by debates over the reform of the contributor base and the relevance of Article 2.1c of the Paris Agreement. These issues are not only outside the mandate but also stall substantial discussions on defining the structure, timeframe, and quantum of the goal.
“A progressive NCQG text for Africa and other developing countries should move beyond these tactics and conditionalities set by developed country Parties, to avoid their historical responsibility and focus on the core mandate. It should emphasise genuine accountability from developed countries and prioritise the real needs of the developing world.”
Stela Herschmann, Climate Policy Specialist at Observatório do Clima, Brazil, said: “We are getting into the second week of SB60 and so far, what we’ve seen is countries reinforcing known positions. There hasn’t yet been a substantial debate at this meeting on what really matters, such as what climate finance actually is and how much we’re talking about. Countries, especially the developed ones, need to stop dodging and come up with clear proposals and figures, or we’ll hardly make any concrete progress at this meeting, with worrying consequences for COP this year and our way to Belém.”
Eva Peace, Loss and Damage Youth Coalition, said: “The new climate finance goal is an opportunity to learn from the lessons of the $100 billion goal and design the NCGQ to meet the needs and priorities of developing countries. The NCQG should include sub-goals on loss and damage, adaptation, and mitigation and provide public grant-based finance.
“At COP28 we got the establishment of a loss and damage fund which unlocked another phase of addressing the climate change shocks in Africa and strengthening recovery for our communities. However, that is not enough, as we get into this second week of negotiations, we hope developed countries agree to take responsibility in the mobilisation and provision of climate finance by prioritising the inclusion of loss and damage.”
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) says it is dismayed by a report in a section of the media alleging that it inflated subsidy claims by N3.3 trillion.
NNPC Group Managing Director, Mele Kyari
In a statement issued on Monday, June 10, 2024, the organisation disclosed that it conducts its businesses accountably and transparently in keeping with international best practices and has, at no time, inflated its subsidy claims with the Federal Government.
“All previous subsidy claims by the Company are verifiable as relevant records and documents have been sent to relevant authorities and agencies,” stated the firm.
NNPC Ltd stated further that it is neither aware of any audit of its subsidy claims nor probe ensuing therefrom, adding that “both ridiculous claims are products of the febrile imagination of the reporters and their respective media houses”.
The group noted that it would resist any attempt to drag it into the apparent politics of fuel subsidy as it currently operates on commercial basis and on the express provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
“It is on record that in line with its Transparency, Accountability & Performance Excellence (TAPE) mantra, NNPC Ltd. has, on several occasions, independently invited external auditors to review its books,” NNPC Ltd stated, even as it called on media practitioners and media houses to exercise restraint and verify information before publication in keeping with the ethics of the noble profession of journalism to avoid misleading the public.
As we step into week 2 at the ongoing UNFCCC SB60, let’s shake things up with a fresh mindset and a faster pace. This shift is our secret weapon to secure the progress we need by the end of SB60, putting governments in the driver’s seat to seal the deal in Baku!
Olumide Idowu
The approach to ensure that climate negotiations in Bonn progress and to prepare Nigeria for the signing of treaties in Baku is to focus on the following actions:
Increasing Energy Efficiency and Reducing Emissions of Greenhouse Gases: Nigeria should strengthen its domestic climate policies by implementing measures to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, encourage renewable energy sources, and increase energy efficiency. Demonstrating Nigeria’s dedication to addressing climate change and establishing a solid platform for international negotiations would be achieved through this action.
Establishing International Alliances: Nigeria should actively engage with other nations, particularly those that share similar concerns and interests on climate change, to establish alliances and partnerships. Through forming partnerships with countries that share similar values, Nigeria can strengthen its position in climate negotiations and collaborate to achieve shared objectives.
To support its efforts in mitigating and adapting to climate change, Nigeria should aggressively seek and mobilise climate finance from foreign sources. This will facilitate the financing of climate initiatives, the implementation of sustainable practices, and the building of resilience to climate change effects.
Enhancing Climate Adaptation Measures: To address the vulnerabilities and hazards posed by climate change, Nigeria should prioritise and develop its climate adaptation measures. These include investments in resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable agricultural techniques, and improving early warning systems for extreme weather events.
Capacity Building and Technology Transfer: To improve its technical and institutional skills in the fight against climate change, Nigeria should prioritise technology transfer and capacity-building programmes. Additionally, Nigeria could access new solutions and best practices by promoting technology transfer and sharing knowledge with other countries.
Through implementing these activities, Nigeria has the potential to contribute to the overall progress in climate discussions, to position itself favourably to conclude treaties in Baku, and to demonstrate its commitment to addressing climate change at continental and international levels.
By Olumide Idowu, Executive Director, ICCDI Africa
Greener environment and retrofitting of buildings have been suggested as a means of guarding against the incessant heat being experienced due to climate change.
Participants at the stakeholders forum on Heat, Health and Housing in Lagos
Dr. Olumuyiwa Adegun, a Senior Lecturer at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), who made the submission in his remarks at a stakeholders forum tagged “Heat, Health and Housing: Addressing Challenges Through Data-Driven Approaches” in Lagos, also disclosed that “retrofitting our buildings makes them heat resistant and climate smart”.
Dr. Adegun, who disclosed thar there are lots of health implications attached to heatwave such as dizziness, skin rashes and skin stroke, noted: “Apart from the increase in daytime and nighttime temperature due to the effects of climate change we also find the aspect of urban heat island, that’s the concrete jungle we’ve created for ourselves. Instead of soaking in the heat, it’s sending it back, taking the heat and sending it back. So that’s one factor causing a lot of heat in cities.
“We also have the aspect of the building materials or the kind of materials you used to build affects how you were exposed to heat. So, if you use somebody like maybe Adobe, you may not have as much heat as using the sandcrete wall in order to protect you, if you use something like zinc you live in the zinc house, compared to an adobe house is much more thermally uncomfortably trapped. For example, people who live in slums with no designated kitchen cook in the living room, all these human activities also exposed people to heat.”
The Principal Investigator on the project “The Accessing Intra-Urban Heat Vulnerabilities” also noted that most of the buildings in urban centres are with no proper ventilation, adding: “So, when we build we should have vegetation, trees, shrubs, grasses, not just all concrete paving. So, the idea is when there is absence of vegetation, there is increasing heat. What if we have more vegetation in where we live where we work, where we play; of course, it will bring down the temperature, it has cooling effect.”
On his part, Olumide Idowu, the Executive Director, International Climate Change Development Initiative (ICCDI), identified proper urban management as the only way out of proffering solution to the prevalent cases of heatwave in the country.
He said: “It is very important for the government to look at our urban planning because the way we allocate land that are meant for recreational and other purposes is very alarming. Our policy formations too need to be checked. Yes, we formulate policies, but implementation is not that captured for the people in the local communities.
“Our leaders have to begin to look at climate change as an issue that has come to stay, so implementing issues around it has to be a continuous process, how are we making sure that we have a sustainable solution to it?
“The people need to cooperate and collaborate in making sure that the government is doing the right thing by allocating the right resources to the right places so that everybody can see the fair share of what the environment is all about and we now look at how we can make sure that everybody takes responsibility towards his own immediate environment in ensuring that anything that happens within your environment, you are responsible for it.
In his submission, Prof. Debo Adeyewa, a Director at West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL), said: “For Nigeria to make progress the people should elect leaders who are passionate about them into office, they should appoint people who are educated so they can be aware of climate change as it affects people at the grassroots. You don’t need a lot of energy; these are things only educated persons can understand. And this we are also passionate about bringing the results down to the grassroots.”
The project used FESTAC (as formal) and Ebute-Ilaje and Ajegunle Ikorodu (as informal) areas of study with Dr. Tobi Morakinyo presenting a paper on “Heat Vulnerability and Risk Assessment over Lagos Metropolis”. Other members of the research team are Dr. Olusoga Adewale, Victor Arowolo and Ademola Akinbobola.
Dignitaries at the forum include Dr. Funmi Soji-Awotiwon, Assistant Head, Digital Health Unit, Lagos State Ministry of Health; Dr. Peter Elias, Associate Professor of Geography, University of Lagos; Chief Morinsola Oladunjoye, Community Head of Ajegunle Community; representatives from the private sectors and others.
