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Biden marks Earth Day with $7bn in grants for key component of Inflation Reduction Act

Michael Simire
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Biden marks Earth Day with $7bn in grants for key component of Inflation Reduction Act

US President Joe Biden has announced $7 billion in awards through EPA’s Solar for All programme and unveiled major steps to advance the American Climate Corps.

Joe Biden
US president Joe Biden addresses the COP27 climate summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. Photo credit: AP

Building on his climate, clean energy, and environmental justice agenda, President Biden on Monday, April 22, travelled to Prince William Forest Park in Triangle, Virginia, to celebrate Earth Day 2024, and highlighted his Administration’s unprecedented progress in tackling the climate crisis, cutting costs for everyday Americans, and creating good-paying jobs.

The President announced $7 billion in grants through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Solar for All grant competition, a key component of the Inflation Reduction Act’s $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.

Selectees under the Solar for All programme will serve every state and territory in the nation and deliver residential solar power to over 900,000 households in low-income and disadvantaged communities, saving overburdened households more than $350 million in electricity costs annually – approximately $400 per household – and avoiding more than 30 million metric tons of carbon pollution over the next 25 years.

Joined by future members of President Biden’s American Climate Corps, including current AmeriCorps members, President Biden also announced several new actions to stand up the American Climate Corps – a groundbreaking initiative modeled after FDR’s Civilian Conservation Corps that will put more than 20,000 young Americans to work fighting the impacts of climate change today while gaining the skills they need to join the growing clean energy and climate-resilience workforce of tomorrow.

These announcements come on the heels of a series of major conservation actions by the Biden-Harris Administration.

Last week, the Department of the Interior published a final rule to maximise protections of significant surface resources such as irreplaceable wildlife habitat for caribou and migratory birds on more than 13 million acres in the western Arctic while supporting subsistence uses and needs of Alaska Native communities. This action brings the number of acres of America’s lands and waters conserved under President Biden to 41 million.

Throughout Earth Week, the Biden-Harris Administration will announce additional actions to build a stronger, healthier future for all: Tuesday will focus on helping ensure clean water for all communities; Wednesday will focus on accelerating America’s clean transportation future; Thursday will focus on steps to cut pollution from the power sector while strengthening America’s electricity grid; and Friday will focus on providing cleaner air and healthier schools for all children.

Fmr. Malawian President leads call for increased energy access investments in Africa

Michael Simire
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Fmr. Malawian President leads call for increased energy access investments in Africa

Campaigners, led by former Malawian president Dr Joyce Banda, have called for urgent and massive investments in renewable energy access to provide electricity to millions in sub-Saharan Africa – as the world enters the last five years of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

ACSEA
Former Malawian president, Dr Joyce Banda, with ACSEA and PACJA officials at the launch of the Six30 campaign in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Around 630 million people in the region lack electricity, and almost a billion still use solid biomass for cooking and heating, making Sub-Saharan Africa the most energy-impoverished part of the world.

The absence of modern energy services perpetuates poverty, limits economic opportunities, affects overall well-being and heightens climate change vulnerability, especially among women and young girls, said Dr Banda, who launched the campaign dubbed Six30 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Monday, April 22, 2024.

Multiple factors account for the low access to sustainable energy services, but all are linked to or exacerbated by a lack of substantial and adequate financing. Despite one of the highest potentials for renewable energy, the region receives only 2% of global investments.

The Six30 Campaign is an ambitious initiative to spur public and private donors in and out of Africa to substantially increase funding and investments for renewable energy projects across the continent that prioritise access.

Driven by the African Coalition for Sustainable Energy and Access (ACSEA), the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), and several other partners, the campaign will run from 2024 to 2030, coinciding with the end of the SDGs.

The goal is to spur investments upwards of $630 billion to bring electricity to 630 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Agreement and Africa Agenda 2063.

Dr Agustine Njamnshi, executive director of ACSEA, said bridging the energy gap in Sub-Saharan Africa is crucial for promoting broader socio-economic development and tackling climate change.

“Energy poverty is not just a material problem; it’s a silent crisis that suffocates hope and stifles human potential,” he said. “The Six30 Campaign is much more than a mere initiative. It is a rallying cry, a call to action, a symbol of hope for millions living in darkness. Together, we can reach unprecedented heights. Together, we can transform lives and build a future without anyone being left behind. We can achieve the impossible through solidarity and determination and push back the boundaries of injustice and deprivation.”

Dr Mithika Mwenda, Executive Director of PACJA, said the Six30 Campaign calls for a global partnership to address Africa’s current energy access crisis.

“This campaign is a call to action for international cooperation and solidarity. It is a call to all nations, all organisations and all individuals who believe in a sustainable and equitable future,” he said.

Leaders from the region have welcomed the campaign, which comes amid a growing consensus that energy access is an “immediate and absolute priority” for the region.

“The Six30 campaign is timely,” said Jaqueline Amongin, member of parliament of Uganda and the East African Legislative Assembly, citing the scale of the problem in Uganda, where roughly 55% of the population has no electricity. “There can be no better time to launch such an initiative.”

Earth Day 2024: Moving towards a plastic-free Nigeria

Michael Simire
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Earth Day 2024: Moving towards a plastic-free Nigeria

As we celebrate World Earth Day 2024, the theme of “Planet vs. Plastics” resonates deeply in our collective consciousness, because we all see the effects of plastic wastes all around us.

Plastic pollution
Plastic pollution

Today therefore serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the detrimental impact of plastic pollution on our environment and pave the way for a sustainable future.

Plastic pollution has become a global crisis, and Nigeria is not left out.

Nigeria generates up to 32 million tonnes of solid waste per year. Of that number, an estimated 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste is generated annually, and plastic accounts for 15% of the total waste generated in Lagos State alone, the commercial capital of the country.

This is not to say that the recycling industry isn’t doing enough, but a 2023 report revealed that only about 20 to 30 percent of the total solid waste generated in Nigeria is being collected and managed correctly. The remaining 70 percent or so, is either dumped in unauthorized places or burned, contributing to pollution and health risks among inhabitants.

The proliferation of plastics has truly reached alarming levels, infiltrating every corner of our country, from the deepest oceans in Lagos to the highest peaks in Taraba, posing a significant threat to wildlife, ecosystems, and human health.

Water sachets, water bottles, polythene bags, take-away food packs, combs, straws, coffee cups, disposable cutlery and children’s toys among others, are some of the plastics we use in our day-to-day activities, and they end up in the landfills without degrading for many years.

While plastics have undoubtedly brought convenience to our lives, their long-lasting environmental footprint far outweighs any short-term benefits.

The problem is enormous. From single-use plastics clogging our dump sites to microplastics contaminating our waterways, the repercussions of this addiction are far-reaching and irreparable. The particles of these plastics end up getting into our systems and causing series of ailments in children and elderly people alike.

Kudos to the governments of Lagos and Oyo states, who both recently banned the production and consumption of single-use plastics in their respective states. It was a step in the right direction. So far, the number of plastics in dump sites has reduced.

However, transitioning to a plastic-free country requires a multifaceted approach. It demands collaboration among governments, businesses, communities, and individuals.

While legislation must be enacted to restrict the production and consumption of single-use plastics, incentivising the use of biodegradable alternatives, and holding polluters accountable for their actions would go a longer way.

Secondly, businesses play a pivotal role in driving sustainable practices across industries. Hence, embracing eco-friendly packaging solutions, implementing recycling programs, and adopting circular economy models are crucial steps towards reducing plastic waste and minimising environmental harm.

Consumers, too, hold significant power through their purchasing decisions. By opting for plastic-free alternatives, supporting sustainable brands, and advocating for change, individuals can contribute to the global movement towards a cleaner, greener planet.

Fourthly, education and awareness are key drivers of change. Empowering communities with knowledge about the environmental impact of plastics and providing them with practical solutions can inspire meaningful action at the grassroots level.

By fostering a culture of environmental stewardship and pushing the right narrative across platforms, we can cultivate a more sustainable mindset that transcends generations.

Finally, in commemoration of Earth Day 2024, let’s all be encouraged to seize the opportunity to catalyse meaningful change and embark on a journey towards a plastic-free Nigeria. Combating pollution is the business of everyone. Together, we can manage waste pollution in general and plastics specifically. The time to act is now!

By Ben Ugbana, a Lagos-based media professional and environment enthusiast whose startup, PlanetPulse Nigeria, is fostering a stronger sense of environmental responsibility among youth in the country

17 banks join call for binding treaty to end use of fossil fuels

Michael Simire
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17 banks join call for binding treaty to end use of fossil fuels

A group of 17 leading banks from the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV) has endorsed the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty initiative. The banks are said to be at the forefront of a growing number of financial institutions joining the call for the Treaty and taking a significant step forward in a global effort to address the root cause of the climate crisis – the production and use of oil, gas and coal.

Triodos Bank
Triodos Bank in the Netherlands is said to be the first bank in the world to sign up

The GABV is a network of the world’s most socially and environmentally responsible banks. The GABV members to endorse the Treaty proposal include Triodos Bank, the first bank in the world to sign up.

Banks to endorse the Fossil Fuel Treaty initiative are: Amalgamated Bank (United States), Banca Etica (Italy, Spain), BancoSol (Bolivia), Beneficial State Bank (United States), Centenary Bank (Uganda), Clearwater Credit Union (United States), Climate First Bank (United States), Ekobanken (Sweden) and Finca DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo).

Others include Merkur Cooperative Bank (Denmark), NMB Bank (Nepal), Summit Credit Union (United States), Sunrise Banks (United States), Triodos Bank (Netherlands, Belgium, UK, Spain, Germany), Unity Trust Bank (United Kingdom), Vancity (Canada) and Vdk Bank (Belgium).

A global campaign to phase-out fossil fuels

The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative is a global effort to foster international cooperation to accelerate a transition to renewable energy for everyone, end the expansion of coal, oil and gas, and ultimately equitably phase out existing production. The Treaty reflects what science shows is needed to address the climate crisis.

The proposal has gained traction globally. Support from various sectors recognizes the urgent need for action to stop the proliferation of, and start to phase out, the use of coal, oil, and gas – the primary drivers of the fast-accelerating climate emergency and rising inequality. These banks join other relevant stakeholders like the World Health Organisation, the European Parliament and a growing block of 12 nation-states already calling for a new international treaty to transition away from oil, gas and coal.

While the Paris Agreement set a crucial global climate target, many governments continue to approve new coal, oil and gas projects. The UNEP Production Gap Report 2023 warned that fossil fuel extraction plans undermine the world’s chances of meeting our global climate targets. The report revealed that, despite their climate pledges, governments still plan to produce around 110% more fossil fuels in 2030 than would be consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C.

The role of the banking sector

According to the Banking on Climate Chaos report released in 2023, Since the Paris Agreement was signed, the world’s banks have pumped $5.5 trillion into fossil fuels. A recent report by Topo Finance found that if the largest banks and asset managers in the U.S. were a country, they would be the third-largest emitting country in the world, behind China and the U.S.

At the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP26 in Glasgow in 2021, major western banks pledged to reduce their carbon footprint and invest in green initiatives, aiming to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Despite commitments, the ratio of bank financing for low-carbon energy projects to fossil fuels falls short of targets, as research from Bloomberg NEF reveals. Moreover, banks with net zero targets have provided substantial loans to oil, gas, and coal companies that expand their fossil fuel-related activities.

David Reiling, Chair of the GABV and CEO of Sunrise Banks, explains that the global financial sector needs to play a pivotal role by bringing the business community together and pushing to transition away from fossil fuel production.

He said: “The Fossil Fuel Treaty is a binding agreement, signaling that businesses are ready and willing to make this commitment. By signing onto this Treaty, we are leveling the playing field and driving a global and equitable transition to meet our 2050 Net Zero Commitment. I applaud these seventeen GABV members for leading the way. I expect more values-based banks and businesses to sign the Treaty and join the growing initiative to move to a cleaner, more sustainable future.”

Ali Sheridan, Director of Major Partnerships at The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty initiative, emphasised the importance of the financial and business sectors joining the call for a Fossil Fuel Treaty, sayingL “The collective support from these banks is a testament to the growing recognition within the financial sector, particularly among its most progressive banks, of the critical role it plays in addressing the climate crisis. Businesses have a significant opportunity to spearhead the creation of an equitable and sustainable future, but it is crucial that this is done in a credible way that ensures no one is left behind.

“By aligning financial practices with sustainability goals and supporting initiatives like the Fossil Fuel Treaty, banks can play a leading role and drive meaningful change, as well as contribute significantly to fostering the global, multi-stakeholder cooperation necessary for a just transition away from fossil fuels, and to secure a cleaner, greener and fairer future for all.”

Over 3,000 scientists and academics, 101 Nobel laureates, hundreds of health professionals, thousands of religious institutions, a growing number of Indigenous organisations and youth activists, over 100 cities and subnational governments, more than 600 Parliamentarians across the world, and a growing number of businesses are reportedly calling for a Treaty to phase out fossil fuels and fast track a fair energy transition.

Nigeria committed to Post 2020 Global Biodiversity Framework – Minister

Michael Simire
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Nigeria committed to Post 2020 Global Biodiversity Framework – Minister

Nigeria being a signatory to Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is ready to collaborate with all stakeholders including the youths to achieve the goals and targets of the Post 2020 Global Biodiversity Framework to regain the country’s habitat loss and fragmentation.

Dr Iziaq Salako
Dr Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Environment

Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Environment, made the submission on Friday, April 12, 2024, during “Media and Communication Workshop on the Implementation of the KMGBF in Nigeria” organised by the Nigeria Youth Biodiversity Network (NYBN) and Sustainable Environment Food and Agriculture Initiatives (SEFAAI) in Lagos.

Salako, who was represented by Mrs Olusola Margaret Akinyemi, the Federal Controller in Lagos, Federal Ministry of Environment, also harped on the need to address biodiversity laws that will engage all stakeholders and the local communities in various sectors. This, according to him, “is in a bid to increase the area of national ecosystems by maintaining, enhancing and restoring the integrity and resilience of all Nigerians”.

He also urged the media organisations to create more awareness in addressing the threat to biodiversity in the country.

The National Coordinator, NYBN, Olusegun Michael Ogundele, noted that the workshop is aimed at popularising the uptake and domestication of the Post 2020 GBF in Nigeria, and to increase the knowledge capacity of stakeholders, the youths and the media communities on biodiversity education and knowledge generation.

According to him, Nigerians need to know more about biodiversity conservation to address the threat of habitat loss.

Biodun Deribigbe, Director, SEFAAI, urged the government to leverage with non-governmental organisations and encourage the media in educating the people at the grassroots to understand the importance of diversity in the community.

According to him, biodiversity conservation in the country faces many challenges, such as conflicting government policies and laws, poor enforcement and compliance, inadequate capacity and data, limited public awareness and education, low stakeholder participation, and inadequate funding for advocates of biodiversity conservation.

Deribigbe noted that Nigeria needs to strengthen and expand its network of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, such as community conserved areas, sacred natural sites, indigenous and local community conserved areas and private reserves, saying: “Protected areas are the cornerstone of biodiversity conservation.”

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) was adopted during the fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 15) following a four-year consultation and negotiation process. The framework, which supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and builds on the Convention’s previous Strategic Plans, sets out an ambitious pathway to reach the global vision of a world living in harmony with nature by 2050. Among the Framework’s key elements are four goals for 2050 and 23 targets for 2030.

By Ajibola Adedoye

Climate change council charges stakeholders on transparent reporting to UNFCCC

Michael Simire
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Climate change council charges stakeholders on transparent reporting to UNFCCC

Participants at the recently held workshop for the preparation of Nigeria’s First Biennial Transparency Report (BTR1) and a Combined Second Biennial Transparency Report (BTR2) and the Fourth National Communication (NC4) have been urged to always consider generating accurate data anytime they are reporting because this will go a long way in helping Nigeria to meet the desired aspirations to keeping the global temperature at 1.5 Degree Celsius.

NCCC
Participants at the NCCC workshop in Lagos

Dr. Salisu Dahiru, Director General, National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), gave the charge in Lagos at the five-day workshop organised with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Global Environment Facility (GEF).

Represented by Mr. Michael Ivenso, NCCC’s Director, Energy, Transport and Industry, Dr. Dahiru said: “Nigeria, being a Party to the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement, has the obligation to prepare and submit national reports of emission of greenhouse gases by sources and removal by sinks, mitigation actions, adaptation impacts, and support received or needed, which is in accordance with the decisions and guidelines of reporting under the Convention.

“In order to meet this obligation, Nigeria has prepared and submitted to the UNFCCC, three reporting cycles in the National Communication, two in the Biennial Update Report and currently commenced the preparation of the BTR1-BTR2-NC4. The BTR 1 is expected to be submitted to the UNFCCC by December 2024 as mandated in the Paris Agreement.”

In his submission, a climate change expert, Professor Emmanuel Oladipo, urged participants to take their time to study the Nigeria National Health of 2019 because there lots of policies in the document which will be useful in implementing the right policies if adopted.

He said: “I cannot believe that a nation as big as Nigeria with all its potentials has not been able to increase its energy generation for the past 30 years. It is very important for us to read and understand the document, Nigeria is suffering a lot of things due to the fact that lots of policies are in the document which are yet to be effected.

“We need to study this document critically and report them yearly so that the policy makers will determine which one to be implemented.”

Some of the participants who spoke after the events were full of praises to the organisers and admitted that the workshop has impacted them positively.

Mr. Rasaki Yekini, Deputy Director, Animal Husbandry Services Department, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, said the workshop is a welcome development.

“I believe as a member of staff of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, this workshop will go a long way in helping us formulate policies that will boost food security which is one of the paramount agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he opined.

Peter Baba Shiru, Chief Scientific Officer with Department of Linkages and Collaboration and Consultancy, Energy Commission of Nigeria, noted: “As we speak there is no basis for climate change mitigation and what we are doing right now is to have a basis which we can update year-in, year-out but the most important thing is to have a basis of a climate change data across different sectors.

“The workshop will help Nigeria in different ways because if data are there, people can go into the website whether in the public domain of Nigeria Bureau of Statistics to access the information.

“My take-home is that Energy Commission has a series of policies over the years that has never seen the light of the day but in this workshop, we have been told that Energy Data Balance that has been in existence in Energy Commission of Nigeria would be used as basis as a starting point.

“So, in Energy Commission, the research that we have done few years ago are still there documented. My D-G will be happy to hear that the policy that has been in our custody for years will now eventually be displayed on the international platform offered by NCCC.”

Alice Eze, Chief Operating Officer, Climate Action Africa, opined: “Despite the workshop coming a little bit late, it is better late than never, and I agree with the organisers who say we really need to tackle head-on the problem of data in Nigeria. It is a massive problem because you cannot get any solution if you don’t have accurate data. I hope whatever resolution that are made during the workshop are carried out to the letter and the participants get all the support needed for proper implementation.

“Considering the fact that the impact of climate change is far reaching especially in certain regions within Nigeria, I’m hoping that the Federal Government gives participants the utmost support needed especially in terms of funding because it is going to take a lot for people to go round sourcing for data. I also hope that whatever outcome from this goes a long way in influencing policies that will ensure that we meet out targets,” she concluded.

By Ajibola Adedoye

Green Waka: Using the green office movement to advance sustainability

Michael Simire
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Green Waka: Using the green office movement to advance sustainability

Youth have a major role to play in achieving the global sustainability target. In this article, Etta Michael Bisong explores the Green Office Movement (GOM), intending to outline its benefits and go into detail on how Green Waka is leveraging its vision to empower young people in higher education to become change agents for sustainability

Green Waka
L-R: Etta Michael Bisong, Abuja Bureau Chief (ABC), EnviroNews Nigeria; Hamzat Lawal, Chief Executive Officer/Founder, Connected Development (CODE); and Michael Mbaike, Project Lead, Green Waka, during an advocacy and ambassadorial decoration visit to CODE’s office in Abuja on Monday, January 29, 2024

Green Waka, GOM, and adoption of the Green Office Model

The Green Office Movement (GOM), one of Students Organising for Sustainability (SOS) International’s portfolio projects, was carefully designed to serve as a student-led sustainability hub that informs, connects, and supports students and staff to take action on sustainability using a whole-institution approach.

Since its start and the establishment of its first green office in Maastricht, Netherlands, in 2010, the campaign has grown into an international crusade with over 40 green offices, more than 65 initiatives, and 11 partner organisations. In addition, the noble initiative has created over 200 sustainability jobs and career opportunities for students and staff, as well as over 500 successful projects each year that address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by raising awareness, engaging students and staff, and incorporating sustainability into curriculum, research, governance, and operations.

So, after conducting extensive stakeholder mapping that identified youth as key actors in driving the global quest for a harmonious and sustainable world, with a focus on Africa, particularly Nigeria, one of the study’s findings, according to Michael Mbaike, Green Waka’s founder, was the question of where and how best to reach out to this scattered and disconnected, but inevitable, community. As a result, the search for an answer to the question challenged him and his colleagues to conduct additional research to learn about more successful approaches that have been used to mobilise young people worldwide to advocate sustainability.

“Since we were not interested in reinventing the wheel, at the end of our research, we arrived at the “green office model,” he told a group of participants in his presentation at SOS International’s 2024 international summit at Twente University in the Netherlands.

The sustainability campaigner went on to say that the manual created by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to implement its Global Action Programme on Education for Sustainable Development was adopted because of its effective, scalable, and adaptable approach that combines research, operations, community, and governance to help institutionalise sustainability in higher education.

Achievements and challenges

The presentation, titled “Making Change through the Green Office Movement,” examined some of the engagement programmes that Green Waka has implemented since adopting the green office model, such as collaborating with two Nigerian universities, Nile and Bingham, to devise plans for what promises to be the country’s first green offices. Because Nile University is a sister university of several other African colleges, the overreaching objective of partnering with the institution is to connect Green Waka with many universities throughout the continent.

Another notable accomplishment that this inventiveness has demonstrated in promoting the operationalisation of the green office model is the ambassadorial initiative, which has so far decorated five influencers to serve as sustainability champions.

Green Waka’s partnership with three major media organisations in Nigeria is also another remarkable achievement that is worthy of attention because of the strategic role that the media plays in helping to actualise its overall mission.

“We are going to be building on it,” Mbaike said, aligning his statement with the significance of the ambassadorial programme, which he described as very important because, “As our ambassadors, they are also going to be playing a role in promoting the adoption of the green office model in these higher institutions.”

All these achievements, though, have come with major obstacles. One such obstacle that has been faced thus far in implementing this campaign is the general need for more funding to work with schools to ensure the best possible delivery. The model needs to be implemented, which will require several actions and a significant financial investment to be completed.

Another problem that was identified as severely hampering this process is figuring out how to find people and organisations with common interests. Being able to identify other mastermind alliances can help fill the void left by scarce resources because, no matter how much money you have, the project’s execution will suffer if you don’t have people with similar interests.

“Sustainability is a complex concept that requires collective efforts to tackle; the more the stakeholders understand the nitty-gritty of what needs to be done, the better the success is achieved,” Green Waka’s founder stated.

Way forward

After the presentation, the audience raised several questions, but one, in particular, stood out: they wanted to know how Green Waka was helping students engage with and take part in the advocacy side of climate change policy.

One thing people should know about Green Waka and its support for the GOM is that all of its efforts to establish the green office model are still ongoing. Many strategies remain on paper, waiting to be implemented.

However, starting a comprehensive carbon literacy project is one of the first things the organisation is looking forward to doing to inform students about climate change and guide them in understanding how their behaviour can help respond to the issues. The idea behind this is that by raising students’ awareness, they will be better equipped to comprehend the issues at hand, and the carbon literacy programme provides information on climate policy, which will enable them to engage with policymakers at all levels and raise policy issues.

We’re not aware of ban on Styrofoam by Oyo govt – Ibadan residents

Michael Simire
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We’re not aware of ban on Styrofoam by Oyo govt – Ibadan residents

Some residents of Ibadan have denied any knowledge of the ban recently placed on the sale and use of Styrofoam by the Oyo State Government.

Styrofoam
Styrofoam plates and cups

The state government had, on March 11, 2024, announced a ban on use of Styrofoam for food packaging, storage and other uses in the state.

Commissioner for Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, had said at the Food Safety Stakeholders Forum and inauguration of the task force to oversee enforcement that the decision was part of government’s efforts to uphold food safety standards in the state.

The ban was sequel to a call by the House of Assembly on government to ban the use of the product for food purposes in the state.

However, traders in most markets within Ibadan metropolis openly displayed the product for sale, oblivious of the ban already placed on it by the state government.

At some of the markets visited such as Apata, Aleshinloye and Sango, the sellers and buyers claimed that they were not aware that the product had been banned.

They said that since there was no awareness or sensitisation on the ban of Styrofoam, it then meant that government was not serious about it.

A market woman, Mrs Mary Anjola, however, said that enforcing the ban of the product in the state might put most of its marketers out of business.

“In our market here, we have some people engaging in bulk sales of different products like plastics and the Styrofoam we are talking about.

“If government wants to ban its sales, they should give us more time to sell the ones we already have so that we don’t run into debt,” Anjola said.

A bean cake seller around Mokola area of Ibadan, Mrs Rasida Jimoh, said she would continue to use Styrofoam to sell to her customers.

Jimoh, who claimed that she was not aware of the ban, queried: “If they want to ban it, what are we going to be using to sell our goods? How many of our customers can afford to pay for take-away plastics?

“With this development, it’s like government wants to give us another problem, as if what we are already battling with is not enough,” she said.

A bag of 100 pieces of Styrofoam food pack, often used once or for a short period of time before being disposed, costs between N2,000 and N2,500.

The ban on Styrofoam, which aligned with global efforts to reduce reliance on single-use plastics known for their environmental impact, had earlier been placed by the Lagos government.

Styrofoam is a type of polystyrene that is not easily biodegradable and can break down into microplastics, which pollute waterways and harm wildlife.

Meanwhile, the House of Assembly has said that its primary duty is to make law and not to enforce.

The House Committee Chairman on Media and Public Affairs, Mr Waheed Akintayo, stated this while reacting to the issue of enforcement of the ban on Styrofoam in the state.

Akintayo said that he was aware that the ministry of health had swung into action and made pronouncements that people should stop using the product for packing edible items.

“Since you have observed that there’s no compliance or enforcement of the law, we will have to call on the ministry of health and other security agencies to ensure absolute compliance.

“It is now a law, and it must be obeyed; it is a law from the legislative arm of government while the executive arm is expected to ensure its enforcement.

“This is because what we are saying has to do with the health of our people and we must ensure that it is obeyed.

“I don’t expect anyone to still be using Styrofoam for packing food either at parties, restaurants or by hawkers and food vendors,” he said.

“Henceforth, we may have to employ the use of force to stop the practice. Surely, it won’t be nice using security agencies to start arresting people still using it, but we may have no choice,” he said.

According to Akintayo, the ban is to safeguard people’s health, as it is not good for human body, adding: “That’s why it had also been banned in some other states across the country.”

In his reaction, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, said the state government had commenced public sensitisation on the need for residents to abstain from selling and using the product.

Olanrewaju said that the sensitisation was as a result of the resolution passed by the house of assembly that the state government should stop its usage owing to the health hazard associated with it.

According to him, public sensitisation is the first step to be taken before the commencement of full enforcement.

International Pallas’s Cat Day: Celebrating the grumpiest cat on earth

Michael Simire
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International Pallas’s Cat Day: Celebrating the grumpiest cat on earth

International Pallas’s Cat Day, celebrated every April 23, holds significant importance for several reasons, each contributing to the conservation and awareness of this unique and relatively unknown species. By dedicating a day to celebrate this feline, organisations and conservationists can spotlight its unique characteristics, habitat, and the challenges it faces, engaging a global audience in its story

Pallas Cat
Pallas Cat

In the high, remote mountain ranges of Central Asia, a ghostly figure roams, its gaze piercing through the thin, crisp air. This isn’t the beginning of a folk tale but a snapshot into the life of the Pallas’s cat, a remarkable creature that captures the essence of the wild, untamed landscapes it calls home. Known for its unique appearance and elusive nature, this feline is more than just another wild animal – it’s a symbol of the rugged, unexplored territories of the world.

The Pallas’s cat (Otocolobus manul) is an animal that seems to belong to the pages of a mystical storybook rather than the rocky steppes and grasslands it inhabits. With its thick, grey fur, flattened face, and wide-set eyes, it looks distinctly different from your average house cat – and there’s a good reason for that. Unlike the slender, agile figures of many of its feline cousins, the Pallas’s cat has a more robust and stocky build, complete with a notably flat face, round pupils – an unusual trait among small cats – and ears that sit low on its head, aiding in its stealthy hunting endeavours.

These solitary creatures lead a covert existence, marking their expansive territories with scent to communicate with others of their kind while predominantly hunting small rodents, birds, and occasionally insects. Their preference for ground-level navigation does not diminish their prowess as hunters, as they are not adept climbers but rather skilled ambush predators.

International Pallas’s Cat Day are remarkable for their wide distribution across the mountainous and high-altitude regions of Central Asia, from the Iranian plateau through Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia, to parts of China and the Himalayas, where they thrive in cold and arid environments. These habitats, characterised by their extreme temperatures and sparse vegetation, have shaped the Pallas’s cat into an adept survivor, with adaptations such as dense fur for insulation and a low metabolic rate to conserve energy. Despite their resilience, the species faces challenges from habitat degradation due to human activities, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect these unique and highly adapted creatures and their critical, though inhospitable, natural habitats.

The reproductive cycle of the Pallas’s cat is uniquely adapted to its harsh environment, featuring a very brief breeding season that critically impacts its population growth. Females are receptive for only a few days each year, leading to the birth of two to six kittens after a gestation period of about 66 to 75 days. The survival of these kittens, born in secluded dens to protect against predators and the elements, is precarious, with high mortality rates due to predation, disease, and environmental challenges.

This, coupled with the species’ short breeding season, results in slow population increases, underscoring the difficulties in conserving the Pallas’s cat. However, in captivity, where such threats are minimised, these cats can live up to 11 years, offering hope through captive breeding programs that aim to bolster wild populations and provide insights into effective conservation strategies.

While not immediately threatened with global extinction, the Pallas’s cat confronts a precarious future characterised by several pressing challenges. Across its range, numerous populations of this elusive feline are small, isolated, and on a downward trend, making them vulnerable to localised and regional extinctions. These populations grapple with a multitude of threats, including habitat degradation and fragmentation, predation by dogs, diminished prey availability, and the risk of accidental capture. Such challenges underscore the urgent need for focused conservation efforts to safeguard the future of the Pallas’s cat, ensuring its continued survival across the diverse and rugged landscapes it inhabits.

Conservation efforts for the Pallas’s cat are multifaceted, focusing on habitat preservation, research, and public education. Organisations such as the Pallas’s Cat International Conservation Alliance (PICA) and various wildlife trusts are at the forefront of these efforts, conducting field research, community outreach, and advocacy work. International Pallas’s Cat Day plays a significant role in these efforts, bringing global attention to the plight of these cats and the steps needed to ensure their survival.

The Pallas’s cat serves as a reminder of the beauty and fragility of the natural world. As we continue to explore and understand the intricacies of their existence, we are reminded of our responsibility to protect these remarkable creatures and the wild landscapes they inhabit. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the Pallas’s cat, not just on International Pallas’s Cat Day, but every day, as we work towards a future where they roam free and secure in their mountainous realms.

In celebrating the enigmatic Pallas’s cat, we are invited to look closer at the world around us, to discover the hidden wonders that lie in wait. It’s a journey of conservation, understanding, and, most importantly, respect for the delicate balance of our planet’s ecosystems. The Pallas’s cat, with its solitary grace and resilience, offers us a glimpse into the wild heart of Asia – a heart that beats strongly, despite the challenges it faces.

By Assaf Levy, BioDB

World Earth Day: Group canvasses end to scourge of plastics

Michael Simire
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World Earth Day: Group canvasses end to scourge of plastics

A non-governmental organisation, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), on Monday, April 22, 2024, called for collective action to end the use of plastics suffocating the earth with its harmful products.

Philippines
Plastic waste pollution

A statement issued in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, by HOMEF media officer, Kome Odhomor, to mark the 2024 World Earth Day, said there should be conscious efforts to end the scourge of plastics and safeguard the health of every living being.

The statement quoted Dr Nnimmo Bassey, Executive Director of HOMEF, as advocating for a better planet and urging all inhabitants of the earth to be active ecological defenders in their communities.

“Now is a critical time to choose between planet and plastic. Good sense tells us to choose the planet, our Mother Earth that sustains all lives. Poor sense driven by profit urges humans to choose plastics because of the ease they bring, despite the harmful impacts on our health, climate, and overall health of the planet.

“As we mark World Earth Day 2024, the alarm must be sounded that it is time to uproot plastics from their fossil base or be ready to be turned into plastic humans living plastic lives and heading to an infernal plastic future.

“At HOMEF, we are all for the planet, people, and other people” Bassey was quoted as saying.

The organisation said that the World Earth Day was to remind people across the world of the need to protect and preserve the earth.

“The International Mother Earth Day’s theme this year ‘Planet Vs Plastic’ urges us to build a livable future for humans, other beings, and natural systems.

“We stand united in our fight against non-biodegradable waste pollution.

“Our addiction to single-use plastics suffocates the planet. Plastics are non-biodegradable waste; these materials do not decompose with time, can take up space, and cause harmful impacts as a result of their chemical composition.

“Our planet is choked with plastics and in most parts of it from mindless extraction of fossil fuel,” HOMEF stated.

The group said research had indicated that 380 million tonnes of plastic are being produced annually, while only nine percent of plastics ever produced has been recycled.

HOMEF noted that campaigns around the world calling for a 60 per cent reduction in plastic by 2040 is commendable and worthy of support.

“At HOMEF we believe in the intrinsic Rights of Mother Earth and the rights of humans and other beings to be respected and to live in dignity.

“It is time to build up courage and to preserve and protect our health, and our livelihoods by embracing alternatives that are sustainable, healthy, and safe for the planet and we must stop all forms of destructive extractive activities in Nigeria, Africa and the World.

“The Planet vs Plastics campaign is a call to arms, a demand that we act now to end the scourge of plastics and safeguard the health of every living being upon our planet,” it added.

By Nathan Nwakamma

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