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Looking back at top moments for the environment in 2023

Michael Simire
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Looking back at top moments for the environment in 2023

The last year has been a hard one for the planet. The Earth sweltered under record heat, nature continued its precipitous decline and pollution continued to claim millions of lives.

COP28 UAE
COP28 President, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, acknowledging cheers after COP28 reached an agreement

But, amid all that, there is reason for hope, say those on the frontlines of the effort to create a more sustainable world.

In 2023, countries came together in unprecedented ways to tackle the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. This environmental multilateralism led to landmark pacts to end chemical pollution and transition the world away from fossil fuels, among a host of other milestones, many of which were supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

As the calendar has turned to 2024, here is a closer look at the biggest environmental moments of the last year and what they mean for the future of the planet.

January: Study finds ozone layer “on track” for recovery

The ozone layer, which protects the Earth from ultraviolet radiation, is on track to recover within the next four decades, revealed a report from several scientific organisations, including UNEP. The “Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion – 2022” found the planet’s sun shield could reach 1980 values over Antarctica by 2066 and over the Arctic by 2045.

Experts attributed the rebound to the Montreal Protocol, a planet-wide agreement adopted in 1987 to phase out many ozone-depleting chemicals. A 2016 amendment is also helping to rein in a series of powerful greenhouse gases and could avoid up to 0.5°C of global warming by 2100, the report found.

February: Fight for climate justice gains steam

The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution that many advocates hailed as an important step in the campaign for climate justice.

Spearheaded by the cyclone-wracked nation of Vanuatu, the resolution asks the International Court of Justice for an opinion on whether countries have a legal duty to address climate change and what the legal consequences of climate inaction could be. Experts say the court’s opinion, which is pending, would not be legally binding but would carry moral authority and some legal weight.

The resolution came as a growing number of people around the world turned to courts to compel governments and businesses to act on climate change. A UNEP study, released later in the year, found climate-related lawsuits have more than doubled since 2017.

March: Nations band together to protect freshwater sources

UNEP and several partners launched the Freshwater Challenge, which aims to safeguard and revive 300,000km of rivers and 350 million hectares of wetlands around the world by 2030. That would make it the largest wetland and river restoration effort in history. Some 43 nations joined the push in 2023, including many at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), whose presidency cited the Freshwater Challenge as a key outcome of the summit.

Sources of freshwater are under increasing pressure from climate change, pollution and other stressors.  One-third of the world’s wetlands have been lost over the past 50 years, while rivers and lakes are the most degraded ecosystems in the world.

April: World marks inaugural International Day of Zero Waste

Countries around the world celebrated the first International Day of Zero Waste, a global call for humanity to better manage waste and build more circular economies.

The day was led by UNEP and UN Habitat with support from Türkiye and featured an address from UN Secretary General António Guterres. “Humanity is treating our planet like a garbage dump,” he warned. “It’s time to fight back and launch a war on waste.”

More than 2 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste is generated annually, of which 45 per cent is mismanaged. Up to 4 billion people lack access to controlled waste disposal facilities.

June: Creative solutions to plastic pollution abound at World Environment Day

UNEP-led World Environment Day, celebrated on June 5, showcased to the world the scale of the plastic pollution crisis while highlighting a bevy of potential solutions. Several governments made firm commitments on the day, with host Côte d’Ivoire unveiling a new environmental code to fight plastic pollution and the Kyrgyz Republic announcing it will begin to transition away from some plastic products. The day grabbed the globe’s attention; it was the top-trending hashtag on Twitter and related content was seen more than 300 million times across social media.

June: Historic “high seas” treaty throws a lifeline to marine biodiversity

The United Nations formally adopted a pact that extends for the first time environmental protections to two-thirds of the ocean that lie beyond national jurisdictions.

The so-called “high seas treaty” offers an updated framework to The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea that came into force in 1994. The world’s oceans, which play a vital role in everything from the global economy to regulating the climate, are labouring under climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.

“You have pumped new life and hope to give the ocean a fighting chance,” António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, told countries as the measure was adopted.

September: Global plastics instrument takes crucial step forward

The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution, hosted by UNEP, released a zero draft of a legally binding global instrument to end plastic pollution. The draft, which covers the full lifecycle of plastic, was reviewed during the third session (INC-3) in Nairobi, Kenya in November 2023. The talks in Nairobi followed a second session in Paris, France in June 2023. The INC sessions mark a key step in the effort to finalise a planet-wide agreement by the end of 2024.

Every year, humanity produces around 430 million metric tonnes of plastic – about the same weight as 71 million African elephants – and much of that is contained in single-use products that quickly become waste, polluting land, sea and air.

September: Landmark chemicals accord takes aim at a range of toxic substances

The world agreed to the Global Framework on Chemicals, a historic deal to protect people and the environment from chemical pollution, which causes an estimated 2 million deaths a year. The agreement includes 28 targets which, among other things, call for the phasing out of highly hazardous pesticides and a crackdown on the trafficking of illegal chemicals.

The adoption of the new framework recognises pollution and waste as the global crisis that it is, putting it on par with climate change and nature loss, which already have frameworks in place. UNEP will manage a dedicated trust fund in support of the framework. Germany has committed 20 million euros to the fund, with France, The Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland also contributing.

September: Africa Climate Week showcases home-grown solutions to climate crisis

UNEP and partners organized Africa Climate Week alongside the first Africa Climate Summit, which brought more than 10,000 people, including 20 heads of state, to Nairobi, Kenya. The gathering, which took place against the backdrop of some of the worst droughts and floods ever to hit the continent, emphasised that Africa can drive solutions to the climate crisis. It was also a chance for leaders to form a consensus around key issues ahead of COP28. “We aim to weave a single, resounding African voice that will carry the outcomes … to COP28 and beyond,” said Kenyan President William Ruto.

October: Global pact to end mercury pollution celebrates a decade in action

October marked the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the Minamata Convention, a deal that has been hailed as a triumph of international diplomacy. Some 147 parties have ratified the agreement, which calls for countries to phase out mercury use in products, ban the opening of new mercury mines and limit the emission of mercury into the environment.

Every year, as much as 9,000 tonnes of mercury – a toxic substance often used in small-scale gold mining – are released into the atmosphere, in water and on land. As the Minamata Convention enters its second decade, experts are buoyed by the progress of recent years. The trade in mercury has slowed, manufacturers have begun finding alternatives to mercury in a range of products and public awareness about the dangers of mercury has grown.

October: UNEP announces the winners of its highest environmental award

UNEP announced the five winners of the 2023 Champions of the Earth award, the UN’s highest environmental honour.

This year’s awards honoured innovators and initiatives for their cutting-edge work in tackling plastic pollution. This followed the 2022 historic resolution at the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5) in Nairobi to End Plastic Pollution and forge an international legally binding agreement by 2024.

The Champions of the Earth award recognises outstanding leaders from government, civil society and the private sector for their transformative impact on the environment in four categories: Policy Leadership, Inspiration and Action, Entrepreneurial Vision and Science and Innovation.

November: Analyses plumb depths of climate crisis

A trio of UNEP-supported reports brought into sharp focus the scale of the climate crisis and offered policymakers a suite of potential solutions.

UNEP’s Adaptation Gap Report found developing countries alone need to devote $215 billion to $387 billion a year to contend with extreme weather, rising seas and other climatic upheaval. Spending now is just a fraction of that.

Meanwhile, UNEP’s Emissions Gap Report revealed that based on current climate-related pledges by governments, the Earth is on pace to warm by between 2.5°C and 2.9°C this century, well above the goals of the Paris Agreement. To keep warming below 1.5°C, a key Paris target, the world will need to slash its greenhouse gas emissions by 42 per cent by 2030.

As well, the Production Gap Report, produced by UNEP and partners, found states were planning to produce more than twice as much fossil fuel as would be consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C.

December: One year into the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

It has been a year since the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) was successfully adopted in Montreal, Canada in December 2022.

The framework included concrete actions to halt and reverse the loss of nature, including protecting 30 per cent of the planet and restoring 30 per cent of degraded ecosystems.

To improve governance and accountability for nature, UNEP and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) supported 138 countries to align their national biodiversity policies, targets and monitoring frameworks with the GBF. This is a critical step to the agreement’s success.

In September, UNEP and partners launched the National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans Accelerator Partnership, which provides technical support to accelerate implementation of the framework. UNEP also trained officials from 50 countries to use a data reporting tool, which helps streamline reporting to biodiversity-related conventions.

December: COP28 deal aims to usher in the end of the fossil fuel era

On December 13, the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) came to a close with a historic declaration as negotiators from nearly 200 Parties came together with a decision to ratchet up climate action before the end of the decade with the overarching aim to keep the global temperature limit of 1.5°C within reach while rapidly ramping up production of renewable energy.

While UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen said the deal “is not perfect” she expressed cautious optimism. “The world is no longer denying our harmful addiction to fossil fuels. We know what needs to be done.”

COP28 also saw the operationalising of the Loss and Damage Fund, which will help climate-vulnerable communities in developing countries cope with the effects of climate change.

LAWMA vows to step up waste management, recycling efforts in 2024

Michael Simire
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LAWMA vows to step up waste management, recycling efforts in 2024

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has vowed to step up effective waste management and recycling efforts in 2024.

Muyiwa Gbadegesin
Muyiwa Gbadegesin

Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr  Muyiwa Gbadegesin, who made the commitment in a statement on Friday, January 5, 2024, in Lagos, noted that 2023 witnessed a determined approach to environmental transformation in Lagos State, spearheaded by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, with LAWMA playing a major role.

He said 2023 was an eventful year with respect to the environment and waste management.

“The Lagos State Government was able to do a reset.

“Among the notable initiatives to restore sanity to the environment was the clearance of illegal dump sites, street trading and closure of unsanitary markets, a collaborative effort with the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC),” Gbadegesin said.

The LAWMA boss said that in  line with the  sustainability agenda of the state government, the authority  would  focus on recycling, especially plastic recycling and converting organic waste into compost and bio-gas in 2024.

The CEO said the authority would continue to promote waste sorting at source, as well as the buyback programme, where residents could make money from recyclables.

He said that LAWMA planned  to collaborate with local government areas to enforce the state’s  zero-tolerance policy on street trading.

He said the agency would continue to enforce environmental laws, urging residents to make a resolution in the new year to be responsible environmental stewards.

“This year, there will be no room for illegal street trading and all activities that promote indiscriminate waste disposal.

“We will be working closely with local government authorities and other stakeholders on this. I want to personally urge residents to turn a new leaf this year and take good care of their environment, health and hygiene,” he said.

He said the state government had a plan to empower waste disposal  operators to acquire new trucks to support their operations across the metropolis.

He urged residents to shun indiscriminate waste dumping, secure covered bins for waste under the Adopt-a-bin Initiative and a flexible payment plan, while awaiting assigned PSP operators.

By Fabian Ekeruche

Wild Africa Fund partners Arewa24 on kids’ wildlife show in Hausa

Michael Simire
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Wild Africa Fund partners Arewa24 on kids’ wildlife show in Hausa

The Wild Africa Fund has partnered Arewa24 TV to expand its unique wildlife-focused television series, “Dr Mark’s Animal TV Show for Kids,” for Hausa-speaking audiences across the Northern region.

Kenya wildlife sanctuary
A wildlife sanctuary

Mr Festus Iyorah, Nigerian Representative of the Wild Africa Fund, said this in a statement on Friday, January 5, 2024, in Lagos.

Iyorah said the show was premiered on Arewa24 TV in primetime on  Jan. 4, 2024.

He said Dr Mark’s Animal TV Show for Kids would enlighten children, primarily between seven and 14 years, about Nigeria’s rich biodiversity and their crucial role in its preservation.

According to him, the programme will air every Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. (WAT), with a repeat broadcast at 5:30 p. m. on Fridays on DSTV Channel 261, GOtv Channel 136, and StarTimes Channel 138.

The show will also debut on CANAL+ Channel 297 and on Eutelsat 16A for free-to-air satellite viewers.

“We believe that a big part of this outreach and awareness starts with our kids.

“By partnering the Wild Africa Fund to voice-dub Dr Mark’s Animal Show into Hausa, we aim to bring greater awareness to millions of future Nigerian wildlife conservation activists and make learning about wildlife fun for the whole family,” Iyorah quoted Joseph Arback, the Chief Executive Officer of Arewa24, as saying.

He said that, across several African countries, iconic wildlife species, including lions, gorillas, pangolins, leopards, chimpanzees, sea turtles, vultures, and numerous monkey species, were disappearing.

Iyorah said the pressure on wildlife and wild spaces had intensified with the clearing of land for commercial agriculture, illegal logging, and human-wildlife conflict, posing a significant threat to the continent’s wildlife.

He said animals were under threat today, partly due to a lack of public awareness across the continent.

According to him, Nigeria has emerged as a significant transit point in the illicit wildlife trade in recent years, notably involving pangolin scales and ivory.

He explained that the past year alone had seen the Nigeria Customs Services confiscate several critical shipments of pangolin scales, ivory, and other illegal wildlife commodities.

“Furthermore, there’s growing demand for bushmeat, especially in large cities in Nigeria.

“Conservationists have identified poaching to supply the commercial bushmeat threat as one of the major threats facing Nigeria’s wildlife.

“Fewer than 50 lions, 100 gorillas, 500 elephants, and 2,300 chimpanzees remain in Nigeria’s wilderness today.

“This decline highlights the urgency to raise awareness about these issues and inform the public, particularly the younger generation, who are poised to champion conservation efforts in the coming years,” Iyorah said.

He said that Dr Mark’s Animal TV show runs across 11 episodes and is over 24 minutes.

He said that each episode takes a deep dive into a species of animal, its features, ecological benefits, conservation status, the threats facing them, and what the audience could do to protect them.

“The first season profiles animals such as pangolins, parrots, snakes, turtles, lions, leopards and cheetahs, chimpanzees, gorillas, elephants, crocodiles, and rhinos, as well as domestic animals such as dogs.”

The TV show also features interactive quizzes to enhance knowledge retention and engage viewers.

Also speaking, Dr Mark Ofua, the host of the show, urged parents and guardians to watch the new show alongside their children as it presents an opportunity to get them to learn more about Nigeria’s fantastic biodiversity.

“The translation of Dr Mark’s show into Hausa will ensure that kids there, especially in hinterland communities, will get the exciting and educational programme in a language they will understand.

“This is taking conservation to the grassroots level.

“These children will learn the importance of protecting this wildlife, understand why we need them to thrive in the wild, and press this message to their parents and society,” Ofua said.

He noted that Dr Mark’s Animal TV show, originally produced in English, currently airs on Nigeria’s SilverbirdTV and StarTimes and across Africa on Namibia’s OneAfrica, South Africa’s People’s Weather, Zimbabwe’s NRTV, and Rwanda’s Flash TV.

By Fabian Ekeruche

Environmentalists seek farmers education for adaptation to inconsistent rain patterns

Michael Simire
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Environmentalists seek farmers education for adaptation to inconsistent rain patterns

Some environmentalists have called for the education of farmers for adaptation to the irregularities in the rainfall patterns, ahead of the 2024 planting season.

Women farmers
Women farmers

The experts disclosed this in separate interviews on Friday, January 5, 2024, in Lagos.

Mr Gafar Odubote, the Network Coordinator, Let’s Do It World Africa Region, an environmental non-profit organisation, said farmers needed to be equipped with the right information on climate change to adapt to the changing rainfall patterns.

“Rainfall is vital to agriculture, as most crop cultivation is under a direct rain-fed farming system in Nigeria.

“These changing patterns entail early rainfall in some places and late in other places.

“It also means rainfall intensity will be higher in some places and low in others.

“However, the changing rain patterns have made it difficult for farmers to plan effectively with some adverse effects on the crop yield.

“Therefore, farmers and practitioners are required to pay close attention to climate change and implement some agricultural adaptation measures.

“Farmers should be ready to be flexible in their crop plantation and collaborate with other farmers to share resources.

“Local farmers must first be equipped with knowledge. They must learn about climate change and accept the fact that rainfall patterns cannot be regular,” Odubote said.

He also stressed the need for farmers to have a close relationship with the Nigerian Metrological Agency (NiMet) for meteorological and climatological information in planning and operational activities.

“Local farmers must be equipped with the tools to create a healthy and resilient farm ecosystem.

“Farmers must evolve as the weather patterns change. From adopting resilient seeds to a proper irrigation system; they must be up-to-date with information and learn how farmers in the developed countries stabilise their yields,” he added.

On his part, Mr Olumide Idowu, a climate change expert and co-founder of the International Climate Change and Development Initiative (ICCDI), said the provision of adequate data for farmers was important for adaptation.

“It is essential to gather and analyse weather data, make use of climate models and forecasts, diversify crops and planting dates, and seek counsel from agricultural specialists on the changing rain patterns.

“Farmers will be able to make more educated judgements and better adjust to the changing conditions with the assistance of these tactics.

“The average local farmer should be equipped with essential tools and knowledge before embarking on crop cultivation this year.

“This includes understanding specific crop requirements, obtaining quality seeds, tools for land preparation, access to water sources or irrigation systems, and staying updated on modern farming practices.

“These preparations are crucial for a successful and productive crop cultivation season.

“Education on climate change and knowledge-sharing networks can help farmers acquire the latest research and best practices for adapting to changing rain patterns,” Idowu said.

By Mercy Omoike

NiMet forecasts three-day sunshine, hazy weather

Michael Simire
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NiMet forecasts three-day sunshine, hazy weather

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast sunny and hazy atmospheric conditions from Friday, January 5 to Sunday, January 7, 2024, across the country.

Hazy weather
Hazy weather

NiMet’s weather outlook released on Thursday, January 4 in Abuja predicted slight dust haze on Friday over the northern region during the forecast period.

According to it, sunny and hazy atmosphere is anticipated over the North central region throughout the forecast period.

It envisaged sunny skies with patches of clouds in a hazy atmosphere over the inland cities of the south.

The agency anticipated coastal cities of the south with prospects of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Ogun, Edo, Ondo, Lagos, Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa states during the afternoon and evening period.

“For Saturday, slight dust haze is expected over the north and the North Central region during the forecast period.

“Few patches of clouds in a hazy atmosphere are expected over the inland cities of the South and coastal belt with prospects of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Ogun and Lagos states in the morning hours.

“There are prospects of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Ondo, Ogun, Lagos, Rivers, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Delta states in the afternoon and evening period,” it said.

NiMet also forecast sunny and hazy atmosphere on Sunday over the northern region during the period.

It anticipated slight dust haze over the North Central region during the forecast period.

According to it, few patches of clouds in a hazy atmosphere are expected over the inland areas and the coastal cities of the South.

It predicted isolated thunderstorms over parts of Edo, Lagos State, Cross River, Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta states in the afternoon and evening period.

“Dust particles are in suspension, public should take necessary precautions. People with asthma and other respiratory issues should be cautious of the present weather situations.

“Airline operators are advised to get updated weather reports from NiMet for effective planning in their operations,” it said.

Group advocates huge investments in water, hygiene for economic development

Michael Simire
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Group advocates huge investments in water, hygiene for economic development

The Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Media Network, a media networking group in Bauchi State, says investing in water, sanitation and hygiene will generates substantial economic returns and development.

Kaduna community
Children of Unguwan Gandu Zuntu, Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State fetching water from a handpump borehole provided by SHAWN II Project in the community

Chairman of the Network, Mr David Ayodele, made the assertion in an interview on Thursday, January 4, 2024, in Bauchi, the state capital.

He said that investing in water, sanitation and hygiene, not only served as a fundamental necessity for public health, education and societal benefits, but would also develop the country.

Ayodele noted that lack of access to adequate sanitation and clean drinking water as well as poor hygiene, increased the rapid spread of diseases.

“It also contributes to malnutrition, increase the number of disadvantaged women, undermine economic growth, and threaten development, peace and security.

“It creates barrier for women and girls’ education, limited care for young children, literacy, leisure and reduced  opportunities to participate in the development of communities,” he said.

Mr Ayodele further stressed that investments in sanitation and drinking water would lead to increased economic productivity.

“Inadequate sanitation imposes a high economic cost through impacts on health and tourism, as well as on treatment costs.”

He explained that people without access to water and sanitation, were caught up in a vicious cycle that led to poverty, which prevented people from access to services.

The chairman, however, appealed to governments, to improve access to safe water supply, by reducing its distance from people.

Ayodele further advocated for governments to explore an approach that encompassed budget programming for the entire sector.

“This approach ideally includes key aspects such as political commitment, leadership and governance reforms, to enhance the water as an investment opportunity,” he said.

By Ahmed Kaigama

Commissioner warns Anambra residents against environmental pollution

Michael Simire
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0
Commissioner warns Anambra residents against environmental pollution

The Commissioner for Environment in Anambra State, Mr Felix Odimegwu, has urged residents of the state to desist from acts capable of polluting the environment.

Chukwuma Soludo
Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State

Odimegwu, who made the call in a statement in Awka, the state capital, on Thursday, January 4, 2024, stated that burning of tyres and other non-biodegradable materials were unfriendly to the environment.

According to him, the state government has observed that some residents have formed the habit of indulging in unhealthy environmental practices.

“It was worse during the festive season; we are urging the public to desist from this attitude. It is not in our interest,” he said.

The commissioner further said that toxic pollutants were significantly released into the air whenever non-biodegradable substances such as tyres were burnt.

“Toxic pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds and particulate matter are released into the atmosphere through burning of tyres.

“These compounds are very harmful to not only humans, but to plants, animals, and aquatic lives, they also harm and deface the environment,” he said.

Odimegwu also said that burning of non-biodegradable materials on tarred roads could hugely affect the durability of such roads.

“When tyres are burnt on tarred roads, the emerging heat causes the binding molecules to disintegrate, this making the roads to go bad.

“We have observed that most of the potholes in the city began from spots where tyres were burnt,” he said.

Odimegwu said that a taskforce from the ministry had already swung into action to track down those involved in such practices.

“Anybody caught will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” he warned.

By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

Okwuzi community women reaffirm Lagos Declaration on ‘right to say no’

Michael Simire
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0
Okwuzi community women reaffirm Lagos Declaration on ‘right to say no’

Okwuzi women have reaffirmed the Lagos declaration on women’s right to say no. The reaffirmation took place at Okwuzi in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State in Nigeria on December 29, 2023, during a Women Convergence on previous outcomes and the current situation in the community, supported by Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre and Womin.

Okwuzi community women
Okwuzi community women

The said declaration was based on The Second West and Central African Women’s Climate Assembly that held from September 24 to 28, 2023, in Lagos.

At the said assembly, 200 women participants claimed that they are at the frontline of the climate crisis, carrying extreme burdens not of their own making, and resisting mega development projects which continue to fuel global warming.

“We are the strong and true voice of women in not less than 62 communities from 12 countries in West and Central Africa,” they stated.

Like the other African women who gathered in Lagos, the Okwuzi women were able to identify some of the problems which they faced like other communities where extractive industries or mining industries are operating.

Leader of the group, Mrs. Peace Mgbenwa, had earlier welcomed everyone and reminded the women of how lucky they were to be part of the convergence.

She said: “It is important for everyone present to participate in gatherings like this because you will always learn something anew.”

She stated that the convergence was informed by the need to preview the previous outcomes of Okwuzi Women Development Initiative Participation in programmes sponsored by Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre, and the current situation of the community and what can be done going forward.

So, having identified themselves as the frontline women who bear the brunt of oil exploration by Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited and other multi-national corporations without getting any of the benefits accruable from the process, the women decided to say “No” to:

  • The exclusion of African women, like ourselves, who live through the climate crisis every day and who have important knowledge to solve the crisis, from decision making about development, climate change, and real climate solutions.
  • The theft and pollution of our land, forests, and water by corporations, supported by our governments. This destroys our livelihoods and makes women and their families sick.
  • The destruction of mother nature-her forests, her rivers, the seas, and the land by these dirty industries (which) destroys the small and large animals, the plants, and other living beings we live with and depend on for life and livelihood.
  • The false promises and lies of the companies and our governments, and the bribing of our traditional and community leaders which creates conflict in our communities.
  • The threats and use of force, including rape and murder, against those of us that are saying NO to this deathly development. We say NO to the use of our countries’ police and military to protect the companies and harm us.
  • The world leaders of powerful countries who stand with their dirty industries and make decisions about development which destroys our lives on the other side of the world.
  • These “green” projects which lead to our forests being fenced, our land being taken, and our lives destroyed so that companies can go on polluting while we suffer more.
  • The disasters like flooding, storms, and drought and the war, conflict, displacement and forced migration we see all around us.
  • The discrimination, violence, and death our country women and men face when they leave our continent in search of a better life in the rich countries, the countries that have only brought death and destruction to our continent over hundreds of years.
  • The seeds (genetically modified) which companies, sometimes with the support of our governments, bring into our countries which trap us in debt, destroy our soils, and pollute our waters.
  • The destruction of the Congo Basin, the “Lungs of Africa and the World” in pursuit of oil, gas, timber, and minerals used by rich countries and the new countries which oppress us.

The women then demanded for corporations to pay for the damage they do to the environment, health and well-being, claiming that the rich countries have long benefited from stolen land, labour, and knowledge.

“This has been happening since the ‘white man’ arrived in Africa and has not ended. Now, with the climate crisis, we are feeling most of the impacts, but we are not responsible for the damage. We demand that all these debts be paid in full by corporations and the rich in Europe, Britain and the United States.”

Additionally, the women resolved to say “Yes” to:

  • Development which respects community land, and the rules we have, and gives the community, and women especially, a voice in decision-making about their land and lives. We demand respect for women’s land rights.
  • Respect for the principles of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) always, and the right of communities to say NO to projects which do not meet their needs. Our consent can be given or withheld at any stage of a project when we see it is taking a bad turn. Women and young people in our communities must be supported to have a strong voice.
  • A development which respects and protects all living beings, from the smallest ant to the elephant and all species in between. We know that humans cannot live without nature, and we demand that any development holds the same respect and care.
  • Protecting the forests that give us the air we breathe and the foods we need. But forests must not be turned into reserves which are fenced and guarded by armed men. These are the forests of indigenous and local people who know best how to protect them. It is the companies that must be stopped and not the people!
  • Restoration, control and rights to our own indigenous seeds, and support for the recovery of lost seeds, none of which may be sold for profit.
  • Infrastructure development projects micro-dams, roads, access to markets, and clean energy – which are at a smaller scale and meet our needs, instead of the needs of big companies.

By Dandy Mgbenwa

Lingering low growth period undermines sustainable development progress – UN report

Michael Simire
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0
Lingering low growth period undermines sustainable development progress – UN report

Global economic growth is projected to slow from an estimated 2.7 per cent in 2023 to 2.4 per cent in 2024, trending below the pre-pandemic growth rate of 3.0 per cent, according to the United Nations World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) 2024, launched on Thursday, January 4, 2024.

António Guterres
UN Secretary-General, António Guterres

This latest forecast comes on the heels of global economic performance exceeding expectations in 2023. However, last year’s stronger-than-expected GDP growth masked short-term risks and structural vulnerabilities.

The UN’s flagship economic report presents a sombre economic outlook for the near term. Persistently high interest rates, further escalation of conflicts, sluggish international trade, and increasing climate disasters, pose significant challenges to global growth.

The prospects of a prolonged period of tighter credit conditions and higher borrowing costs present strong headwinds for a world economy saddled with debt, while in need of more investments to resuscitate growth, fight climate change and accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“2024 must be the year when we break out of this quagmire. By unlocking big, bold investments we can drive sustainable development and climate action and put the global economy on a stronger growth path for all,” said António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General. “We must build on the progress made in the past year towards an SDG Stimulus of at least $500 billion per year in affordable long-term financing for investments in sustainable development and climate action.”

Subdued growth in developed and developing economies

Growth in several large, developed economies, especially the United States, is projected to decelerate in 2024 given high interest rates, slowing consumer spending and weaker labour markets. The short-term growth prospects for many developing countries – particularly in East Asia, Western Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean – are also deteriorating because of tighter financial conditions, shrinking fiscal space and sluggish external demand.

Low-income and vulnerable economies are facing increasing balance-of-payments pressures and debt sustainability risks. Economic prospects for small island developing States, in particular, will be constrained by heavy debt burdens, high interest rates and increasing climate-related vulnerabilities, which threaten to undermine, and in some cases, even reverse gains made on the SDGs.

Inflation trending down but recovery in labour markets still uneven

Global inflation is projected to decline further, from an estimated 5.7 per cent in 2023 to 3.9 per cent in 2024. Price pressures are, however, still elevated in many countries and any further escalation of geopolitical conflicts risks renewed increases in inflation.

In about a quarter of all developing countries, annual inflation is projected to exceed 10 per cent in 2024, the report highlights. Since January 2021, consumer prices in developing economies have increased by a cumulative 21.1 per cent, significantly eroding the economic gains made following the COVID-19 recovery. Amid supply-side disruptions, conflicts and extreme weather events, local food price inflation remained high in many developing economies, disproportionately affecting the poorest households.

“Persistently high inflation has further set back progress in poverty eradication, with especially severe impacts in the least developed countries,” said Li Junhua, United Nations Under- Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs. “It is absolutely imperative that we strengthen global cooperation and the multilateral trading system, reform development finance, address debt challenges and scale up climate financing to help vulnerable countries accelerate towards a path of sustainable and inclusive growth.”

According to the report, the global labour markets have seen an uneven recovery from the pandemic crisis. In developed economies, labour markets have remained resilient despite a slowdown in growth. However, in many developing countries, particularly in Western Asia and Africa, key employment indicators, including unemployment rates, are yet to return to pre- pandemic levels. The global gender employment gap remains high, and gender pay gaps not only persist but have even widened in some occupations.

Stronger international cooperation needed to stimulate growth and promote green transition

Governments will need to avoid self-defeating fiscal consolidations and expand fiscal support to stimulate growth at a time when global monetary conditions will remain tight. Central banks around the world continue to face difficult trade-offs in striking a balance between inflation, growth and financial stability objectives. Developing country central banks, in particular, will need to deploy a broad range of macroeconomic and macroprudential policy tools to minimise the adverse spillover effects of monetary tightening in developed economies.

Furthermore, the report emphasises that robust and effective global cooperation initiatives are urgently needed to avoid debt crises and provide adequate financing to developing countries. Low-income countries and middle-income countries with vulnerable fiscal situations need debt relief and debt restructuring to avoid a protracted cycle of weak investment, slow growth and high debt-servicing burdens.

In addition, global climate finance must be massively scaled up. Reducing – and eventually eliminating – fossil fuel subsidies, following through on international financing commitments, such as the $100 billion pledge to support developing countries, and promoting technology transfer are critical for strengthening climate action worldwide. It also underscores the ever- increasing role of industrial policies to bolster innovation and productive capacity, build resilience and accelerate a green transition.

No increase in petrol prices, NNPC assures Nigerians

Michael Simire
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No increase in petrol prices, NNPC assures Nigerians

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd. has assured the public that there is no imminent increase in the cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.

NNPC
An NNPC station in Lagos

In a statement made available to EnviroNews on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, NNPC urged Nigerians to disregard unfounded rumours and assured them that there are no plans for an upward review of the PMS price.

In the statement endorsed by Olufemi O. Soneye, the NNPC Chief Corporate Communications Officer, the organisation advised motorists nationwide against engaging in panic buying, as there is presently ample availability of PMS across the country.

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