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Poor power supply: Our businesses are folding up – Business owners

Michael Simire
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Poor power supply: Our businesses are folding up – Business owners

Many small business owners in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) say their businesses are folding up due to epileptic power supply.

National grid
National grid lines

The residents, especially business owners, spoke on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, in Abuja.

The electricity consumers, who reside in Kubwa and environs, Kuje, Gwagwalada, Aco Estate  decried the poor state of power supply in their areas.

According to them, power supply has declined recently compared to how it has been in the past few months.

Mrs. Amanda Okoye, a fashion designer in Kubwa, said that the situation was so bad that for weeks she had not been able to meet up with her customers’ demands.

“We have not had electricity for close to three days now. I have to depend on generator and getting the fuel to power it is expensive because of the increase in the pump price of the product.

“It has been so bad that I have decided to close the business for now till power supply improves in the area.

“The situation we face here is close to darkness and this has not been easy with me at all as my customers are complaining seriously and this is not good for my business.

“I am appealing to the government and Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to do something about the power situation as a matter of urgency ’’ she said.

Mr. Collins Osahon, a barber residing at Kubwa, said that the situation was getting worse as they do not have power for more than two hours a day.

Osahon said that he had to rely on generator to do his business, adding that because of the high cost of fuel, he had increased the cost of barbering a customer’s hair.

According to him, sometimes they switch on the light in the night when everyone is asleep and this has reduced patronage which can lead to business folding up.

Also speaking, Mr. Amos Okoduwa, a welder residing at Kuje, said that electricity was not too regular in his area as it was before.

He said: “We only have light for four to five hours a day and sometimes they don’t get it for a whole day.

“I am appealing to the government to improve power supply to the area to enable me  run my business effectively so that I can feed my family,’’ he said.

Mrs. Comfort Maduka, who operates a cold room in Kuje, FCT, also said that electricity was not constant in her area.

Maduka said that the government and AEDC should do their best to improve power supply, especially as consumers were paying for the services

She said that she had to lock up the cold room because  her goods were perishing as  she could not afford the high cost of diesel to power her generator

‘I am appealing to government to improve power supply so that I can come back to business,” she said.

Mr. Okon Etim, who runs a laundry service in ACO Estate on Airport Road, said that the light situation in the area is terrible compared to before.

Okon said that the area does not have power supply for more than five to six hours in a day, adding that the light goes off every 20 minutes.

”I don’t know what to do so I have to close down my business until I am able to buy a big generator that I can use for the business, he said.

The Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, said that the ministry of power remains steadfast in addressing the challenges within Nigeria’s energy sector.

“We acknowledge the economic hardships faced by many Nigerians and reaffirm our commitment to stabilising the grid, expanding access, and fostering investor confidence.

“Recent reforms, such as the ongoing upgrade of transmission infrastructure and partnerships with renewable energy developers are pivotal to achieving sustainable solutions,” he said.

The minister urged Nigerians to continue to support government policies and initiatives.

He also called on Nigerians to report illegal activities such as energy theft and tampering with power infrastructure.

“Let us also embrace energy-efficient practices to reduce strain on the grid.

“As emphasised by President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”, collective resilience and patriotism are vital to overcoming national challenges.” he said.

By Constance Athekame

Millions of birds still illegally killed, and most countries failing to stop it – Report

Michael Simire
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Millions of birds still illegally killed, and most countries failing to stop it – Report

Despite bold promises to protect migratory birds, most countries are alarmingly off course, a new study reveals.

Quelea birds
Quelea birds

BirdLife International and EuroNatur’s latest study, titled: “The Killing 3.0: Progress on Eradicating Illegal Killing of Birds in the Mediterranean and Europe”,paints a stark picture: the vast majority of countries bordering the Mediterranean across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East are failing to deliver on their pledge to halve the illegal killing, taking, and trade of birds (IKB) by 2030.

Bird populations have plummeted at shocking rates in recent decades. Overexploitation, including IKB, is a leading driver of global bird extinctions, second only to habitat loss. Every year, millions of birds are illegally shot, trapped, or poisoned across Europe and the Mediterranean, undermining conservation efforts along the flyway.

Recognising the scale of this crisis, governments pledged coordinated action under the Bern Convention and the Convention on Migratory Species’ (CMS) Rome Strategic Plan 2020–2030. With just five years left to reach the goal of the Rome Strategic Plan to halve IKB by 2030, progress is severely lagging. Urgent action is needed, or devastating losses to bird populations will be inevitable, some species could even be wiped out forever. 

  • European Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur): Currently listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List, tens of thousands are illegally shot each spring on the Ionian Islands in western Greece.
  • Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus): Classified as ‘Endangered’, the Balkan breeding population is under severe threat from poisoning, often linked to the illegal use of poisoned bait targeting other wildlife.
  • European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis): Although still listed as ‘Least Concern’, this once-common songbird is declining in many regions. It is widely trapped across North Africa and the Mediterranean for the illegal cage bird trade.

“The Killing 3.0” assessed 46 countries, with a deep dive into 22 Mediterranean nations where illegal killing is particularly rampant. The findings are sobering: 38 countries are not on track to meet their 2030 commitments, profit appearing to be the biggest driver of IKB. In many of the worst-affected countries, responsible for around 90% of illegal killings, little to no progress has been made – and in some cases, the situation has worsened.

Dr. Barend van Gemerden, Global Flyways Programme Coordinator at BirdLife International, said: “The illegal killing of birds is not just a crime, it’s a tragedy that continues to threaten birds across entire migratory routes. High levels of illegal killing in one country can wipe out conservation successes in another. We urgently need stronger, coordinated, cross-border action across the full flyway. Reaching the 2030 goal is a tough challenge, but not an impossible one.”

Yet, there is cause for hope. Places like Spain and the Sovereign Base Areas of Cyprus, show that real progress is possible with strong political will, coordinated planning, and proper resourcing.

Dr. Justine Vansynghel, Project Manager at EuroNatur: “The number of birds killed illegally each year remains unacceptably high. For many migratory birds, it spells death before they can even reach their breeding grounds. During the first half of the Rome Strategic Plan’s 10-year lifespan plenty of tools and guidance were developed to support national authorities. Now, it’s time to use them decisively to prevent further devastation.”

As governments meet this week to review their commitments, “The Killing 3.0” sends a clear message: the time for promises is over. Without urgent action, millions more birds will pay the price.

Lagos water MoU lacks transparency – CAPPA

Michael Simire
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Lagos water MoU lacks transparency – CAPPA

Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has expressed deep concern over a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Lagos State Government and the Belstar/ENKA consortium to rehabilitate and expand the state’s water infrastructure, saying the entire process and the outcome lacks transparency.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State

In a statement, CAPPA noted that while the government touts the MoU as a strategic move to improve water supply, the scant information made public about it raises more questions than answers.

The non-governmental organisation (NGO) called for transparency about the deal, saying the Lagos State Government owed its taxpayers a duty of disclosure and accountability.

“As an organisation committed to promoting public participation and ensuring the rights of citizens to access safe and affordable water, CAPPA finds the current approach deeply troubling and symptomatic of a broader pattern of opacity in public water governance in Lagos State,” said Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director, CAPPA.

“That this agreement was conceived of and finalised behind closed doors, then simply announced to the public, is an affront to the very notion of a democratically accountable government.

“More than just a utility, water provision is a fundamental public service and essential good. Therefore, any contracts or agreements that affect its delivery, affordability, and quality must be subjected to the highest standards of transparency and public accountability.

“This MoU, which will determine the future of water access for millions of Lagosians, appears to have been signed without public consultation or legislative scrutiny.”

According to CAPPA, the government’s announcement raised several red flags that must be urgently addressed. They included:

“Who are these contractors? What are the corporate profiles and track records of Belstar Capital and ENKA? What was the public procurement process through which they were vetted and selected? What is their registration status in Nigeria?

“What exactly are the projects covered? The terms ‘rehabilitation and expansion’ are vague. Which waterworks, treatment facilities, and distribution networks are targeted? What areas will benefit, and how will these projects impact public access and affordability, especially in the poorest parts of the state?

“What is the contract’s total cost? The financial worth of this deal remains undisclosed, and the terms of arrangement, beyond a reference to the engineering, procurement, construction, and finance model being insured by the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), have not been made public.

“Furthermore, the involvement of a US government agency should raise alarm given the recent, abrupt pullback of USAID activity in the Lagos water sector and clear pro-corporate priorities of the US on a global level today.

“Are the completed waterworks going to remain under public ownership and control, or will they be privatised? The mode of project execution is framed under EPC+F (Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Finance), but key details on ownership, repayment, and operational control remain hidden. Are these entities building and handing over, or will they or some other multinational own and operate the completed projects for years to come?

“What is the role of Lagos Water Corporation (LWC)? The government’s statement implies that LWC will ‘collaborate’ with the consortium. Does this mean LWC will cede control or remain a technical advisor while corporations take the driver’s seat?

“What is the repayment structure and impact on water tariffs? If this project is being financed through loans or external credit, how will the state repay? Will this debt be recovered through increased tariffs and user fees, thus burdening already struggling households?”

CAPPA expressed alarm at the government’s repeated flirtation with privatisation, despite overwhelming public resistance, and a growing body of global evidence showing that public-private partnerships in the water sector often lead to higher tariffs, inequitable access, and poor service delivery. The conspicuous absence of details on who will control these waterworks once the contract is completed, coupled with the years in pursuit of privatisation schemes, suggests that the spectre of private control of water remains on the horizon.

“We reiterate that the path to water resilience for Lagos State cannot and must not be dictated by corporate interests,” the statement added.

Arguing that Lagosians had the right to know the terms of agreements that affected their lives, CAPPA emphasised that water governance ought to be open, participatory, and accountable.

It added: “We therefore call on the Lagos State Government to: Immediately make the full text of the MoU public, including annexes, financial arrangements, and project timelines.

“Organise a public stakeholder forum with civil society, labour, communities, and media to explain the scope and implications of this agreement.

“Halt further moves toward water privatisation and instead recommit to public, democratically controlled, and adequately funded water systems. This includes an explicit and binding commitment that all rehabilitated and newly constructed infrastructure under the purview of this MoU remain under public ownership and control even after completion.”

Finally, CAPPA emphasised that the solution to Lagos’ water challenges “is not to look to corporations with profit motives but to reinvest in public water infrastructure, strengthen public institutions, and embrace participatory governance.”

Nigeria to launch four satellites for Earth observation, security

Michael Simire
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Nigeria to launch four satellites for Earth observation, security

Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, said the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the launch of four satellites to aid Earth observation and the fight against insecurity in the country.

Chief Uche Nnaji
Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology

Nnaji said this at the 22nd National Council on Innovation, Science and Technology (NCIST) in Abuja.

The meeting, which held from May 12 to May 14, had as its theme: “Research, Develop, Innovate and Commercialise: A Cycle for National Prosperity.”

The minister said that the satellites consisted of three Earth Observation satellites and one Radar Aperture satellite.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu is awake to the problems of Nigeria and they are being addressed.

“Just last week, the Federal Executive Council approved that Nigeria launch four satellites, satellites that are worth millions of dollars, three Earth Observation satellites and one search satellite.

“The search satellite is the one that will pick images both day, night, during rain, every time of the day and that is technology in play.

“The military can use it effectively, unlike now that when we want to go and view Sambisa forest and some of these dungeons on gorilla warfare, we have to buy, images, data,” he said.

On the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, the minister said that there was an inter ministerial committee on Research and Innovation that was reviewing it and strategising on institution of National Research and Innovation Fund.

Nnaji said the cycle of Research, Development, Innovation and Commercialisation (RDIC) had built renowned economies and technological giants, adding that Nigeria should also tap into its potential.

“As a country, we can no longer afford to ignore the widening gap between research and real-world impact.

“We must rise up to this challenge acknowledging that for decades, valuable research conducted in our universities and institutions have remained under-utilised, disconnected from industries and policy.

“Our talented young innovators, full of bold ideas and boundless creativity, have often lacked the structured support, financing, and mentorship required to move their innovations from concept to the market.

“Let this 22nd edition of NCIST mark the beginning of a new chapter, one where every research has a roadmap to industry;” he said.

According to him, the meeting should begin an era where every student sees innovation as a viable career, and where every invention finds its way to the market.

“Scientists and researchers must continue to push the frontiers of knowledge, private sector must strengthen collaboration with the academia through investments in Research and Development (R&D) .

“Similarly, the government must build, enforce regulatory frameworks that protect, support and incentivise innovation at every level,” he said.

Nnaji said that the resolutions of the council would be presented to FEC for adoption.

The minister explained that the 22nd edition of the council which was scheduled to hold in 2024 was postponed to 2025 due to some contingencies.

He, however,  promised that plans were underway for the 23rd edition for the restoration of the regular schedule.

“We are committed to restoring the Council’s regular schedule and ensuring that the momentum built here today is not only sustained but accelerated in our collective drive toward a more innovative and prosperous Nigeria,” he said.

Mrs. Esuabana Nko-Asanye, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, said the meeting was a call to action towards creating a dynamic ecosystem where all sectors work together towards building a prosperous Nigeria.

She said stakeholders’ collaboration would address complex national challenges such as unemployment, insecurity, climate change, economic diversification.

The Permanent Secretary said that from the beginning of the meeting, 109 memoranda were presented which reflected diverse inputs from across all sectors of the economy.

“These memoranda highlighted critical challenges, innovative proposals and actionable recommendations aimed at strengthening the role of science, technology and innovation in national development.

“Key areas of focus included the commercialisation of indigenous research, enhancing funding mechanism for the research development and innovation capacity building in emerging technologies.

”The focus areas will improve inter-agency collaboration, liberating on innovation to address sector specific challenges in health, agriculture, education, energy, politics, amongst others,” she said.

According to her, the richness and diversity of these submissions underscore the growing recognition of science, technology and innovation as a cornerstone of Nigeria sustainable development.

She said it also provided a clear road map for aligning national priorities with global trends.

Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), said that the theme of the meeting was timely, adding that it captured the need for a sustainable national development.

Represented by Dr Morris Mbaeri, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Akume said that sustainable national development could only be achieved by building a resilient innovation ecosystem where research was purpose-driven.

“This cycle is very essential in addressing real world challenges and unlocking long term prosperity.

“I therefore urge all stakeholders, the academia, industry and government, to strengthen their collaboration and build enduring partnership to drive the full cycle of RDIC,” he said.

Prof. Azikiwe Onwualu, President, African University of Science and Technology (AUST), recommended an increase in R&D spending to three per cent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.

Onwualu also said the country required more RDIC clusters and hubs through the integration of academia, industry, startups in project initiatives.

“We should operationalise the National Research and Innovation Council Fund to coordinate RDIC efforts as envisaged in the STI policy,” he said.

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

High hopes for global leadership as group launches Africa Carbon Market Outlook

Michael Simire
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High hopes for global leadership as group launches Africa Carbon Market Outlook

As climate urgency accelerates across the globe, Africa is stepping into a pivotal role as a potential leader in the carbon market.

African Carbon Market Outlook
Some of the participants at the virtual launch of the African Carbon Market Outlook 2025 on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, hosted by the Carbon Free African Network

At the launch of the African Carbon Market Outlook 2025 on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, hosted by the Carbon Free African Network, stakeholders, thought leaders, and advocates came together to discuss Africa’s carbon opportunities and how to ensure they are equitable, sustainable, and community driven.

In his opening remarks, Noel Casserly, director at Avenir Ver and a prominent advocate for sustainable development, framed the event’s significance: not just as a report launch, but as a call for Africa to take ownership of its carbon future.

Dr. Sadiq Austin Oko, CEO of the Carbon Free African Network, delivered the first keynote, emphasising the continent’s vast renewable energy resources, untapped land potential, and youthful workforce. Crucially, Dr. Oko stressed the need for transparent governance, land rights protection, and community-centered climate action.

Professor John Osonwo’s presentation on key detailed the potential of Africa’s carbon market, emphasising the need for greater synergy and policy alignment to harness the continent’s potential. He highlighted the importance of smaller scale projects led by local communities and the need for increased scrutiny of social and ecological impacts.

Prof concluded by outline the potential for Africa to become a global leader in carbon markets, but with a focus on climate justice.

With the African carbon market currently valued at $2.4 billion, projections show it could double in the next decade, thanks to increasing global demand for voluntary and compliance carbon credits. The market is expected to grow 15–20% annually, with carbon credits comprising 80% of its total value.

By 2030, up to 300 million credits could be issued. By 2050, that number could reach 1.5 billion, generating $6 billion in revenue and creating an estimated 30 million green jobs.

In the panel discussion session, Dr. Eyene Okpanachi emphasised that Africa’s success depends on building robust governance structures. These must include: Transparent benefit-sharing mechanisms, Strong policy and regulatory frameworks, Environmental and social safeguards, Long-term data and Impact monitoring systems.

The importance of community consent, informed engagement, and indigenous knowledge also featured prominently in the discussion, positioning local actors as central to any carbon market model.

Despite the promise, challenges remain according to one of the panelists, Zsolt Lengel, who highlighted that there is a demand gap for African carbon credits, driven by unclear offsetting regulations, limited awareness, and underdeveloped markets.

Yet, there’s hope: the European Union, among others, is eyeing Africa as a future supplier of high-integrity carbon credits. For this opportunity to materialise, validation bodies, technical expertise, and financing mechanisms must be scaled across the continent.

Practical experiences shared by Allan, a 30-year reforestation veteran, and Mark Baker of Carbon Tanzania, illustrated the urgent need for: Reforestation investment (e.g., Mozambique’s 60 million hectares of deforested land), High-quality, verified carbon credits, Regulatory engagement and institutional readiness. These case studies underscored that finance and governance must move hand in hand to turn climate ambition into tangible, community-owned results.

One of the strongest messages from the event was the need to prioritise local communities in carbon projects. Speakers like Dr.  Eyene Okpanach, Dr. Eugene Itua, Dr. Vincent Nduka and Sara Stefanini advocated for social acceptability, equitable benefit-sharing, and community involvement in both policy and practice. This people-centred approach will ensure that carbon markets contribute not just to emissions reductions but to climate justice and inclusive development.

The African Carbon Market Outlook outlined a clear action plan for the coming years: Carbon Free African Network to publish the 2025 Outlook and launch a subscription platform for annual reports, Development of a continental carbon exchange platform, Governments to implement comprehensive regulatory frameworks, Institutions to enforce environmental and social safeguards, Media and journalists to simplify language and improve public awareness, Community engagement to remain central to project design and implementation, and Cross-country knowledge-sharing to accelerate local success stories.

In conclusion, participants agreed that Africa is uniquely positioned to shape the future of global carbon markets not just as a supplier of carbon credits but as a visionary leader in climate innovation, justice, and sustainability.

With the right blend of policy, participation, and partnerships, the continent’s carbon transformation can fuel a new era of green development, equity, and economic opportunity, they stated.

For more information or to access the full 2025 African Carbon Market Outlook report, visit: https://www.carbonfreeafricantwork.org/

NESREA closes 21 facilities in Abuja due to environmental infractions

Michael Simire
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NESREA closes 21 facilities in Abuja due to environmental infractions

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, shut down 21 facilities, which include housing estates as well as quarry sites, in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, for several environmental violations.

NESREA
Officials of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) during the Abuja enforcement operation

According to NESREA Director General, Prof. Innocent Barikor, who spoke to a group of journalists briefly after the exercise at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, his organisation decided to seal the facilities after several failed attempts, both in writing and in person, to resolve the matter.

He said the agency doesn’t see the action as a punitive measure to witch-hunt the violators; rather, it is intended to reduce the negative environmental impacts of the facilities’ operations and also serve as a deterrent to enforcing regulatory compliance.

“During the enforcement exercise, it was evident that many of these facilities failed the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) test, as structures were seen being built on flood plains and in other environmentally hazardous areas. This must stop,” said Prof. Barikor, “especially in the real estate sector, which he stated has continued to operate in deviance and violation of NESREA regulations.”

The agency’s chieftain also disclosed that there were so many public complaints against these facilities and officials of NESREA carried out an investigation, after which notices of compliance concerns were issued to these facilities.

However, they failed to adhere to the provisions of the environmental laws, hence the action by the agency, he stated.

Prof. Barikor went on to say that several of the facilities failed to do an EIA prior to the start of their projects, as required by law.

“The negative impact of the construction and quarrying activities within FCT has led to public outcry by the host communities where these facilities exist. In addition, the environment is exposed to various forms of environmental degradation and disaster, such as flooding, erosion, and burrow pits,” he asserts.

The affected facilities sealed are as follows: White Avenue Real Estate, Lugbe; CCECC-FIRS, Abuja; Mo Mouna Construction, Katampe; Practis Project, Abuja; Belmont Court, Idu; Istrom Construction, Abuja; Mab Global Estate, Idu; Ochacho Real Homes Limited, Idu; Constrix, Idu; Anarock Global Services Limited, Abuja; Quali Trends Nigerian Limited, Abuja; Boked International Limited, Abuja; CCECC at Central Business District, Abuja; and Tim Tali Transport Limited, Abuja.

Others include Matilda Rozi Limited, Abuja; Efedi Homes at Kukwaba District; T’lon Construction and Facilities Management, Abuja; the Cosgrove project of a shopping mall at Wuse II; Cosgrove estate, Central Business District; Tayyib Homes Limited, Lugbe; and Contrix cube, Katampe.

 In a similar vein, Mr. Elijah Udofia, Director of Environmental Quality Control, said that the agency has allowed the owners of the impacted facilities ample time since last year to furnish the legally required documents, but they have not done so.

He was even more upset by the quarry operators’ activities, which he said went beyond the prescribed regulations.

“For the quarry pit, the law permits a 3-metre depth, but some of them have gone up to of 25 metres. We have looked into it, and that is why we are doing this today,” Mr. Udofia hinted.

By Etta Michael Bisong, Abuja

Colombia to host Desertification and Drought Day 2025

Michael Simire
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Colombia to host Desertification and Drought Day 2025

The Republic of Colombia will host the 2025 global observance of Desertification and Drought Day on June 17, highlighting the country’s commitment to tackling land degradation through nature-based solutions.

Ibrahim Thiaw
Under-Secretary-General and UNCCD Executive Secretary, Ibrahim Thiaw

Taking place in Bogotá, the event will draw global attention to the urgent need to scale up land restoration as a catalyst for sustainability, peace, and inclusive development. The global observance will be part of the Global Land Forum, hosted by the Government of Colombia.   

Under the theme “Restore the Land. Unlock the Opportunities,” the 2025 observance will emphasise the critical role of healthy land in providing food, water, jobs, and security. Colombia’s decision to host the global event reflects its determination to restore land at scale and ensure that restoration efforts directly improve livelihoods and ecosystems. 

Ibrahim Thiaw, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), said: “Land degradation is more than just an environmental issue – it is a direct threat to our health, food and water security, and the stability of societies. When we lose healthy land, we weaken nutrition, increase the risk of disease, and expose communities to climate and economic shocks. I thank the Republic of Colombia for its invitation to host this year’s observance, which will shine a light on how restoring land can protect nature, improve well-being, and build a more resilient future for all.” 

Highlighting the urgent need for sustainable land use and the vital connection between soil and peace, Martha Viviana Carvajalino Villegas, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Colombia, stated: “The protection of agricultural soils and land is an urgent imperative in the face of interconnected crises threatening our survival: biodiversity loss, ecosystem degradation, hunger, poverty, and displacement.

“In response, we commemorate Desertification and Drought Day to reaffirm that protecting the soil is protecting life. This struggle rests on three pillars: soil conservation and restoration, sustainable, fair and resilient agri-food systems, and improved quality of life in rural and urban areas. Without fertile soil, there is no food; without food, there is no peace.” 

“We implement comprehensive policies: equitable land redistribution, restitution of rights to historically marginalised communities, and guarantees for sustainable resource management. In this way, we transform the soil into a shield against hunger, a bridge towards reconciliation, and a legacy of dignity for future generations. Land is not just a resource: it is the foundation of peace,” she added.  

Faced with the serious challenge of land degradation – affecting nearly 30 per cent of its territory, or 34.39 million hectares – Colombia is stepping up with bold action. By 2030, it aims to restore 100,000 hectares of degraded land, conserve 22,000 hectares of dry forest, expand sustainable agroforestry systems, and support rural communities through targeted restoration and planning initiatives across priority regions. In hosting the observance, the country is also opening a platform for youth, Indigenous peoples, farmers, scientists and civil society to share local solutions that contribute to global goals. 

Colombia’s efforts reflect a broader global imperative: restoring land is essential to meeting today’s urgent challenges – from climate change and biodiversity loss to food insecurity and forced migration. Despite increasing momentum, including at UNCCD COP16, the true value of healthy land remains underestimated.

Land degradation, drought and desertification cost the global economy an estimated $878 billion each year. Meanwhile, restoring over one billion hectares of degraded land could generate up to $1.8 trillion annually, with each dollar invested returning between $7-$30 in economic benefits. Yet the pace and scale of restoration remain far below what is needed. 

The economic case for restoration is clear,” Thiaw added. “Each dollar invested can yield up to thirty in returns. But beyond the numbers, restoring land is about protecting the dignity of communities, ensuring long-term access to food and water, and building a more stable and equitable world. Colombia’s leadership underscores what is possible when restoration becomes a national priority.”

Officially declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 1994 (A/RES/49/115), Desertification and Drought Day, marked annually on June 17, is a unique occasion to highlight practical solutions to combating desertification, land degradation and drought.

In 2025, Colombia will welcome global leaders, experts, youth, and representatives from across society for the official celebration in Bogotá. Countries around the world are mobilising to mark Desertification and Drought Day with an array of educational, cultural and sporting activities. 

How the world can develop without ruining itself, by study

Michael Simire
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How the world can develop without ruining itself, by study

A groundbreaking scenario study in the top journal Nature is now looking far beyond today, presenting projections of the climate and environment up to the end of the century for different policy pathways.

Planetary boundaries
Planetary boundaries define the safe operating space for humanity

The reference point is the “planetary boundaries”, which define the safe operating space for humanity.

According to the study, sustainability will remain a critical issue for decades to come, but ambitious measures can achieve a situation at least similar to 2015 by 2050 and significantly improve it by 2100. The study was co-authored by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK).

“Human civilisation has reached a critical juncture, and using a novel methodology, we show how it can continue to develop without ruining its natural foundations,” says PIK Director Johan Rockström, co-author of the study.

“This is the most comprehensive coupling so far of the framework of planetary boundaries, which has originally been geared towards taking stock of the current situation, to data from model-based future scenarios. It results in a valuable navigation system for policymakers. We can clearly quantify the danger of business as usual, while showing that ambitious change pays off,” he adds.

Rockström played a leading role in developing the planetary boundaries concept in 2009. It defines the upper limit of the safe zone and tracks an increasing and high-risk level beyond this limit, for nine systems, including climate change, ocean acidification and changes in the nitrogen and phosphorus cycles, freshwater systems and biosphere integrity.

The research team also draws on the Integrated Assessment Model IMAGE, which is widely used in climate research, providing a detailed depiction of how human activities affect the environment.

Detlef van Vuuren, who has significantly expanded this model, is the study’s lead author. He is a professor at Utrecht University and senior researcher at the PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency.

Climate policies will not be enough, on its own

Even now, as a 2023 study co-authored by PIK showed, six of the nine boundaries have already been transgressed, meaning that systems are outside the safe zone. The new study indicates a continuous deterioration until 2100 for almost all categories – with the exception of the stratospheric ozone layer and air pollution – for a business-as-usual scenario without any additional policy measures.

By 2050, climate and nitrogen pressures will already be well into the high-risk range. What’s more, ambitious climate policies aimed at limiting global heating to a maximum of 1.5°C will not be enough, on their own, to get us out of the high-risk range across the board by the end of the century.

Of course, climate action will have positive side effects: moving away from combustion engines will result in better air quality, while reforestation will support more sustainable land use. But there will also be problematic consequences, for example from climate protection through the mass cultivation of bioenergy crop. The study therefore culminates in the question: what other ambitious and technically feasible measures would further reduce the transgression of planetary boundaries?

The search for even better measures

The research team models a scenario that supplements ambitious climate policy with additional measures: a shift to a low-meat diet (the so-called EAT-Lancet Planetary Health Diet), halving food waste, and efficient use of water and nutrients. In this projection, it appears that the deterioration of the Earth’s systems can be stalled and turned around: in almost every respect, the planet would be at least as healthy in 2050 as it was in 2015, and it would continue to recover in the second half of the century.

“But even in this scenario, planetary boundaries will still be exceeded in 2100,” emphasises lead author Detlef van Vuuren, “namely for the climate, the phosphorus and nitrogen cycles, and the integrity of the biosphere. The search for even better policy measures therefore remains on the agenda. And to assess what they can achieve, our study provides a viable scientific approach.”

Campaigners ask KCB Tanzania to reconsider EACOP support, condemn arrest of 11 activists 

Michael Simire
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Campaigners ask KCB Tanzania to reconsider EACOP support, condemn arrest of 11 activists 

Activists from the #StopEACOP coalition in Tanzania on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, delivered a letter to the Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Dar es Salaam wherein they expressed concern over the bank’s decision to support the controversial East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project.

StopEACOP
StopEACOP campaigners

The environment and climate change activists also condemned the arrest of 11 activists from Uganda who were arrested at KCB Uganda on April 23 and remain in prison until a bail hearing scheduled for May 27. The 11 activists were reportedly lured to the basement of the building by a KCB Bank Uganda official, where they were arrested by the police.

“We thank our Tanzanian comrades for standing with us. These arrests reveal a dangerous pattern of banks colluding with state forces to criminalise dissent. We call on commercial bank regulators to investigate KCB Uganda’s role in this abuse. Financial institutions cannot be allowed to undermine human rights with impunity,” said Brian Atuheire, with AIFE Uganda.

The formal letter presented to KCB Tanzania draws the contradiction in the bank’s involvement in the EACOP pipeline and their own sustainability policies, including their commitment to fund projects that protect communities’ environments. The letter points out that the pipeline will go through the Lake Victoria basin, and it poses a risk to the more than 40 million East Africans who depend on the lake.

“KCB’s hypocrisy is staggering. On one hand, they tout commitments to sustainability and community welfare; on the other, they bankroll a project that devastates ecosystems and silences dissent. ESG principles aren’t just PR tools—they’re legal and moral obligations. KCB must choose: Will it be a leader in ethical banking or a poster child for greenwashing?” said Richard Senkondo, of the Organisation for Community Engagement (OCE), Tanzania.

The letter highlights that more than 40 major international banks have either publicly distanced themselves from EACOP or adopted policies preventing their involvement in similar projects, indicating a global financial shift away from fossil fuel investments.

Banks like KCB are playing with fire. Over 40 global financiers have already rejected EACOP due to its risks, yet KCB insists on tying its reputation to this sinking ship. The arrests in Uganda expose the brutal lengths banks will go to suppress accountability. The financial sector is gambling with our future by propping up fossil fuels at the expense of our people and planet. The entire sector should be reassessed for the role it could and should play in the future we want to build,” said Zaki Mamdoo, the StopEACOP Campaign Coordinator.

Microplastics described as planetary emergency, as new study reveals deep ocean contamination

Michael Simire
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Microplastics described as planetary emergency, as new study reveals deep ocean contamination

Microplastics are not just an environmental issue –they are a planetary emergency, according to Bengt Rittri, Swedish ecopreneur and founder of Bluewater, a firm specialising in clean drinking water and beverage solutions.

Microplastics
Microplastics

His warning follows a landmark study published in Nature that warned microplastics are now so deeply embedded in the ocean’s structure that they alter the Earth’s fundamental biogeochemical processes.

The international study, which rigorously analysed data from 1,885 ocean stations between 2014 and 2024 using state-of-the-art sampling and analysis techniques, found microplastic particles – ranging in size from 1 to 100 micrometers – permeating the entire water column, from the surface to depths of over 6,800 meters. Concentrations exceeded 13,500 particles per cubic meter in the Mariana Trench and averaged 2,200 particles per cubic meter in the upper 200 meters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Researchers documented that plastic debris, particularly buoyant polymers and dense materials like PET, now contributes ‘allochthonous carbon’ to marine ecosystems. This term refers to carbon that originates from outside the ecosystem, in this case, from the breakdown of plastic. This artificial carbon presence not only distorts carbon dating by up to 420 years but also threatens key biological processes such as nitrification and denitrification, which are essential for maintaining marine life and regulating the climate.

Rittri emphasised: “It is painfully clear that we’ve allowed plastic pollution to compromise the planet’s life-support systems. This is not just about litter or aesthetics but protecting the integrity of Earth’s oceans and atmosphere. Microplastics are a planetary emergency.

“Every action matter and every single-use plastic bottle not used is a step toward restoring planetary health. As a purpose-driven company, we call on global leaders, businesses, and citizens to act now to eliminate single-use plastic bottles and support sustainable water solutions.”

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