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Clean energy a ‘moment of opportunity’ in climate crisis – Guterres

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United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, said in a special address on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, that the rising abundance and falling costs of wind, solar and other renewable energy sources present “the dawn of a new energy era” of cheap, clean power and an opportunity to meet the climate challenge.

Antonio Guterres
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres visits solar panels on the roof of the U.N. Headquarters. Photo credit: Mark Garten/Courtesy of the United Nations

“The fossil fuel age is flailing and failing,” Guterres said, adding that nearly all new power capacity built last year came from renewable sources. He said the economics of renewable energy had passed a tipping point making the clean energy transition “unstoppable.”

Guterres called on nations to fully embrace the potential of clean energy as they submit plans to meet greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. He also challenged major tech companies to meet their surging demand for power for data centres with 100 percent renewable energy by 2030.

“By 2030, data centres could consume as much electricity as all of Japan does today,” Guterres said. “This is not sustainable, unless we make it so.”

Drawing on statistics from a report released on Tuesday by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Guterres lauded the remarkable growth of renewable energy in the decade since the Paris Climate Agreement was signed in 2015.

Solar and wind power, once costly alternatives to electricity generated by burning coal or gas, are now roughly 40 to 50 percent cheaper than fossil fuels, the report found. Grid-scale batteries to store renewable energy – an important means of making the intermittent energy supply from sun and wind match times of energy demand – were scarce in 2015. Since then, the IRENA researchers found that global battery storage capacity has soared from just 2 gigawatts to 90 gigawatts.

Guterres said the abundance of affordable clean energy means that government leaders can be much more aggressive on emissions reductions, “using new national climate plans to go all-out on the energy transition.”

Countries that are parties to the Paris Agreement are required to periodically update their emissions reduction plans, called Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and new plans are due when the U.N. convenes the COP30 climate talks in November in Brazil.

Guterres said he will convene a high-level event during the U.N. General Assembly in September to highlight NDCs that deliver on global promises to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 and reach global net-zero emissions by 2050.

Former President Joe Biden submitted the U.S. NDC late last year near the end of his term in office, but it was largely a symbolic move. President Donald Trump pulled the U.S. out of the Paris Agreement upon taking office in January.

Guterres did not reference Trump by name, but his remarks offered an unmistakable rebuke to Trump’s energy policies that gut support for renewables in favour fossil fuels.

“The clean energy future is no longer a promise, it’s a fact,” Guterres said. “No government, no industry, no special interest can stop it.”

Trump has dismantled climate-related research at federal agencies, placed additional barriers to solar and wind development and moved to end many regulations on greenhouse gas emissions from autos and the power sector, all while expanding mining and drilling access to public lands.

While Guterres wants Big Tech to commit to renewable energy to power the boom in AI data centers, Trump and his top-level officials used an event last week to urge more use of coal and natural gas to power AI. At a summit on energy and AI in Pittsburgh, Trump’s Energy Secretary Chris Wright, a former fracking industry executive, downplayed the seriousness of climate change and ridiculed Biden-era support for clean power as the “energy crazy train.”

Guterres said such continued investment in fossil fuels will drive up costs and create stranded assets in the long term.

“Countries that cling to fossil fuels are not protecting their economies; they are sabotaging them,” he said. He argued that dependence on fossil fuels leaves economies at the mercy of price shocks due to disruption to supplies and geopolitical turmoil, as happened with energy prices in Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“Let’s be clear,” he said, “the greatest threat to energy security today is fossil fuels.”

In response to the UN Secretary General’s report, and the associated energy report, Climate Action Network says welcomes the meaningful mention of the need for a Just Transition.

“The renewable energy transformation is here, and it is unstoppable, as Mr. Guterres stated today, but without effort and political will, this power shift risks being unjust, exploitative and unsustainable,” stated the group.

Jacobo Ocharan, Head of Political Strategies, Climate Action Network International, said: “The Secretary-General was on the money when he said that the energy transformation must deliver equity, dignity and opportunity for all – this is the beating heart of what a just transition means. The just transition is about embracing the future and not being stuck in the polluting and unfair past, which is where the fossil fuel industry wants us trapped. COP30 can and must deliver on just transition with a path grounded in human rights, justice and equity. The brief mention of nuclear needing to be in the energy mix was a shame, but the focus overall was on the just transition to renewable energy.

“The call for international cooperation to support low-income countries that are highly dependent on fossil fuels is timely and welcome, especially as the world is in the throes of massive division and nationalism. Likewise, the calls to reform the global financial architecture and debt for developing countries are positive, while the creeping mentions of investment opportunities and private finance are a concern.”

Over 200m Americans to feel impacts of scorching July heat after weeks of flash flooding

A sweltering summer heat dome that is baking much of the southern and central United States in intense heat and humidity is expected to expand into parts of the Northeast later this week.

In the wake of a relentless stretch of flash flooding triggered by slow-moving downpours and thunderstorms in recent weeks, an analysis by AccuWeather® expert meteorologists has confirmed that 2025 is on track to become one of the worst years ever on record for deadly and destructive flash flooding.

heat wave
Above-danger heat stress: A man cools off amid searing heat wave

Summer heat dome expands this week

A long stretch of blistering heat is in the forecast for millions across the South and Plains, while breaks from the heat and humidity will become much more frequent in the Northeast.

AccuWeather® expert meteorologists say a northward bulge in the jet stream will develop while high pressure builds. This heat dome is expected to be very persistent. While the core of the heat dome may meander east –to west and back in the weeks ahead, it may linger through a good chunk of August.

Many locations that have avoided 100-degree heat so far this year, including Dallas and HoustonLittle RockOklahoma City and Wichita, Kansas, will rack up a string of triple digits in the days ahead.

“The bottom line is that this has the look of a long-lasting heat wave with limited rainfall,” AccuWeather® Senior Meteorologist, Chad Merrill, said. “Kansas City, Missouri, has not hit 100 degrees since Aug. 25, 2023, but is positioned to do so on multiple days during the upcoming heat dome.”

Following rounds of downpours and storms in some areas, it will take additional time for the ground to dry out in some areas. Very humid and steamy conditions are expected in many places as moisture is drawn into the air. 

“The zone from central Texas into the Ozarks in Arkansas and Missouri still has wet soil from recent rain. The humidity levels will end up highest in this area, leading to extremely humid conditions this week. AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures will peak around 110-115 degrees this week in this zone,” Merrill explained. “Many cities from Nebraska and Missouri to Texas and Louisiana won’t get relief at night with low temperatures to range from the mid-70s to the low 80s.”

AccuWeather RealFeel™ Shade values, while not quite as high as in the sun, will still be in the upper 90s and 100s.

Merrill said drought conditions could worsen in some areas where the heat dome will prevent thunderstorms and downpours. 

“Drought will expand through the central Plains by mid-August and worsen in Kansas and Nebraska, where there are already pockets of moderate to extreme drought,” Merrill said. 

Some tropical moisture can push westward from the Gulf and into parts of central and southern Texas and spill northward from Mexico and into the Deserts, Rockies and High Plains in the form of periodic thunderstorms.

Heat to surge into the mid-Atlantic and Northeast later this week 

After a brief stretch of days with lower humidity and noticeably cooler air early this week, a bubble of heat will break off from a searing heat dome over the middle of the United States later this week and surge into parts of the mid-Atlantic and Northeast.

“The late-week scorcher heading into the East will be a quick whiplash,” Merrill said. “The timing is in sync with the late-June surge in temperatures, but this one won’t last nearly as long.”

A backdoor cold front, a cold front the comes down from the north in New England, looks to squash the heat by Sunday.

“While the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast have been no stranger to high humidity this summer, the mid-90s have only made an appearance once this month in Philadelphia,” Merrill said. “Detroit has only reached 92 degrees this month. New York City will reach well into the 90s Friday and Saturday, following only three days with highs in the 90s earlier this month. The short, hot and humid spell will be significant.”

The two-day stretch of hot and humid conditions will occur as the jet stream moves prior to discharging more cool air. AccuWeather® expert meteorologists say the pattern shift will bring fewer hot and humid days to the Northeast later this month. 

A cool front will drop this weekend, pushing from the northeast and north, rather than the typical direction from the west and northwest. This setup will be similar to the backdoor cold front that ended the heat wave in late June. Backdoor fronts are named after their atypical movement from the northeast to the southwest. They typically cross the region during the middle of spring.

Temperatures may drop by 15-30 degrees in the wake of the front this upcoming weekend in some areas of the Northeast. Highs in the 90s will be replaced with highs in the 80s and even the 70s.

As each wave of cooler and less humid air collides with hot and humid air, rounds of thunderstorms are possible, including the risk of some severe thunderstorms

Deforestation rates on Afro-descendant lands in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Suriname lower than the norm – Study

Afro-descendant peoples in four Amazon countries show remarkable achievements in environmental stewardship, according to new research from Conservation International, published on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in Nature Communications Earth and Environment.

Afro-descendants
Colombia and the U.S held the first Binational Summit of Afro-descendant Leaders in 2024, under the theme “Connecting the African Diaspora”. Photo credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The study assessed Afro-descendant lands in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Suriname, finding significantly lower rates of deforestation and larger quantities of both biodiversity and irrecoverable carbon (the carbon that, if lost due to ecosystem conversion, could not be re-sequestered for at least 30 years).

The paper is said to be the first peer-reviewed study to combine statistical, spatial and historical data together to quantify the critical role of Afro-descendants in protecting nature. It follows last year’s formal recognition by the Convention on Biological Diversity at the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16) of the vital role Afro-descendant peoples play in biodiversity and supporting global conservation goals – and comes as Brazil prepares to host the UN Climate Summit (COP30) later this year, bringing global attention to the Americas’ role in tackling climate change.

“Afro-descendant peoples across the Americas have long served as environmental stewards without recognition or reward – most of their territories are not even formally recognised,” said Martha Cecilia Rosero Peña, Ph.D., Social Inclusion Director at Conservation International. “The evidence, however, is indisputable; the world has much to learn from their land management practices.”

Key Findings

The study focused specifically on recognised Afro-descendant lands in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Suriname. Afro-descendant peoples in these countries hold management rights on 9.9 million ha of land (1% of the total 1 billion ha land area for the four study countries).

Afro-descendant lands significantly exceeded the norm for these countries in three prominent indicators of conservation value:

  • Deforestation rates for Afro-descendant lands were…
    • 29% lower when the lands were within Protected Areas
    • 36% lower when the lands were outside Protected Areas
    • 55% lower when the lands sat at the edge of a Protected Area
  • More than half (57%) of Afro-descendant lands are among the top 5% globally in biodiversity, including 99% of all Afro-descendant lands in Ecuador
  • These lands contain high densities of irrecoverable carbon – over 486 million tonnes of it collectively – and its continued protection under Afro-descendant community management is essential to preventing the worst effects of climate change

The study’s findings highlight a critical gap. While nearly one in four people in Latin America identify as Afro-descendant, Afro-descendant peoples are largely underrepresented in global environmental forums, including UN climate and biodiversity summits, where policies, funding and leadership decisions are shaped.

“For centuries, Afro-descendant communities have managed landscapes in ways that sustain both people and nature, yet their contributions remain largely invisible in mainstream conservation,” said Sushma Shretha, Ph.D., director of Indigenous Science, Research, and Knowledge at Conservation International and the lead author of the paper. “This research makes clear that their environmental stewardship is not just historical. It is ongoing and it must be recognized, supported and learned from.”

Hugo Jabini, a human rights and environmental Maroon leader from Suriname’s Saamaka Afro-Descendant Tribe, said: “This study is very important to us, Saamaka people, as it highlights for the first time how, through our deep cultural and spiritual connection to the land, we have sustained vital forest areas. We hope this raises awareness, so that [political leaders] no longer see us as mere claimants of land.”

”Participation in international forums like COP30 can significantly enhance the visibility, representation and influence of Afro-descendant leadership in global environmental policy, contributing to more equitable and environmental governance,” added Jabini.

Conservation Legacy 

Afro-descendant peoples – and the sustainable land management practices they use today – trace their practices to the ingenuity and experience of their ancestors who were forcibly taken from Africa through the transatlantic slave trade. Some escaped before being enslaved, while others fled slavery and established their own settlements in remote regions throughout the Americas.

In dense forests, marshlands and mangroves, they found refuge and, over generations, developed “escape agriculture” – innovative practices that sustained communities while remaining hidden from colonial forces. “It is important to note that those who remained on plantations also undertook these innovative practices, providing food for settlements,” said Rosero. 

Many of these practices, such as “food forests,” blended traditional African knowledge to new environments and established resilient ecosystems that sustained these communities and became critical strongholds for biodiversity and carbon storage.

The study calls for action items similar to those still needed for Indigenous Peoples and local communities, whose environmental stewardship and land rights are similarly underrecognized despite a large body of scientific evidence:

  1. Legal recognition of Afro-descendant territories to ensure their continued protection;
  2. Increased research and funding to support Afro-descendants and their conservation work; and 
  3. Integration of sustainable land management practices used by Afro-descendant peoples into global climate and biodiversity policies.

“Afro-descendant communities protect critical ecosystems. This pioneering study quantifies their impact and shows that justice, secure land tenure, and biodiversity gains align. Global negotiations that seek real impact must place Afro-descendant leadership at the center, and the Permanent Forum stands behind them to secure that seat,” said Amb. Martin Kimani, Chair of the U.N. Permanent Forum on People of African Descent.

“Collective land titling for Afro-descendant communities is a proven effective mechanism for environmental conservation, contributing significantly to the preservation of strategic ecosystems across Latin America and the Caribbean,” said Angélica Mayolo, former minister of culture for Colombia and an MLK Scholar with MIT’s Environmental Solutions Initiative, who hails from the Afro-descendant hub of Buenaventura, Colombia. 

“To build on this success, it is essential to advance the formal recognition of property rights in countries where this has not yet been achieved, such as Panamá, Costa Rica and Dominican Republic. Equally important is the development of innovative financing instruments and economic opportunities for Afro-descendant communities living in biodiverse regions under substantial socioeconomic pressure and vulnerable to climate-related risks.” said Mayolo.

Regional Hub uses data science for nutrition recommendations to boost food productivity in West Africa

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is deploying advanced data and AI driven modelling to boost soil nutrient management, soil health and improve farmer productivity in West Africa, a region experiencing recurrent nutrient depletion due to unsustainable farming practices and injudicious fertiliser use.

Rice Trials
Rice trials

Crops remove essential nutrients such as Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (NPK) from the soil during growth and harvest. These nutrients are vital for crop development and need to be replenished through the natural decomposition process or the application of mineral fertilisers to avoid the deterioration of soil fertility which leads to poor yields.

Nutrient mining and inefficient fertiliser use

Farmers in West Africa and the Sahel region experience poor crop yields as they apply fertilisers inefficiently and without scientific understanding of the specific nutrient needs of their soils. To address this, the Regional Hub for Fertiliser and Soil Health Hub for West Africa, a collaborative initiative to promote soil health and sustainable fertiliser use in the region – is using data science and advanced modelling to develop site specific fertiliser recommendations for farmers to improve soil fertility management and productivity.

Launched in 2024 as a sub-program of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Regional Hub brings together diverse stakeholders who include IITA, International Fertiliser Development Centre (IFDC), OCP Africa, African Plant Nutrition Institute (APNI), University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) and the World Bank through the Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) project.

The Regional Hub provides technical assistance for the development and implementation of ongoing, new fertiliser and soil health-related investments in Africa. One of its key functions focuses on developing site-specific fertiliser recommendations tailored to local soil conditions and crop needs using high-quality agronomic datasets and cutting-edge data science techniques. The fertiliser recommendations align with the principles of Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) and the 4Rs of nutrient stewardship; right source, right rate, right time, and right place to support climate-smart, efficient, and sustainable agriculture across the region.

From Field Trials to Farmer Recommendations

Dr. Siyabusa Mkuhlani, Associate Scientist-Data Science at the IITA in Kenya, highlighted that the Regional Hub is developing site specific fertiliser recommendations using data and models such as Agwise. AgWise is a freely available, open-source tool that provides data-driven, localised, and climate-specific agronomic recommendations. It combines agronomic and geospatial datasets from field trials, market analyses, and open data sources to deliver tailored advice on optimal planting times, cultivar selection, fertiliser types and quantities, and good agronomic practices.

The Regional Hub has established and is managing multi-locational nutrient omission trials to generate data to input into models to develop site specific fertiliser recommendations. Trials are currently underway in Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, Sierra Leone and Liberia where key crops include rice, maize and cassava.

Data, a development imperative

“We need data,” says Dr. Mkuhlani. “This data helps in understanding of the current soil limitations, level of productivity, and how much nutrients are available in the soil for crop growth and development. Specifically, such data is in the form of nutrient omission, where N+P without K, or P+K without N or K+ N without the P, enables us to determine the extent of limit and deficiency of specific nutrients.”

“Using models, we are able to determine how much additional nutrients (NPK) to apply for a farmer to attain certain yield targets,” Dr. Mkuhlani explained. “This additional NPK needed varies per location per environment, in some locations soils are already rich and a little NPK can be applied while other soils are poor and need more NPK.”

Dr. Mkuhlani notes that in developing the site-specific fertiliser recommendation, farmer’s socio-economic information is used to determine how much NPK nutrients are needed for the farmer to achieve a certain yield, but at what cost. For example, to achieve the potential yield the fertilizer recommendations could cost $200, but a farmer indicates that they have $50 to invest, the model can determine the appropriate recommendation suited for the current investment.

It can recommend that a farmer buys 20 kgs of Nitrogen, 30 kg of Phosphorus and 10 kg of Potassium equivalent to $50 fertiliser. In short, the model will determine the target fertiliser application based on the available investment. In next season the farmer can increase their investment until they get to maximum potential yield assessed for their soils.

“These recommendations are not recommended as elemental NPK because it is difficult for my grandmother to understand, but instead the recommendations are made as bags of fertiliser types found in the region.

“The Regional Hub will be in operation for at least 10 years, rolling out site specific fertiliser recommendations in the West Africa and Sahel region. Legacy agronomic data has already been gathered for maize, rice and cassava in Nigeria, Ghana, Togo and Sierra Leone from repositories. We are therefore currently in the process of generating the nutrient management recommendations and the process is 25% complete.

“Our dream is for farmers in West Africa to be more productive and more profitable because they are more knowledgeable about the right fertiliser applications needed for their soils. We also expect to see an improved and capacitated agricultural extension system in the region as we are giving out these recommendations to extension officers who work directly with farmers, and they should be technically competent to train others,” said. Dr. Mkuhlani.

AGESI, UNDP deepen partnership for a sustainable Nigeria

Executive Director of the African Green and Sustainability Institute (AGESI), Dr. Eugene Itua, and the UNDP Resident Representative for Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, met in Abuja on Friday, July 18, 2025, in a bid to solidify their commitment to advancing sustainable development across the nation.

AGESI
Executive Director of the African Green and Sustainability Institute (AGESI), Dr. Eugene Itua (left), and the UNDP Resident Representative for Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah

The visit follows the successful launch of AGESI on same day, an event where Ms. Attafuah’s participation was a significant and powerful voice.

Dr. Itua formally extended his gratitude for the UNDP’s invaluable support and discussed the path forward for a robust partnership.

The strategic discussion focused on aligning AGESI’s core mission of “Empowering Leaders for a Sustainable Africa” with the UNDP’s extensive development work in Nigeria.

Both leaders explored concrete initiatives for collaboration on critical sustainability issues, including green growth, climate action, and policy innovation. The meeting concluded with a shared vision to leverage their combined strengths to create a lasting and positive impact for the people of Nigeria.

AGESI, also known as the African Sustainability Institute (ASI), is a pioneering institution dedicated to empowering leaders for a sustainable Africa. Through research, training, and policy advocacy, AGESI aims to equip leaders with the skills to address the continent’s most pressing environmental and sustainability challenges.

2025 Wildlife Ranger Challenge launches to celebrate conservation’s frontline leaders

The sixth edition of the Wildlife Ranger Challenge was launched on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, to highlight that Africa’s wildlife rangers are no longer just protectors of animals, they are frontline defenders of nature, climate, and community wellbeing.

World Rangers Day
Female park rangers

As the world races toward the 2030 biodiversity targets, it is time to see these men and women not as foot soldiers but as leaders and invest in their welfare, training, and recognition, Challenge organisers Tusk and the Game Rangers Association of Africa (GRAA) said.

The continent’s nearly 60,000 rangers are educators, peacekeepers, first responders, and community leaders who bridge conservation and human development. From preventing poaching and protecting carbon-rich landscapes to supporting livelihoods and responding to local crises, their role is essential for both planetary and community resilience, according to GRAA.

Nick Bubb, Chief Executive at Tusk, says: “Rangers are much more than guardians of wildlife. They are embedded in their communities, protecting the ecosystems that sustain life, while also responding to emergencies, supporting livelihoods, and fostering peace. The Wildlife Ranger Challenge celebrates their courage and resilience, while calling on the global community to invest in their future. Rangers are central to the future of our planet. By running with them, funding them, and telling their stories, we are investing in biodiversity, climate resilience, and community security.”

The Wildlife Ranger Challenge brings together more than 170 ranger teams across 24 African countries in a multi-month campaign of endurance, teamwork, and global solidarity. The initiative culminates in a synchronised 21km race on September 20, with rangers running in full gear, carrying 22kg backpacks, to demonstrate the physical and mental demands of their daily work on the frontline of conservation.

Organised by Tusk and GRAA, with support from founding donor Mark Scheinberg, the Challenge has grown into the largest annual celebration of Africa’s wildlife rangers, raising over $21 million since its launch in 2020. This year, the spotlight is on rangers as community leaders, not just conservation heroes.

The final days of the Challenge coincide with the African Ranger Congress, a policy-focused gathering hosted by GRAA from September 17 to 21 at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya. While the Challenge rallies public and philanthropic support through storytelling and solidarity, the African Ranger Congress convenes advocates for professionalisation, fair employment standards, and long-term investment in ranger welfare.

Together, the two events offer a full picture of the ranger movement in Africa, from the emotional and physical demands on individuals, to the systemic changes needed for long-term impact.

Louise de Bruin, Chief Executive at Game Rangers’ Association of Africa says; “The GRAA is delighted to be an organising partner of the Wildlife Ranger Challenge, an event that shines a global spotlight on the vital and diverse work of rangers. These men and women are not just protectors of wildlife – they are leaders at the frontline of conservation, safeguarding ecosystems, supporting communities, and driving solutions for people and the planet.

“It is especially fitting to see this year’s Challenge alongside the African Ranger Congress, as together they celebrate rangers, while advancing welfare, standards, and professional recognition across the sector. Both events remind us that collaboration is key – together, we can do more for rangers, for people, and for our planet.”

Supporters from around the world are invited to join the global movement in support of rangers, make a donation, or even run in solidarity with the rangers wherever they are, by visiting www.wildliferangerchallenge.org. All funds raised will be matched up to $1.4 million and go directly to supporting ranger welfare, training, equipment, insurance, and innovation across the continent.

The 2025 Wildlife Ranger Challenge comes at a critical time. As the world strives to meet the Global Biodiversity Framework’s 30×30 target – to effectively conserve 30% of the planet’s land and ocean by 2030 – rangers are the human force that will make it possible. Yet, despite their pivotal role, many face hazardous working conditions with inadequate training, gear, insurance, or support.

This year’s Wildlife Ranger Challenge race day includes national events in Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, and South Africa, where media, partners, and the public will witness the race day action up close and hear stories of ranger impact, from patrolling marine zones in Mozambique, to rescuing wildlife in Zambia, to supporting schoolchildren in Uganda.

Rachel Sibanda, a ranger at the Great Plains Biodiversity Ranger, Zambezi, says: “The involvement of female rangers in the Wildlife Ranger Challenge highlights their endurance, survival skills, and physical and mental health. It raises awareness about the critical work they do in protecting the natural world.”

Ezekiel Loserian, a ranger at the African People & Wildlife in Tanzania, says: “We have trained with commitment and worked hard together, and winning the Wildlife Ranger Challenge has made us proud. It shows what community rangers can achieve with discipline, teamwork, and a strong heart for conservation. This challenge continues to push us forward.”

Lagos seals Lekki nightclub over noise pollution

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A joint enforcement team from the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps and Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) on Monday, July 21, 2025, sealed Light House Club located on Admiralty Way, Lekki, over environmental pollution.

Tokunbo Wahab
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab

This is contained in a tweet by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab (@tokunbo_wahab).

Wahab said that the establishment was sealed for violating Lagos State noise pollution regulations, following multiple warnings that were disregarded by the management.

He said that the closure would remain in effect until the club management demonstrates full compliance with environmental standards.

“This includes implementing proper soundproofing measures, and LASEPA confirming their adherence to approved noise levels.

“We want to make it clear to all entertainment venues across Lagos that our environmental laws are not optional.

“The rights of residents to peaceful enjoyment of their neighbourhood  takes precedence over any business interest,” Wahab said.

By Fabian Ekeruche

NOGASA faults Dangote’s planned direct supply of petroleum products to consumers

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The Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA) has raised objections to plans by Dangote Refinery to supply petroleum products directly to end users, bypassing the traditional distribution chain.

Dangote Refinery
Dangote Refinery CNG trucks to facilitate direct supply of petroleum products to end users

NOGASA’s President, Benneth Korie, in a statement on Monday, July 21, 2025, said the move could disrupt the oil and gas industry, putting thousands of jobs at risk and jeopardising the existing business models of suppliers nationwide.

Recall that Dangote Refinery recently announced plans to begin direct supply of petroleum products to end users from Aug. 15.

The refinery said it would deploy 4,000 new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered tankers for nationwide distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and diesel directly to marketers, petrol dealers and manufacturers.

The company added that it would supply petroleum products directly to telecom firms, aviation companies, and other large consumers, bypassing traditional depots and intermediaries.

Reacting, Korie said Dangote’s decision to supply products directly to large organisations, such as telecommunications giants and hotels, marked a notable shift in the sector.

“Members of NOGASA, who serve as intermediaries between refineries and final consumers, fear that this new distribution model will render their roles obsolete.

“This is the new trend in the oil and gas industry, where Dangote is now supplying products directly to end users, especially MTN, companies, hotels, and all the rest of them.

“Members of NOGASA are suppliers of petroleum products; by so doing, a lot of jobs are at stake and we are kicking against this new way of supplying products to end users.”

Highlighting the consequences, he said NOGASA members, and their employees could lose their jobs. added that redundancy of trucks, drivers, and other logistical staff looms, as a direct result of the bypassed supply chain.

The president said it would have a ripple effect not just on the livelihoods of their members, but also on the Nigerian economy.

He said NOGASA’s general meeting, scheduled for July 31, would focus on developing a unified strategy to address the issue, including the possibility of downing tools and direct engagement with Dangote to seek a resolution.

“The association is seeking to advocate for a distribution structure where Dangote supplies products to NOGASA members, who will then sell to the end users, preserving jobs within the supply chain.

“Bypassing the traditional distribution mechanism is not healthy for the oil and gas industry and poses risks to its stability.

“The association is calling on all stakeholders to recognise the vital role that suppliers play—not only in logistics but also in maintaining a balanced industry ecosystem,” Korie said.

By Emmanuella Anokam

Nestlé Nigeria trains 100 plastics waste workers for sustainable future

Nestlé Nigeria Plc has trained 100 plastic waste workers across Lagos and Abuja as part of its ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and social inclusion.

Participants at the Nestle training
Participants at the Nestle training

This is contained in a statement signed by Toju Egbebi, Corporate Affairs Manager at Nestlé Nigeria, and made available on Monday, July 21, 2025, in Lagos.

Egbebi said the training was part of the organisation’s comprehensive Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) Training Programme.

According to her, the initiative aims to enhance the safety and wellbeing of these invaluable workers while empowering them and promoting their dignity within the plastics recycling value chain.

She said the training was supported by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), the Recyclers Association of Nigeria, and the Food Beverage Recycling Alliance.

She said the training encompassed essential topics such as best practices in occupational health and safety, responsible handling of recyclable materials, fire prevention and rescue techniques, and the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

She added that each participant would also receive PPE kits to ensure safer working conditions, fostering a healthier environment for both workers and their communities.

She said the initiative underscored the collective commitment of Nestlé Nigeria to promote environmental sustainability and generate positive social impact.

She added that by ensuring that plastic waste workers acquire the skills necessary for healthier, more productive lives, we contribute to a more sustainable circular economy.

She explained that the SHE training programme, which was implemented by ImpactCrest Consulting aligns seamlessly with Nestlé’s dedication to enhancing quality of life and fostering a healthier future for individuals and families, as well as the planet.

“Together, we are taking significant steps towards a more sustainable and inclusive future,” she added.

She quoted Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Lead for Nestlé Nigeria, as articulating the company’s motivation for the initiative.

Uwadoka highlighted Nestlé’s commitment to building a waste-free future and the recognition of the role that the waste workers play in bringing this vision to life.

“At Nestlé, we are committed to building a waste-free future and recognise the crucial role plastic waste workers play in reducing pollution and facilitating a circular economy.

“This training is a vital component of our support for this key stakeholder group, enhancing Nigeria’s waste management infrastructure.

“By equipping these essential workers with the necessary skills and knowledge, we help to improve their quality of life while increasing their employability and boost productivity within a sustainable waste management framework,” Uwadoka said.

She also quoted Prof. Innocent Barikor, the Director-General, NESREA, as praising Nestlé’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

“I commend Nestlé Nigeria Plc. for its commitment towards environmental sustainability and for prioritizing the health and safety of those at the frontline of waste management.

“Waste workers are often unrecognised yet play a crucial role in our national effort to combat plastic pollution in our environment.

“The focus on training waste workers is commendable, especially at a time when the world is seeking solutions to the prevailing challenges relating to plastic waste management,” Barikor said.

Responding on behalf of the trainees at the Lagos event, the statement quoted Mr. Mayowa Elefin, the Managing Director, Maladase Ecopreneur Management Company Ltd., described the training as an impactful initiative.

“This training is an impactful initiative which aligns with our commitment to promoting a safe, healthy, and sustainable work environment across our plastic recycling value chain.

“It has provided valuable knowledge and practical skills that will greatly benefit our staff, enhancing their capacity to maintain safe operations, ensure healthier workplaces, and ultimately improve productivity,” he said.

By Fabian Ekeruche

NMDPRA, S&P Global host inaugural conference on West African refined fuel market 

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The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), in partnership with S&P Global Commodity Insights, is holding the inaugural West African Refined Fuel Conference.

Farouk Ahmed
Mr. Farouk Ahmed, Authority Chief Executive, NMDPRA

The two-day event scheduled to hold from July 22 to 23, 2025, at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, is designed to provide a foundational platform for exploring the potential development of West African reference market for refined fuels focusing on regional standardisation, pricing mechanisms, data transparency, stakeholder collaboration, market fundamentals and participation, expansion of in-country refining capacity and infrastructure development.

A major focus will be placed on developing frameworks for data transparency, standardisation, and cross-border collaboration for building a robust and reliable pricing reference mechanism in West Africa.

In addition to these goals, the Conference will foster conversations around the regulatory, operational, and infrastructural requirements necessary for developing an integrated market. 

It is expected to bring together key stakeholders from across the energy value chain including regulators, ministries of petroleum/energy across Africa, regional organisations, national and international oil companies and private refiners.

Other stakeholders are depot and terminal operators, African oil and gas associations, financial institutions, multilateral organisations, Oil & Gas traders, marketing companies, ship owners and marine service providers.

The Platform will also be used to initiate discussions on aligning national policies across West African countries to support the emergence of a cohesive and resilient regional fuel market, marking the beginning of a new era of regional energy cooperation and market evolution.

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