climate action - The African Mirror

Dec

2023

Maasai activist turns juicy inspiration into climate action

A smoothie of fresh mango, avocado and banana was the rich and creamy fruit drink that not only excited Edith Santiyian’s taste buds but gave rise to an idea that is bringing tree cover to desolate communities in the Rift Valley. Santiyian, 29, remembers savouring the medley of fruit and pondering the deeper connection between nature’s bounty and the health of her home environment. What was to be a refreshing start to her day suddenly turned from sensory overload to a moment of epiphany, when she realised that in her community - devastated by years of charcoal burning, overgrazing and…

Dec

2023

By The African Mirror

Climate action for Africa in 2023: three big developments

ENVIRONMENT

2023 is highly likely to be the hottest year ever recorded. And climate change is to blame for one-quarter of the global population being exposed to dangerous levels of extreme heat. We need signs that countries are taking steps to address this. Specifically, we need climate action that helps us adapt and that cuts greenhouse gas emissions, if we want to minimise the escalating losses and damages from climate change. NICHOLAS P. SIMPSON, Senior Research Fellow, Climate and Sustainability, ODI, Overseas Development Institute This year, there were three developments across Africa which highlight a mix of progress, priorities and potential…

Oct

2023

By BONFACE ORUCHO, BIRD STORY AGENCY

South African academics to lead a global physics initiative on climate action

ENVIRONMENT

TWO scholars from the University of Witwatersrand (Wits) have taken the helm of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) Working Group on Physics for Climate Action and Sustainable Development. According to a press statement from the university, Professor Nithaya Chetty will lead the charge, with Professor Gledhill assuming the role of secretary. "This is a multidisciplinary endeavour involving the basic sciences like physics, chemistry, mathematics, computing, engineering, human and social sciences, law, and health sciences," emphasised Chetty. The appointments, confirmed during the IUPAP General Assembly in Geneva, signal a growing commitment to an interdisciplinary approach to addressing…

Jun

2023

By The African Mirror

Nigeria needs to take climate action: 4 urgent steps to start with

ENVIRONMENT

CLIMATE change is not just a buzzword or a topic for political debates. It is a real and pressing issue that affects every aspect of our lives. The effects of climate change are already being felt worldwide, from rising sea levels to heatwaves, droughts, floods, loss of biodiversity, food insecurity and more. Author OLASUNKANMI HABEEB OKUNOLA, Visiting Scientist at the United Nations University – Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS), United Nations University In Nigeria, climate change has contributed to the country’s mounting economic and social challenges. The country has acknowledged the need to move to a low-carbon future.…

Nov

2022

By The African Mirror

13 young activists fighting for climate action in Africa

ENVIRONMENT

FROM toolkits to snacks, Africa's Gen Zs and Millennials are on the frontlines, creating awareness and inspiring action against climate change. Kelo Uchendu: A voice for youths and children at “Africa’s COP” Kelo Uchendu leads policy developments at YOUNGO, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) youth and children constituency. The 26-year-old witnessed the effect of acid rain along the oil-rich Niger Delta, which provoked him to seek a solution to the health hazard caused by acidic aerosols from gas and refinery operations in the region. The young climate activist is responsible for ensuring the voices of children and…

May

2021

By The African Mirror

Uganda to state agencies: No cash without a climate plan

ENVIRONMENT

CHRISTOPHER BENDANA INSPIRED by a similar diversity policy, Uganda's government is set to require public agencies to allocate part of their budgets to climate change measures if they want state funding, hailing the move as a big step toward meeting the nation's green goals. But while some climate experts say linking funding to climate action is essential to slowing global warming, others warn that already tight local government budgets mean the policy would do little to help. As part of the country's first National Climate Change Bill, passed by legislators in late April, all government ministries, departments, and agencies would…

Nov

2020

By The African Mirror

EXPERT VIEWS: US exit from Paris deal a blow – but drive for climate action rolls on

WORLD

AFTER the United States officially withdrew from the 2015 Paris Agreement, officials, analysts and campaigners said the departure dealt a blow to global climate diplomacy and the battle to curb rising planet-heating emissions. But, they noted, many American cities, states and companies continue to lead a push to meet U.S. commitments under the Paris accord, aimed at heading off the worst impacts of wild weather and rising seas by reining in temperature rise. And they said it would be relatively simple for Washington to rejoin the pact should Democratic presidential challenger Joe Biden win the race for the White House,…