Climate
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Zimbabwe’s Green Energy Accelerator Project selected to compete in Rome
Writes Reginald Tapfumaneyi Zimbabwean youth-led project, Green Energy Accelerator (GEA) by Youth and Economic Capital Fund in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), together with the Ministry of Energy and Power Development, has been selected as one of the top 30 Global innovations for Renewable Energy to compete at the Global Youth4Climate Conference…
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Why African farming communities are fed up with African politics
Writes Charles Dhewa Partisan politics has made it difficult for African countries to unlock value from natural resources such as land, water, and favorable climate. Otherwise, farming communities would be living more fulfilling lives than urban dwellers. In spite of resources being spent on sending children to school, African politics does not provide space for…
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Multi-stakeholder collaboration ensured effective Idai disaster risk reduction
Multi-stakeholder collaboration ensured the success of the Zimbabwe Idai Recovery Programme, a senior United Nations official has said. UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Edward Kallons made the remarks virtually that were delivered at the end of the Zimbabwe Idai Recovery Programme Event held at the Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare. He reiterated UN partnerships…
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African Renaissance Sustainable Development publication to spotlight green economy
Renowned philanthropist, and avid student of environmental issues focusing on climate change resilience, Nehemiah Chipato is set to launch a second publication on the green economy ahead of COP28 to be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Chipato, who is the founder of African Renaissance Sustainable Development has organised annual climate change events around the…
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Grain Swap project launched
Staff Reporter Mola, Kariba District – As the climate change-induced weather patterns threaten to affect food security, the government has put in place measures to ensure that communities in drought-prone areas have adequate food. Mashonaland West Provincial Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon Marian Chombo today launched the Grain Swap Program at…
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Stakeholders call for gender-sensitive approaches to disaster risk reduction
Stakeholders are calling for gender-sensitive approaches to disaster prevention, mitigation and recovery strategies, and natural disaster assistance in pursuit of sustainable development. This came to the fore today during a workshop titled ‘Gender and Disaster Risk Management’ a topical subject since the climate is changing and affecting everyone worldwide. Addressing delegates, Hon Monica Mutsvangwa, the…
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National Seed Fair breathes life into long-lost millet varieties
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By Lloyd Rabaya As the Green Stars traditional dance group was dishing out their transcendent performance of the Mbakumba dance, the unmitigated crowd’s cheerful plaudits with the golden dust going straight to the skies marked the permanent return of a lost hope. Since time immemorial in Zimbabwe, different occasions called for different dances, which vary…
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Africa, global south should act now on disaster risks reduction
Dr. Tendai Mhizha, the Secretary-General of the Health Harm Reduction Conference has urged the Global South, with a particular focus on the African continent, to take appropriate action to address challenges hindering sustainable development. She made the remarks during the second edition of the African and first edition of the South-South Health Harm Reduction Conference…
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Food security a top priority for Morocco, Africa’s future
Morocco’s Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, Mohammed Sadiki, has said food and health security and sovereignty are at the heart of Morocco’s political and economic concerns with a continental vision. The importance of the orientation of the food systems and their agri-food value chains that Morocco is developing towards…
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Health harm reduction necessary for sustainable development: Africa CDC
Dr Ahmed E. Ogwell Ouma, the Deputy Director-General of the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has said health harm reduction is the most viable option for attaining sustainable development on the continent. He made the remarks yesterday at the second edition of the African and first edition of the South-South Health…
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Estimating emissions accurately essential for effective mitigation and management strategies
Writes Baboloki Semele Methane emissions contribute to climate change and air pollution and are thus a major environmental concern. This was revealed by programme manager of solid waste management and circular economy at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) in India, Richa Singh during a live discussion on CSE’s new report named ‘Methane Emissions…
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Carbon credits are a hoax: Climate Activists
By Lloyd Rabaya The government of Zimbabwe in May introduced a national carbon credit framework that is allegedly meant to oversee carbon trading as the much-hyped global initiative helps in mitigating the effects of climate change. Last month, the government also put in place Statutory Instrument (SI) 150 of 2023, which is meant to regulate…
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Disaster preparedness key in addressing health emergencies
Healthcare systems should prepare proactively in cases of natural disasters, Dr. Katlego Mothudi, the Managing Director at the Board of Healthcare Funders of Southern Africa (BHF) has said. He made the remarks today during the second edition of the African Conference on Risk Reduction that is taking place from September 27 to 29, 2023, in…
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Morocco health harm reduction conference tackles risks related to natural disasters
The second edition of the African Conference on Risk Reduction is taking place from September 27 to 29, 2023, in Marrakech, under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. This internationally significant event is jointly organized by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, and…
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Agriculture insurance a wake up call as climate change takes toll
Writes Elvis Dumba Zvimba – The agriculture sector is facing a huge challenge due to the ever-changing weather patterns as a result of climate change. Zimbabwean farmers involved in various agriculture sectors have not been spared from the effects of climate change with threats of another poor rainy season due to the expected El-Nino weather…
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Government intensifies climate-smart agriculture as El-Nino looms
Writes Elvis Dumba Zvimba – The government has put in place mechanisms to counter the effect of the predicted El-Nino weather phenomenon that is expected to affect the 2023-24 agriculture season. The government has intensified the climate-smart agriculture program, Pfumvudza/Intwasa by deploying senior government officials to the country’s districts. This was revealed by Professor Obert…
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Parliamentarians have a mammoth task of contributing to climate action
The recent Africa Climate Summit, through the Parliamentarians Dialogue that was held on 4 and 6 September 2023 revealed the role and potential contribution of parliaments to climate action. It also served as a platform for parliamentarians to discuss various implementation pathways from the perspective of legislatures for the delivery of the commitments made during…
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National Biodiversity Economy report launched
The National Biodiversity Economy report was launched in Harare today. The Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry with support from the African Wildlife Foundation commissioned a National Biodiversity Economy study on the 15th of June 2021 to provide insight into the contribution of biodiversity to the economy of Zimbabwe and inform a planning…
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More sorghum varieties developed to resist climate change
Below the slopes of Nandi Hills in Kibos are fields richly covered with sugarcane, maize and sorghum and other crops. Thirty farmers are walking around a sorghum field with different accessions or groups of sorghum and filling out forms. From one section of the field to the other, the farmers observe the sorghum plants and…
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How Can We Use AI to Address Global Challenges Like Climate Change?
Writes Bernard Marr As climate change continues to pose an enormous threat to our planet, we must explore innovative solutions that can help mitigate its impact. One of the most promising tools in our arsenal is artificial intelligence (AI), which has the potential to revolutionize our approach to addressing global challenges. Let’s take a look…
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Initiatives to use biotechnology for adaptation: Climate change in Zimbabwe
Writes Dr. Deckster Tony Savadye, CEO and Registrar of the National Biotechnology Authority of Zimbabwe Zimbabwe, like any other country in the world, has experienced climate change. The country has been experiencing frequent droughts, the emergence of new diseases and pests, and also increase in temperatures. The adverse effects of climate change have therefore affected…
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Nairobi Declaration seals Africa Climate Summit: Leaders pursuing green and inclusive growth
Writes Baboloki Semele Nairobi, Kenya: After three days of extensive deliberations around the devastating impacts of Climate Change across the continent and globally, African political and business leaders in Kenya have adopted the Nairobi Declaration to raise US$23 billion for green growth, mitigation and adaptation to address climate challenges in Africa. The declaration was announced…
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COP28 President-Designate urges real and actionable commitments to address climate change
Writes Baboloki Semele Nairobi, Kenya: COP28 President-Designate, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber has called on leaders from both the public and private sectors to go to COP28 with real and actionable commitments to address climate change. Speaking on the margins of Africa Climate Week in Nairobi, Kenya, Al Jaber noted that the globe needs to rapidly…
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Nearly US$3 trillion needed to implement Africa’s NDCs
Writes Baboloki Semele Nairobi, Kenya: Nearly US$3 trillion is needed to implement Africa’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). This figure was discussed at the eleventh Conference on Climate Change and African Development (CCDA11) during a session on climate finance, moderated by Harsen Nyambe of the African Union Commission. There is a substantial financial gap in climate…
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Africa urged to accelerate climate action and ensure a just transition
Writes Baboloki Semele Nairobi, Kenya: 07 September 2023: The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Acting Executive Secretary, Antonio Pedro has challenged African leaders to accelerate climate action through effective strategies to ensure a just transition. Mr. Pedro said this in his closing remarks during the three-day 11th Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa…
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Africa missed opportunity to turn tables on climate crisis: ActionAid
Africa has lost an opportunity to call out climate injustice and stop fossil fuel pollution, says ActionAid International as the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi ended. As governments, multilateral organisations, private sector players, and civil society from across Africa end their meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, for the 2023 Africa Climate Week and the summit, ActionAid…
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COMESA Climate Change Programme holds GEF-CBIT Project Steering Committee for ETF
The COMESA Climate Change Programme held its inaugural Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting for the Global Environment Facility (GEF) funded Capacity Building Initiative for enhanced Transparency (COMESA-CBIT) Project that is supporting 4 COMESA Member States (Eritrea, Comoros, Seychelles and Zambia) capacity for enhanced transparency in climate change Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) as defined in…
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New maps show EACOP fossil fuel mega-project has a far larger footprint than previously estimated
East African Civil Society Organizations challenge the proposed project at the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi this week NAIROBI (September 5, 2023) — As the Africa Climate Summit concludes tomorrow, plans for the largest new oil infrastructure projects on the continent continue unabated, despite alarms from civil society, global observers, and investors alike. The East Africa…
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Africa Climate Summit: “Africa’s Green Minerals Strategy” a catalyst for industrialisation
Nairobi, Kenya — September 5, 2023 — The African Minerals Development Center (AMDC), in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Open Society Foundation, has successfully concluded a high-level dialogue session at the Africa Climate Summit 2023. This significant event, held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Kenya, brought together…
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Scale up private capital aligned to SDGs, Paris Agreement: French minister Chrysoula Zacharopoulou
French minister Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, in her address to the media at the Africa Climate Week, emphasised the need to scale up private capital aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement. She said there is a need to maintain the strong political momentum for climate action and global financial system reform.…
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Africa Climate Week commences, Charting a Fresh Course for Climate Action
Writes Baboloki Semele 06 August 2023, Nairobi, Kenya: The urgency of climate change is undeniable, and the stakes have never been higher. Against this backdrop, Africa Climate Week 2023 emerged as a critical platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action. Held in Nairobi, Kenya, from the 4th to the 8th of September 2023, the Africa Climate…
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Africa Climate Summit Launches Official Event App
The inaugural Africa Climate Summit (ACS) secretariat has launched the official Africa Climate Summit App ahead of the events from the 4th – 6th September this year. The app is designed to provide an immersive experience for attendees and the general public alike before, during, and after the summit. The App, available for download on…
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Africa’s climate leadership, a welcome battering ram
Wanjira Mathai – Managing Director for Global Partnerships and Africa, World Resources Institute This is the inaugural Africa Climate Summit, we are coming together to chart a common narrative and pathway of our position on the climate crisis, which must be grounded in justice for our people. We must seize our chance to transform people’s…
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ACS23 ready to tackle Africa’s climate issues
Writes Marlvin Ngiza The Africa Climate Summit 2023 (ACS23) preparations are at an advanced stage with emphasis placed on collective climate action to find common global solutions. This year’s summit is taking place in Nairobi, Kenya, running from 4 September until 6 September focusing on driving green growth and climate finance solutions for Africa and…
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EMA urges veld fires victims to file reports
Writes Marlvin Ngiza The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has urged those who would have been affected by veld fires to report the incidents to relevant authorities saying this was crucial in data collection, reinforcing community education on veld fires prevention and legal steps to be taken. This follows a veld fire incident that reportedly happened…
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Artificial intelligence can now estimate rice yields, according to new study
With the rise in global demand for staple crop products projected to substantially increase by 2050 due to population growth, rising per capita income, and the growing use of biofuels, it is necessary to adopt sustainable agricultural intensification practices in existing croplands to meet this demand. However, estimation processes currently employed in the global South…
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Climate-smart agriculture: How satellite technology can help
Following July 2023, confirmed as Earth’s hottest month on record, UNCTAD and its partners are ramping up efforts to help developing countries use satellite technology to make farming more climate resilient. With extreme weather events becoming more intense and frequent, agricultural adaptation to climate change is key to minimizing crop loss and fighting global hunger. Driven…
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Partnerships leading to greater access to nutritious food and affordable diets
The Coalition on Sustainable Productivity Growth for Food Security and Resource Conservation (SPG Coalition) brings together researchers, non-governmental organizations, and private sector partners to advance a world with greater access to nutritious food and affordable diets. The Coalition recognizes that increasing the productivity of natural resources through climate adaptation and mitigation is instrumental to reaching…
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‘Superfood’ millet may be arid regions’ answer to climate change
Riding a red electric scooter on country roads in eastern India, Sanjulata Mahanta has become something of a poster girl for millet since she stunned fellow villagers by planting the hardy grain — and making a profit — three years ago. “People laughed at me and said I was growing grass,” Mahanta, 35, said on…
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Correcting the underrated value of studying African mass food markets
Writes Charles Dhewa It is not enough for research conducted in African countries on food systems to end up in academic journals. In most cases there is often no clarity on who benefits from such research and intended uses of the findings. Unless African governments study mass food markets intentionally, policymakers will continue finding it…
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Malawi’s communication strategy, modules for Africa on genome editing workshop roars to life
The workshop on validation of Malawi’s National Communication Strategy on Genome Editing and Genome Editing Modules for Africa has roared to life in the Southern African Country. The African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD) is holding the Expert Group Meeting in Malawi to review genome editing (GEd) training modules that were developed by African scientists, regulators…
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South Africa must tackle crude legacy of environmental racism and toxic exposure: UN expert
South Africa must redouble its efforts to tackle the crude legacy of pre-1994 environmental racism, including the abhorrent practice of intentionally situating landfills and polluting industries along racial lines and in low-income and migrant communities, a UN expert said today. “To this day, the legacy of pervasive air, water, and chemical pollution disproportionately impacts marginalised…
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UN Zimbabwe embraces youth theme on a sustainable world
On 12 August 2023, the United Nations System in Zimbabwe joined the world and Zimbabwe in commemorating International Youth Day. It affirmed this year’s theme “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World.” The theme was chosen in recognition of the critical role that young people play in addressing global environmental challenges. In essence, green…
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Avenues for cultivating the business face of agro-ecology in the Global South
Writes Charles Dhewa Facing the limitations of industrial agriculture, many governments and global organizations are beginning to embrace agroecology and other alternative ways of producing food. Being the application of ecological concepts and principles in farming, agroecology considers the relationships between all the plant, animal, and human elements in a system. There is some emerging…
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NetOne demonstrates environmental stewardship in clean up exercise
As a pacesetter in demonstrating the importance of a clean and safe environment for all, and as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR), leading mobile telephony company, NetOne, yesterday embarked on a nationwide clean-up campaign with its leaders tidying up Harare’s environs. The clean-up exercise was done in observance of the first Friday of…