climate

Climate Crisis and Humanitarian Challenges in Somalia “Families are being battered on every front — flood, hunger, and neglect,” observed Etienne Peterschmitt, Somalia's representative for the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This stark reality illustrates the multi-faceted struggles faced by households in Somalia today. With the remnants of what little they possessed receding like the floodwaters, a growing concern emerges: the international lifeline that has traditionally provided support to these communities…

Empowering Women Farmers: A New Initiative in Somalia On May 8, 2025, a significant milestone was reached in Mogadishu. Janine Cocker, the Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Canada to Somalia, and Etienne Peterschmitt, the FAO Representative in Somalia, shook hands, symbolizing their commitment to a brighter future for women's empowerment and climate resilience in agriculture. This partnership heralds a new chapter for Somalia’s agricultural landscape, driven by the initiative aptly named “Scaling Up Gender-Inclusive…

In a recent disaster that underscores the perilous interplay between weather and life, four individuals tragically lost their lives in Rwanda. Their stories, likely filled with dreams and daily routines, were abruptly extinguished by deadly flooding and landslides that swept through the country, leaving behind a trail of devastation. As per the report released by the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management, the catastrophic event also ravaged over 70 hectares of crops, threatening the livelihoods of countless families.…

Amara’s Vision for a Greener Lagos In the bustling megacity of Lagos, where the formidable challenges of pollution, flooding, and overcrowding persist daily, a young visionary named Amara is crafting a brighter, greener future. She isn't just dreaming about change; she's spearheading it with passion and purpose. This story is a testament to the power of youth, creativity, and determination in the fight against climate change. Amara is the ambitious founder of Preserve Our Roots, a dynamic youth-led NGO that champions…

Devastating torrential rains have unleashed a torrent of destruction in Kinshasa, claiming the lives of at least 33 individuals, as confirmed by local reports. This number may sadly rise, with authorities still assessing the situation. The heart of Kinshasa has been particularly vulnerable, with neighborhoods like Mont-Ngafula, Ngaliema, Barumbu, Limete, Matete, and Masina bearing the brunt of the deluge. Each of these areas presents a different story of loss, resilience, and community struggle, painting a vivid picture of…

Climate change is undoubtedly a daunting topic, casting a cloud over much of our discussions. Its status as an existential crisis complicates the search for positive news. Recent developments, particularly with the advent of the second Trump Administration, have intensified these challenges. The administration has systematically rolled back America’s climate commitments, diminishing support for clean technology industries, and even withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement—an unprecedented move for the world's largest…

A recent investigation conducted by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) sheds light on a complex web of challenges facing the Sahel region. The study indicates that, while a direct link between climate change and terrorism may not be readily apparent, the effects of climate change on agricultural production and natural resource distribution can set the stage for local conflicts. These disruptions, stemming from shifting weather patterns, often lead communities to compete fiercely for essential resources. Consider, for…

Kenya Takes a Bold Leap Towards Climate Resilience The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as Aden Duale, Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, took the stage. With passion and a nuanced understanding of the intricacies involved, he introduced two groundbreaking initiatives— the National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS) and the State of the Climate Kenya (SOCK) 2024 Report. These initiatives symbolize Kenya's commitment to fortifying its response to the ever-pressing…

In a somber turn of events, the government has officially designated KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) as a "disaster-affected area." This decision comes in the wake of devastating floods that have not only claimed lives but have also caused immense destruction across the region, with roads and bridges being swept away in the relentless torrents. Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa from the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) emphasized the urgent necessity for resilient infrastructure. It’s alarming to think…

The recent arrival of Tropical Cyclone Jude has unleashed chaos across Southern Africa, particularly in the regions of Malawi and Mozambique. Although the storm made landfall in northern Mozambique, its effects rippled through southern Malawi, leaving behind a trail of destruction characterized by heavy rainfall that inundated 13 districts. As the winds howled and the skies opened up, at least 11,000 individuals found their lives upended. Homes were swept away by relentless torrents, while vital crops that had promised…