climate

The Earthshot Prize, initiated by Prince William in 2020, stands out as a groundbreaking environmental accolade, striving to tackle the pressing issues of climate change, air pollution, and the decline of biodiversity. This year, Africa has been chosen as the venue for the prestigious Earthshot event, shining a spotlight on the continent's vital role in enhancing climate action and addressing the most daunting environmental challenges that our world contends with today. "When I created the Earthshot Prize, my aim was to…

World Bank's Climate Finance Faces Scrutiny: Oxfam Rings the Alarm Bell November 2024 – Nairobi — Oxfam International is sounding the alarm over the World Bank’s climate finance, pointing out murky waters in the Bank's transparency and accountability. Their latest doc, "Climate Finance Unchecked," pulls back the curtain on some dodgy discrepancies between budgeted and real spending in climate projects, hinting at shaky foundations in the fight against global warming. Drilling into data from 2017 to 2023, Oxfam spotlights…

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has greenlit a whopping $134 million to kickstart two landmark initiatives aimed at helping vulnerable farming communities in Somalia and Iraq toughen up against climate change.Steered by the good folks over at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, these game-changing projects will arm millions of farmers and herders with the skills to tackle climate chaos like droughts and floods head-on.Kaveh Zahedi, chief honcho of FAO’s Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment…

Mogadishu (AX) – On a momentous Tuesday at its 40th meeting, the Green Climate Fund (GCF) embraced a $100 million endeavor aimed at boosting Somalia’s efforts against climate chaos through the "Climate Resilient Agriculture in Somalia" (FP246) project. Somalia’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, flanked by fellow government representatives, hailed the GCF's backing. Minister Khadija hailed the move as a pivotal stride in strengthening Somalia’s agricultural defense against erratic…

Leaders from member nations of the Commonwealth are currently convening for a camaraderie-filled banquet in the picturesque setting of Samoa, nestled in the South Pacific. Significant topics such as climate change and reparations for Britain's historical involvement in the transatlantic slave trade are shaping the discussions at this pivotal summit. This gathering, known as the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, has drawn delegates and officials from 56 nations linked to Britain’s former empire. Among the attendees…

Somalia Scores Groundbreaking Climate Grant to Propel Eco-Friendly Farming Solutions MOGADISHU, Somalia – The narrative of Somalia's future took a turn during the Green Climate Fund's (GCF) Board meeting from October 21 to 24, 2024, in Songdo, Incheon, South Korea. Amid the discussions emerged a game-changer for Somalia's farming sector: an ambitious climate adaptation initiative known as "Climate Resilient Agriculture in Somalia (Ugbaad)." This project, set to revolutionize how Somalia tackles agricultural challenges,…

 Mogadishu (AX) — In a startling revelation from the Habitable Project, it's been disclosed that the specter of climate change looms large over Somalia, posing a burgeoning threat of displacement through intensified flooding. Released in July 2024, this report spells out a worrying future where flood-induced displacements could swell, moving tens of thousands from their abodes yearly. Climate change, it says, will likely ramp up flood hazards, potentially multiplying the number of displaced Somalis ninefold under bleak…

A trio of fascinating new marine species has recently been unearthed within the extraordinary waters of South Africa, influenced by the intricate dance of the Benguela and Agulhas currents. These discoveries include the charming "walking sponge" (Suberites ambulodomos), a minuscule clam (Brachiomya ducentiunus), and an elusive parasitic isopod (Pseudionella pumulaensis). Jannes Landschoff provided these insights in an article for The Conversation Africa. Though these organisms may be diminutive, their impact on marine…

A significant academic study has issued a stark warning: any violation of the limits that climate scientists consider safe regarding global warming will likely lead to "irreversible consequences" for our planet. Even a brief spike above the 1.5°C threshold—often referred to as an "overshoot"—could trigger a series of catastrophic outcomes, such as rising sea levels and other long-lasting effects that could persist for millennia. Carl-Friedrich Schleussner, the lead author of the study, emphasized the magnitude of these…

On a recent day, the quietude of the Ethiopian Rift Valley was shattered by a 4.9-magnitude earthquake. This seismic event originated west of Lake Awash, particularly near the Mount Fentale district, rattling the town of Metehara and prompting some locals to scramble for safety. In the aftermath of the quake, reports indicated that numerous buildings suffered structural damage, while cracks emerged in the ground nearby. Fortunately, as of now, no injuries or significant destruction have been documented, which is a relief…