Environment

In the aftermath of what some are calling "one of the fiercest storms ever recorded," northern Mozambique is reeling from the devastating effects of Cyclone Chido. Over 70 lives have tragically been lost, as reported by the National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management (INGD) of the country. The storm wreaked havoc across multiple districts in the Cabo Delgado province, with the city of Pemba bearing the brunt of the destruction. According to UNICEF, the cyclone has not only destroyed or severely damaged upwards of…

Ghana is grappling with the severe repercussions of illegal mining, commonly referred to as Galamsey. This rampant activity, primarily conducted by small-scale miners, is taking place across countless sites, igniting widespread protests and prompting the military to take action against it. As a key player in the global gold and cocoa markets, Ghana is feeling the pinch, as land degradation from these mining operations is significantly affecting agricultural productivity. Despite the apparent environmental hazards and…

World Toilet Day serves as a critical reminder of the pressing need for clean and safe toilets, particularly within Africa. The United Nations highlights a concerning reality— progress is lagging significantly behind in the race to meet the Sustainable Development Goal of providing "safe toilets for all by 2030." Currently, around 3.5 billion individuals across the globe are without access to basic sanitation. In various African nations such as Nigeria, Ethiopia, Niger, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burkina Faso, and…

The European Commission has made the call to let the current fishing agreement between Brussels and Dakar lapse, citing significant issues related to illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing practices. Jean-Marc Pisani, the EU’s ambassador to West Africa, highlighted that the decision stems from Senegal's lack of adequate measures against these harmful fishing activities. As a result, he noted, European fishing vessels will cease operations in Senegal’s exclusive economic zone starting from midnight on November 17th.…

By the year 2025, Nigeria could see a staggering 33 million individuals grappling with severe food scarcity—almost double the current figures for those in dire need. This dire situation stems from a confluence of economic challenges, soaring inflation, the effects of climate change, and the ongoing violence that plagues the northeastern regions of the country. In the northwest, specifically in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, over five million people currently experience acute food insecurity, and the crisis is anticipated to…

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…

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the authority behind the esteemed Red Lists of Threatened Species, has declared the African Penguin as “critically endangered.” The IUCN Red List serves as the worldwide benchmark for evaluating extinction risk. As of now, it has assessed 163,040 species, with a staggering 45,321 facing peril. This charming African Penguin, a beloved icon, stands as the first of 18 penguin species around the globe to meet the daunting criteria for this designation—just a…

South Africa is currently grappling with a profound water crisis, a situation deeply entrenched in failing infrastructure, sluggish governmental action, and a staggering lack of access to clean water for countless individuals. This predicament jeopardizes not only public health but also the socioeconomic fabric of the nation. Consider the eThekwini Municipality, where a staggering 54% of water revenue is lost due to leaks, theft, and unbilled usage. Without prompt repairs to these leaks, residents might face ongoing water…

Klarionogy: Calling for a Bright Solution on Energy Shift in Somalia’s Northeastern State AXADLE, Somalia - Mohamed Abdirahman, the dude steering Northeastern State's Environment and Climate Change helm, is ringing alarm bells about their dangerous affair with wood fuel. A colossal 85% of their juice comes from good ol’ firewood and charcoal, leaving forests in tatters. Abdirahman passionately voiced, "Our current ways are razing our woods. Switching to solar is our ticket to save the trees and Northeastern State’s…

Today marks Global Handwashing Day, an occasion designed to elevate public consciousness about the vital role of handwashing with soap in safeguarding health and preventing disease. Failure to wash one’s hands properly with soap and clean, flowing water significantly heightens the risk of various illnesses. This year's theme, "Why Are Clean Hands Still Important?", underscores the ongoing relevance of hand hygiene in thwarting the spread of outbreaks and pandemics, particularly in areas where healthcare resources are…