Environment

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…

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…

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…

In the grip of a drought that rivals the direst conditions faced in the last two decades, Zambia finds itself in a precarious situation. Both businesses and households are enduring prolonged periods without electricity. With this backdrop, specialists are warning that the ongoing energy predicament could exacerbate the nation's already vulnerable economic landscape. This precarious situation poses the risk of extensive job losses across numerous sectors. According to a report from Daba Finance, the annual inflation rate in…