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Investing in Nature-based Solutions can generate up to 32 million new jobs by 2030, Report.
A new report by a group of international organisations including the International Labour Organisation, the International Uniomn for Conservation of Natutre and the UN Environment Programme says investing in nature-based solutions (NbS) could create up to 32 million new jobs by 2030. The report launched in December last year at the 16th session of the Conference of the…
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African CSOs to the world: Allocate more funding for mental health
By Ezaruku Draku Franklin A cross section of civil society organisation in Africa have called for more funding and transparency ahead of the 29th Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) set for Baku, Azerbaijan Under the African Coalition of Communities Responsive to Climate Change (ACCRCC), the forum members have…
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Why UWA suspended hiking to Margherita peak
By Ezaruku Draku Franklin Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has indefinitely suspended hiking to theMargherita Peak, the highest point on Rwenzori, following a deep crack onthe ice. The authority says the decision comes as a precautionary measureafter a comprehensive assessment conducted by the team in response toreports of a crevasse formation in the Margherita glacier. According…
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Lake Victoria Basin Commission develops common regional water quality management policy
Ezaruku Draku Franklin The Lake Victoria Basin Commission has developed a regional water quality management policy, which the commission says will harmonise different national policies to efficiently and effectively manage water resources and quality across the East African Community partner states. Corletta Ruhamia, the Executive Director of Lake Victoria Basin Commission said the policy has…
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Climate change crisis: When nature connived with terrorists against the defenceless Somalis
Ezaruku Draku Franklin An aerial view of impart of flooding and the rising water levels of Indian Ocean along the Somali Coast. Photo/Ezaruku Draku Franklin Cries have been getting louder and louder over the last three months in Marka and Baraawe, which lie over 100 kilometres south of Mogadishu, because the roads are cut off…
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African leaders warn of deadly malaria emergency,
By Ezaruku Draku Franklin African Union Heads of State and Government, global health leaders and development partners have issued a joint call for urgent action to address the looming malaria emergency. The leaders have warned that failure to act now will put at risk both the African Union’s target of eliminating malaria in Africa by…
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African experts decry lack of political leadership in integrating health into climate change action
By Ezaruku Draku Franklin Scientists from Africa have raised concerns over the increasingly weak political commitment, Scientific Evidence and inadequate financing as some of the challenges moving forward with climate change and health nexus. Prof Brame Kone, the technical Officer in charge of Climate Change and Health at the Africa regional office of the World…
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Climate Change-Health nexus: Reproductive health key but forgotten component in the talks
Stakeholders at the ongoing regional workshop on health and climate change taking place in Lilongwe, Malawi have been urged to seriously look beyond the infectious, communicable diseases but begin to see the bigger symbiotic relationship between population growth and climate change. The workshop is taking place under the USAID-funded Building Capacity for Integrated Family Planning/Reproductive…
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Climate litigation hits record high in five years,
By Ezaruku Draku Franklin The total number of climate change court cases has more than doubled since 2017 and is growing worldwide, the latest report by the United Nations Environment Programme indicates. The findings, published by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia University, show that climate…
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Greenpeace Africa asks African ministers of environment to push for a strong Africa position on the global plastic treaty
By Ezaruku Draku Franklin ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – Greenpeace Africa, an environmental campaigning organisation has called on Africa’s 54 Ministers of Environment to urge Member States not to compromise in the negotiations for a treaty that would cap plastic production at the source and keep oil and gas used in the extraction of plastics in…
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Economic costs of weather-related disasters soars as early warnings save lives
By Ezaruku Draku Franklin Economic costs of weather-related disasters soars as early warnings save lives Extreme weather, climate and water-related events caused 11 778 reported disasters between 1970 and 2021, with just over 2 million deaths and US$ 4.3 trillion in economic losses, a data from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) says. “Economic losses have soared. But…
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Religious leaders protest against EACOP project in France ahead of TotalEnergies’ AGM
By Ezaruku Draku Franklin Religious leaders under “Body and soul against EACOP” on Thursday protested in Paris, the capital city of France against the construction of the East African Oil Pipeline by chaining themselves to a Parisian footbridge to protest against Total’s oil pipeline project in Uganda. About 80 believers from different traditions blocked the…
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Uganda’s Covid-19 post plan falls short of climate change funding
By Ezaruku Draku Franklin A new report by Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment has painted a grim picture of Uganda’s post Covid-19 recovery plan, noting that while the country focused on health and economic recovery, climate change issues have been relegated and meagre funds allocated to green recovery. The report titled “Uganda’s Post-COVID Recovery…
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Ugandan faith leaders demand civic space to speak about EACOP
By Ezaruku Draku Franklin At least more than 35 Ugandan religious leaders have issued a joint statement opposing the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), Kingfisher and the Tilenga oil projects. The faith leaders also called for just compensation for those who had suffered from the project, and for TotalEnergies, China National Offshore Oil Company…
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UN Chief asks fossil fuel producers without credible net zero targets to quit business
By Ezaruku Draku Franklin The UN Secretary General General Antonio Guterres has warned that fossil fuel producers without credible net zero targets should be kicked out of businesses. Speaking at the General Assembly meeting in New York, Guterres’ directly targeted fossil-fuel industry, warning that those without credible net zero targets should not be in business. During…
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Global low-carbon energy technology investment hits new record high, surpassing $1 trillion mark for the first time
By Ezaruku Draku Franklin Global investment in the low-carbon energy transition totaled $1.1 trillion in 2022 – a new record and a huge acceleration from the year before – as the energy crisis and policy action drove faster deployment of clean energy technologies, according to a new report from research firm BloombergNEF (BNEF). “In another…
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CSOs pile pressure on UAE over appointment Of Oil Chief as COP28 President
By Ezaruku Draku Franklin Civil Society Organisations involved in environment and climate change have expressed concerns over the choice of COP28 president, saying that it was wrong for the United Arab Emirates to appoint an oil chief to lead climate negotiation at a time when countries are being asked to scale back on fossil fuel.…
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WMO says Ozone layer recovery is on track
By Ezaruku Draku Franklin The World Meteorological Organisation says ozone layer is on track to recover within four decades, with the global phase out of ozone-depleting chemicals already benefitting efforts to mitigate climate change. This, the organization says is the conclusion of a UN-backed panel of experts, that presented its report last week at the…
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Experts wary of the climate-induced stress due to drought situation in East and Horn of Africa
By Ezaruku Draku Franklin Jacob Ebenyo, 54 stands alone, looking pensively at nothing, but wilderness, while the scorching sun hits the ground on which he stands very hard. Unlike his Turkana tribesmen whose livelihood revolve around rearing livestock, Ebenyo, 54 never depended so much on his animals. His primary call, he says, “has been pastoring…
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Why the new Global Biodiversity Framework matters – and what’s at stake in the Montreal talks
Adopted from World Agroforestry From elephants to monarch butterflies, creatures that migrate are increasingly finding their routes interrupted by cities, farms and other human footprints. A study in 2020 found that less than 10% of the land in the world’s protected areas is surrounded by fairly intact habitats. That sounds like bad news, but scientists say there’s…
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Africa’s CSOs offer mixed reactions to COP27 outcomes
Representatives of African CSOs during a meeting in Kigali, Rwanda
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US, African gov’ts to partner for just energy transition, ecosystem conservation
By Ezaruku Draku Franklin The US government will partner with African governments to advance a just transition to a clean energy economy that both saves the planet and fosters inclusive economic opportunity, the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken has said. The US top diplomat made the commitment during the Conservation, Climate Adaptation, and…
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PACJA, Ban Ki –moon Centre sign pact to support climate change adaptation in Africa
By Ezaruku Draku Franklin The Pan African Climate Justice Alliance and the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens (BKMC) have signed a collaborative pact to support climate change adaptation efforts by women, the youth and the smallholder farmers around Africa. Mithika Mwenda, the executive Director PACJA said the pact commits the two parties to focus…
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COP27 falls short of practical solutions – Slow Foods
By Ezaruku Draku Franklin The Slow Foods, a worldwide network of local communities to counteract the disappearance of local food traditions has warned that the COP27 that was meant to be the “Implementation COP”, has fallen short of the expectations and that, existing pledges and national plans remain insufficient to reach the Paris agreement 1.5-degree…
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Faith based activists protest fossil fuel financing at COP27
By Ezaruku Draku Franklin A group of religious activists from five continents have rebuked the developed nations for stalling negotiations at COP27 over nonproliferation of fossil fuels. During a demonstration at COP27 the activists called out the Coal, Oil, and Gas corporations for the ills they have brought to their communities, and called for a Fossil Fuel…
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COP27: Leaders Boost Sustainable Forest Management
The world leaders have launched the Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership (FCLP), which aims to unite action by governments, businesses and community leaders. The global leaders says the launch makes an important progress on sustainable forest management and conservation. A document from the UN Climate Change Conference COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh with the launch says…
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World Meteorological Organisation urges countries to double clean energy by 2030
By Ezaruku Draku Franklin The World Meteorological Organisation has asked governments and multinationals engaging in energy sector to ensure that supply of electricity from clean energy sources must double within the next eight years to limit global temperature increase. “Otherwise, there is a risk that climate change, more extreme weather and water stress will undermine…
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Slow Food asks COP27 to turn away from false solutions regarding food systems
By Ezaruku Draku Franklin Slow Food, a worldwide network of local communities to counteract the disappearance of local food traditions and the spread of fast food culture has raised the alarm about the serious lack of progress toward tackling the impact of food and agriculture on climate and building a resilient food system. A Slow…
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Global experts call for more financing for Nature-Based Solutions
Ezaruku Draku Franklin Global conservation experts have called for tripling of finances for nature based solutions by the year 2030, highlighting the crucial role of nature-based solutions called for vastly increased funding for such approaches. Nature-based solutions are actions to protect natural ecosystems that benefit people whilst contributing to tackling climate change and protecting biodiversity.…
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COP27: World Actors set to Share COP implementation Progress
Ezaruku Draku Franklin A number of global leaders and actors are set to update the world on the progress of implementation of previous climate change resolutions during the ongoing COP27 at Sharm el-Sheikh city in Egypt. Among the key speakers include the COP26 president Nigel Topping, COP27 President Sameh Shoukry, Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin, Executive Director…
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COP27: World must make concrete action plans to combat climate change, UN Secretary General
By Ezaruku Draku Franklin The United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres has warned that concrete and time bound actions must be put in place to mitigate the impacts of climate change. While opening the COP27 at the Egyptian City of Sharm El-Sheikh, Guterres said the clock is ticking and that actions must be taken now…
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COP27: Devastating natural disasters, need to fully implement the Paris Agreement shape opening discussions
By Ezaruku Draku Franklin The highly anticipated United Nations Climate Change Conference COP27 opened yesterday in the Egyptian city of Sharm el-Sheikh with the key aim of ensuring full implementation of the Paris Agreement. The COP27 comes at a time when the end of a year that has seen devastating floods and unprecedented heat waves, severe…
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NEMA orders developer out of Bugolobi wetland
Part of Nakivubo Wetlands that was being backfilled by a developer in Bugolobi, Kampala
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ADB boss asks CSOs to take play key role in Africa’s climate change resilience,
APO The President of the African Development Bank Group) Dr Akinwumi Adesina says civil society organizations are essential partners in the Bank’s effort to build the continent’s resilience to climate change. Addressing the opening plenary of the 2022 Civil Society Forum on Thursday in the Ivorian economic capital, Abidjan, Adesina highlighted the African Development Fund’s…
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Forest Stewardship Council Certifies three National Parks in Uganda
Part of Mountain Rwenzori National Park that received FSC certification. Photo/ Ezaruku Draku Franklin
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Weather experts warn of dry spells
By Ezaruku Draku Franklin Weather experts from a number of bodies have advised farmers to use the current rains to plant short maturing crops that will sustain them during the next three months, warning that the next three months will likely be dry. While the months of October to December are normally wet in most…
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NEMA starts restoration of Lubigi wetland system
NEMA enforcement officials clearing sugar cane planted in Lubiji wetlands. The exercise saw three people arrested
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Parliament tasks to gov’t speed up rescue operations
Floods that ravaged Mbale town last week
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EACOP must stop!
Michael Northrop Adapted from Environmental Finance How is it possible that a project like the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) could be under serious consideration in 2022, asks Michael Northrop Spitting distance from the headwaters of the Nile River and Lake Albert, inside two of Uganda’s most important national parks, 400 oil wells will soon…
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Restore Africa Programme sets targets to plant1.9 million hectares of trees.
Officials of Restore Africa Programme adrdessing a press conference in Kampala
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EACOP Project: Climate activists take the war over pipeline construction to financiers, insurers
The EACOP Route from Tilenga in Uganda to Tanga in Tanzania
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Inside the Shs628 Billion environment budget, will it save the tattered environment?
By Ezaruku Draku Franklin Environmentalist are back again to the “crying board” after government allocated a paltry Shs65.84 billion to the key institutions charged with the responsibilities of protecting the environment and tame climate change that is threatening livelihoods of millions of Ugandans. While reading the budget last week, the minister of finance, planning…
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Uganda’s forest cover, wildlife numbers up – Nema
Mountain Rwenzori National Park. Because of efforts to conserve forest cover, tree cover, wildlife numbers have increased in Uganda in the last last decade. Photo By Ezaruku Draku Franklin
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Uganda’s National Environment Management Authority suspends SINO iron ore mining company over pollution
By Ezaruku Draku Franklin The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has suspended the operations of SINO iron ore mining company in Kabale district over dumping of iron ore waste into a wetland and discharging effluent into River Kiruruma. The suspension follows an inspection of the facility on Tuesday May 17, 2022, spearheaded by the NEMA…
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African cities embrace clean air targets
In Kampala, one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities, a rapid rise in population is prompting growing concerns over the climate crisis and air pollution. Research shows that urbanization is one of the main drivers of environmental change, and cities, in particular, are hotspots for air pollution. A recent report released by AirQo, a Makerere University project…
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African civil societies demand urgent action on climate loss, damage, finance
Ezaruku Draku Franklin A number of African Civil Society Organisations under Pan African Climate Justice have expressed their deep concerns at the slow pace of addressing the loss, damage and Climate Financing, demanding that urgent intervention and frank negotiations, given the evidence already provided. A recent report by the IPCC, stated that Africa is more…
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COVID-19, climate change threaten last refuge of the mountain gorilla
UNEP The Greater Virunga landscape, a mountainous area straddling the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda, is the last refuge of mountain gorillas in the world. For years, the national parks and protected areas in the region have provided sanctuary to the great apes, which are among the most endangered creatures on Earth. But…
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UN Environment body recommends regulation of sand mining
Sand mining in Lwera Wetlands in Uganda. UN Environment body says such mining activities should be regulated because of the negative environmental consequences
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Ugandan women embrace climate-smart energy saving stoves
Nyai Women making eco-friendly stovs to save forests. Photo/Taibot Markot
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UN climate change negotiating bloc ejects Russia over Ukraine invasion
By Climate Change News As the international community seeks to cut off Russia from the global economy, there are moves to isolate Moscow diplomatically in the climate space. The Umbrella Group, a negotiating bloc of non-EU developed countries including Australia, Canada, Japan, Iceland, Israel, New Zealand, Norway, Ukraine and the US, announced that Russia and…
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Earth Hour 2022: Environmentalists pile pressure on plastic manufacturers over single use plastics
Environmental activists holding placards, calling for rethink on plastics
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COP27: African Civil Society Organisations demand space for African solutions
Members of Civil Society Organisations during the AU meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Living in harmony with nature: Frontier park communities embrace agriculture to earn incomes
A bee hive near Queen Elizabeth National Park
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NEMA suspends Nytil operations over water pollution.
By Ezaruku Draku Franklin The National Environment Management Authority of Uganda (NEMA) has suspended all activities at Nyanza Textile Industries Limited (NYTIL) that generate waste water. The suspension follows an inspection of the facility in Jinja, after public outcry on social media over alleged contamination of River Nile by the facility. A statement from the…
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UK secures ambitious commitments to end coal mining
By Ezaruku Draku Franklin The United Kingdom and a number of international partners, have made huge commitments to transition from coal energy to clean energy, effectively ending coal mining globally. A190-strong coalition yesterday agreed to both phase out coal power and end support for new coal power plants. A statement from the UK says its campaign…
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New report paints grim picture of post-Covid-19 green recovery plan for Uganda
Elephant grazing at Queen Elizabeth National Park. Photo/Ezaruku Draku Franklin
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Environmentalists Ask Gov’t to avail more funds to NEMA
By Ezaruku Draku Franklin Environmentalists have asked parliament to allocate more funding to the National Environment Management Authority to manage the country’s environment. The move comes as NEMA struggles to meet its targets amidst meagre funding. While the environment management authority needs up to more than Shs60 billion, currently it only has Shs13 billion, with…
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