25.8 C
Lagos
Monday, October 7, 2024
Home Blog Page 26

Kenya, Ethiopia childhood immunisation win in COVID-19 offer insights amid global Mpox threat – Study

Michael Simire
-
0
Kenya, Ethiopia childhood immunisation win in COVID-19 offer insights amid global Mpox threat – Study

A recent study published in the BMJ, a leading health journal, lauds the proactive measures taken by the governments of Kenya and Ethiopia to sustain childhood immunisation coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite substantial disruptions to healthcare services.

Chifuniro Somanje Mankhwala
Chifuniro Somanje Mankhwala, AFIDEP researcher

Conducted by researchers at the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) led by Chifuniro Somanje Mankhwala, the study underscores the critical role of community-based healthcare, mobile vaccination units, and collaborative mass vaccination campaigns in bolstering immunisation programmes against pandemic-induced challenges, including supply chain disruptions and healthcare access issues.

Immunisation remains a cornerstone of public health, offering a cost-effective means to reduce child morbidity and mortality from preventable diseases like measles, rubella, polio, pneumonia, tuberculosis, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines full vaccination for children as the administration of the BCG vaccine against tuberculosis, three doses of the DPT-HepB-Hib (pentavalent) vaccine, and vaccines against polio (OPV3) and measles.

Titled “Assessing the Resilience of Child Immunisation Programmes Using Geospatial Modelling and Interrupted Time Series Analysis in Ethiopia and Kenya Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic: Tracking Coverage and Identifying Key Challenges,” the study reveals that while national-level immunisation disruptions in both countries were short-term and statistically insignificant, significant coverage changes were observed at subnational levels.

For instance, Kenya saw notable changes in several counties, while Ethiopia experienced significant alterations in its southeastern regions.

The study’s findings are particularly pertinent in light of the emerging global threat posed by Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox), which further underscores the importance of resilient immunisation programmes.

The lessons learned from Kenya and Ethiopia’s experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic can provide valuable insights for other nations grappling with the dual challenges of ongoing pandemic recovery and emerging health threats like Mpox.

Mpox, which has been declared a public health emergency of international concern, shares similarities with smallpox and requires a robust public health response to prevent its spread, especially among vulnerable populations.

Already the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda in Eastern Africa and Cote d’Ivoire in West Africa have each confirmed mpox cases and the WHO is considering a global action close to what obtained in COVID-19.

A critical meeting held in South Africa by the WHO Africa region last week discussed urgent measures to address the rising number of mpox cases. It also proposed a review of the regional risk assessment given the acute situation. WHO has engaged in technical coordination meetings with the Ethiopia-based Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to develop a joint mpox taskforce.

The preservation of routine immunisation services, even in the face of new global health threats, is essential to protect children from preventable diseases and to maintain progress toward global health goals.

Lead researcher Chifuniro, Somanje Mankhwala, emphasised the importance of identifying and prioritising cold spots – areas with low vaccination coverage – for targeted interventions. This approach is vital for improving coverage rates and reducing under-5 child mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, aligning with WHO recommendations.

Moreover, national governments and development partners must ensure the continued allocation of resources to immunisation programmes, resisting the diversion of funds even in the face of climate-related or emerging health crises.

The study draws on routine data from the Health Management Information Systems (HMIS) of Kenya and Ethiopia, analysing the coverage of five mandatory vaccines for children. The use of District Health Information Software 2 (DHIS2), a global open-source platform, enabled the researchers to compute proportion estimates across various year-location combinations, providing a clear picture of temporal trends and changes in immunisation coverage.

We face financial strain due to PMS supply costs – NNPC

Michael Simire
-
0
We face financial strain due to PMS supply costs – NNPC

Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has acknowledged recent reports in national newspapers regarding the company’s significant debt to petrol suppliers.

NNPC
An NNPC station in Lagos

Chief Corporate Communications Officer at NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, in a statement issued on Sunday, September 1, 2024, disclosed: “This financial strain has placed considerable pressure on the Company and poses a threat to the sustainability of fuel supply.”

He pointed out that, “in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), NNPC Ltd remains dedicated to its role as the supplier of last resort, ensuring national energy security”.

He added: “We are actively collaborating with relevant government agencies and other stakeholders to maintain a consistent supply of petroleum products nationwide.”

Commission blames climate change for incessant collapse of bridges

Michael Simire
-
0
Commission blames climate change for incessant collapse of bridges

Managing Director of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Alhaji Mohammed Alkali, says climate change is responsible for incessant collapse of bridges in the region.

Mohammed Alkali
Managing Director of the North East Development Commission, Alhaji Mohammed Alkali

Alkali stated this on Friday, August 30, 2024, while on the assessment of the collapse bridge at Namnai, along Jalingo-Wukari Road in the Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The bridge which connects Taraba north to the south collapsed following a heavy downpour recently, which caused a flash flood in some parts of the state.

During the inspection, Alkali noted that the North East region was the most affected by climate change and its components, which has put significant pressure on both the government and inhabitants of the region.

He, however, assured the people that the commission would not be deterred and would work with the respective state governments to find lasting solutions to the ugly incidents across the region.

“Flood washing away bridges was not the case in the region 10 to 20 years back, but today climate change is a reality,” Alkali said.

The team also visited various ongoing projects, including mass housing in the Taraba State College of Education at Zing and Staff quarters at the General Hospital, Zing.

Others are the Institute for Entrepreneurship in the Taraba State University Jalingo (TSU), solar borehole in the same TSU and the NEDC’s office complex in Jalingo.

Alkali, who said he was satisfied with the quality of the ongoing works, urged contractors to redouble their efforts to ensure early completion of the projects.

By Martins Abochol

Groups urge Kaduna Refinery to stop Kapam community pollution, compensate victims

Michael Simire
-
0
Groups urge Kaduna Refinery to stop Kapam community pollution, compensate victims

Civil society organisations (CSOs) have demanded an immediate cleanup and detoxification of the Kapam community in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, affected by the alleged release of toxic chemicals by the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemicals Company (KRPC) situated in the community and which is undergoing turnaround maintenance.

Kaduna Refinery
Protesters picket Kaduna Refinery over alleged toxic chemical discharge

Environmental Rights Action (ERA), Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation (CAPPA), in a joint statement on Saturday, August 31, 2024, decried the KRPC’s failure to notify its host community of the release of noxious chemicals into the atmosphere, knowing full well the danger such powerful chemicals pose to their health, crops, and livestock.

The CSOs noted that this negligence had – according to the Kapam people – led to the contamination of the air and water in the area and the destruction of crops and livestock.

They demanded that the KRPC not only take steps to immediately cease further pollution of the area in the interest of the public health and livelihood of Kapam residents but to also commence an assessment of the damage caused by the pollutants with a view to prevent a recurrence and speedily provide commensurate compensation to victims for the losses and damages caused by the avoidable man-made environmental pollution.

The Kapam community, led by its womenfolk, staged a peaceful protest at the facility’s gate on Friday, August 30, calling for dialogue with and remediation and compensation by the KPRC for the losses they have incurred.

Standing in solidarity with the community, the CSOs referenced research showing that refineries often have adverse effects on the health and environment of host communities due to air pollution caused by routine gas flaring and the emission of large amounts of pollutants such as BTEX compounds, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, during the processing of crude oil.

“These often result in acid rains and black soot such as has been experienced by the Ubeji community in Delta State near the Warri Refinery. These pollutants can cause respiratory problems, including asthma, and bronchitis, and increase the risk of heart disease and lung cancer. Other harms in the form of occasional oil spills onsite or offsite can pollute water bodies including the groundwater and rivers/streams, while improper disposal of some hazardous wastes, and accidental fire outbreaks as oil refineries store large quantities of flammable materials, can pose a significant risk of fire and explosion in an environment with shallow risk or disaster management system,” the group stated.

According to Mariann Bassey Oruvwuje, Deputy Executive Director of ERA, the issue of compensation “begs the question, as not everything can be compensated. How do you pay for the ill health or death of a loved one, for example, the time and money spent on the farms, and the mental health of the people? Over and above the compensation, we say, ‘DO NO HARM!’.”

She noted that the Kaduna refinery was commissioned in 1980 to supply petroleum products to Northern Nigeria with a capacity of 50,000 Barrels per Day (B/D). In 1983, the capacity was expanded to 110,000 B/D.

Oruvwuje added: “We wonder to what level this turnaround maintenance would bring this facility to a state where it is safe for the workers, the people, and the environment considering the age of the plant. Would a fresh Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) be conducted? Would reclamation, decommissioning, and close-up measures be prioritised considering cases of abandonments that have characterised other refineries in the country? Would the locals be involved? These are some of the questions begging for answers.”

On his part, CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, found it disturbing that “at a time when global attention is shifting towards renewable energy sources, Nigeria is still within the claws of fossil fuel and its associated consequences.”

Oluwafemi lamented: “Apart from the absence of corporate oversight expected from the regulators, there appears to have been an absolute disregard at KPRC for the environment and the well-being of the victims. The demand for compensation is genuine. We cannot continue to be victims of governance ineptitude.”

Similarly, Stephen Oduware, Programme Manager, HOMEF, noted: “Communities hosting refineries have always been sacrificing zones where pollution of both the environment and people continue nonstop. The incident at Kapam community is another episode of the endless pollution communities have now been forced to live with. The impacts are severe as the environment is degraded, farmlands destroyed, and biodiversity significantly impacted.

“We therefore demand that the pollution must stop. There must be both environmental and health audits. The environment must be remediated and restored. Adequate compensation that takes into account the environmental, social, economic, and health damage caused. The compensation must also take into account the capacity for reproductivity of farmlands destroyed as farming on their land is not just a one-off thing.”

Also speaking, Rita Uwaka, Forest and Biodiversity Programme Coordinator, ERA and Friends of the Earth Africa (FoEA), said: “We stand in solidarity with the women of the Kapam community whose protest is not just about the need to protect our environment, but a struggle against the historic systemic injustices and gender violations associated with the operations of oil and gas companies in Nigeria. We call for an immediate stop to the toxic discharges by the company until a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is conducted and necessary remediation measures are put in place.”

WISE distributes clean cookstoves to 400 women in Kaduna

Michael Simire
-
0
WISE distributes clean cookstoves to 400 women in Kaduna

An NGO, Women Initiative for Sustainable Environment (WISE), in collaboration with the Kaduna State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, has distributed clean cookstoves to 400 women in the state.

Clean cookstoves
Distribution of the clean cookstoves

The stoves were distributed during a one-day clean cookstoves awareness, advocacy, demand creation and distribution drive in Kaduna, the state capital, on Friday, August 30, 2024.

The founder and Programme Director, WISE, Mrs Olanike Olugboji-Daramola, explained that the gesture was part of efforts to tackle the problems of climate change.

Olugboji-Daramola explained that the initiative, with the theme, “Empowering Lives and Saving Our Planet, One Clean Cook Stove at a Time”, was supported by the Federal Ministry of Environment, Women’s Earth Alliance and Nenu Engineering Ltd.

Quoting a WHO’s report, the programme director said that Nigeria tops the list of countries where women die of smoke related illnesses.

She added that the report further showed that women who cook three square meals over open fire, were estimated to have smoked between 23 to 24 packets of cigarettes a day.

“These women, who cook three square meals for their households in small, enclosed spaces with firewoods, were ignorant of the smoke they inhale, and the serious challenges it poses to their health.

“Therefore, promoting the use of clean cookstoves will help women to solve the problem of inhaling bad smoke and enable the women to drive solutions to climate change issues in their various communities,” she said.

She said that WISE had so far distributed over 60,000 clean cookstoves, and mobilised and trained more than 1,860 clean cook stoves entrepreneurs and advocates across the country.

Earlier, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr Abubakar Buba, described the clean cookstoves initiative as a win-win for the families and the environment.

Buba said that the use of clean cookstoves reduces carbon emissions to the atmosphere, adding that it would equally reduce the use of firewood for cooking by women, particularly those in rural communities.

This, according to him, will reduce the rate of felling down of trees for firewood, thereby, mitigating the impact of climate change.

On the importance of trees to the environment, Buba said that trees purify the air people breathe and also serve as carbon absorbents.

He reiterated that the Kaduna State Government frowns at felling trees, adding that the government was open to partnership with stakeholders to make the state greener.

On her part, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Ms Linda Yakubu, warned the beneficiaries against selling the stoves in the market.

Yakubu urged the women to use the stoves as intended so they could contribute to ongoing efforts to address the impact of climate change.

Some of the beneficiaries and advocates of clean cook stoves, Mrs Asibi Hassan and Mrs Hauwa Magayaki, described the initiative as a game-changer in cooking for their families.

Hassan said that using the stoves not only improved their health but saved time and money.

Magayaki, on the other hand, said that the clean cookstoves initiative has empowered women to take control of their health and environment.

“We have learned about the dangers of smoke inhalation and the importance of reducing carbon emissions.

“We are grateful to WISE and its partners for providing us with these stoves and educating us on their benefits.

“The distribution of these stoves is not only improving the health of women, but also contributing to the reduction in carbon emissions.

“We are proud to be a part of this movement towards a more sustainable future,” she said.

By Sani Idris

Flood destroys 2,517 houses in Gombe, 1,650 in Yobe

Michael Simire
-
0
Flood destroys 2,517 houses in Gombe, 1,650 in Yobe

The Gombe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has said that 2,517 houses and shops were either completely or partially destroyed by flood which ravaged 33 communities in the state.

Flood
SEMA official collecting data on flood destruction in Jajere, Yobe State

Mr Ibrahim Nalado, the Deputy Director, Relief and Rehabilitation of the agency, disclosed this in an interview on Saturday, August 31, 2024, in Gombe, the state capital.

Nalado said that the communities affected were in Dukku, Funakaye and Billiri Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

According to him, these areas were flooded due to the heavy downpour that occurred between Aug. 12 and Aug. 22.

He said, “In Dukku LGA, 10 communities were affected. In Funakaye LGA, 20 communities were affected and in Billiri LGA, three communities were affected.”

Nalado said that the flooding and windstorm affected mostly houses and few farmlands in the communities.

He said that there was no loss of life, but two children were injured in Dukku, including seven animals which were washed away.

On the impact of flooding on farmlands, the deputy director said Hina community in Yamaltu/Deba LGA of the state was the worst-hit.

He said that not less than 1000 hectares of rice, maize, sorghum and millet farmlands were submerged in water.

The deputy director stated that his team visited Hina community on Friday, Aug. 30, to assess the level of damage.

Nalado described the impact of the flooding as “huge and devastating” in view of the vast area affected.

“Farmers were getting ready to harvest their crops.

“The farmers were so worried but because it was a natural phenomenon, they accepted it in good fate,” he said.

The deputy director stated that data on the number of farmers affected by the flood were being collated at Hina.

Nalado stated that his agency had assessed the level of damage and were compiling the reports to forward to the state government and other relevant agencies.

He, however, said that the level of damage on farmlands at Hina would take collective efforts of both the state and the Federal Government to address.

He appealed to the North East Development Commission and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to support the state government in this regard.

The deputy director also appealed to the farmers and other persons affected to be patient.

He assured them that government and other government agencies would come to their aid.

In a related development, flood triggered by days of torrential rain destroyed 1,650 houses in Jajere and Yunusari towns of Yobe State.

Dr Mohammed Goje, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), made this known in an interview in Damaturu, the state capital, on Saturday.

He said that a total of 413 households in the areas were displaced by the latest flash flood.

Goje said that a final assessment on the destruction caused by yet another flood in Yusufari, Wagir, Mutai Chirokusko, Bade and Potiskum towns was ongoing.

“SEMA is conducting daily review meetings to assess the situation, update stakeholders and come up with immediate response plan in line with vulnerabilities of affected locations and resources available on ground,” he said.

The executive secretary said arrangements had reached advanced stage to deliver relief materials to the affected communities in the next 24 to 48 hours as directed by Gov Mai Mala Buni.

Goje said cash disbursement to the victims would soon begin as “community keepers” were already validating the list of beneficiaries to ensure transparency and accountability in the exercise.

By Peter Uwumarogie and Nabilu Balarabe

Nigeria to invest $800m in power sector

Michael Simire
-
0
Nigeria to invest $800m in power sector

The Federal Government of Nigeria says it plans to invest $800 million in the construction of sub-stations and distribution networks as part of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI).

Adebayo Adelabu
Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Bolaji Tunji, the Special Adviser, Media and Strategic Communication to the Minister of Power, in Abuja on Sunday, September 1, 2024.

Tunji said the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, said this during a tour of the TBEA Southern Power Transmission and Distribution Industry in Beijing, China.

He said that the minister was in Beijing for the China-Africa Cooperation Summit.

Adelabu said that the investment would be divided into two lots: $400 million for Lot 2, covering Benin, Port Harcourt, and Enugu Distribution Companies (DISCOs) franchise areas, and $400 million for Lot 3, covering Abuja, Kaduna, Jos, and Kano DISCOs franchise areas.

The minister expressed concern over the rejection of power by Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs), which recently led to a reduction in generation capacity from a peak of 5,170 megawatts by 1,400 megawatts due to their inability to manage the supply.

He said that, despite the setback, the government aimed to increase power generation to 6,000 megawatts by the end of the year.

Adelabu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to collaborating with world-class organisations like TBEA to realise President Bola Tinubu’s vision for the power sector.

“Especially in the areas of transmission and distribution of the entire power sector value chain as well as Nigeria’s renewable energy segment.”

Adelabu said that Nigeria had in 1984 generated 2,000 megawatts, and it took over 35 years to add another 2,000 megawatts.

He said that under the current administration, power generation increased from 4,000 megawatts to 5,170 megawatts within a year.

The minister speaking on the problems in the power sector which had hindered industrial growth, said this was due partly to the fragility of the Transmission and distribution infrastructure which had become old and dilapidated.

“This has led to historical epileptic supply of Power to households, industry and businesses.

“More than 59 per cent of industries in Nigeria are off the grid. They did not see the national grid as reliable and dependable. So a lot of them now operate their own captive, self-generated power,” he said.

Adelabu said that the present administration was determined to transform the power sector, adding that a lot of activities had started that were gradually bringing back confidence in the sector.

“When this administration came on board in 2023, we met about 4 gigawatts (4,000 megawatts) of power but within a year, we were able to generate a milestone of 5,170 megawatts.

“That is about 1, 000 megawatts of power within the first year. It may look small, but compared to the history of the country, this is commendable”.

“Our plan is that, by the end of the year, we aim to achieve 6,000 megawatts of power through a combination of hydroelectric power plants and our gas- fired power plant.

“We are also targeting 30 gigawatts of power to be generated, transmitted and distributed by year 2030 out of which 30 per cent will be renewable energy,” he said.

On the construction of the super grid, the minister said the national grid in its present state could not support the vision for the power sector.

“If we look at the strength, the capacity and the age of our existing network on the national grid, it cannot really support our vision for the power sector, hence the need for the construction of the Western and Eastern super grid.

“Though we have been on this since my assumption of duty, I can also tell you that the president is in full support of this because it will improve our transmission network.

“It will also stabilise the grid and also expand the capacity and the flexibility of the grid as 90 per cent of the approval required is in place and will be concluded soon,” he said.

The statement also quoted the President of TBEA, Huang Hanjie as assuring the audience of the organisation’s continued support for Nigeria’s government vision for the power sector.

He said TBEA operates across 100 countries in the world and would be willing to share its experience in the provision of energy.

“The company is not new in Nigeria, it is presently working with the Omotosho, power plant, Ondo State, owned by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC).”

Hanjie also commended the minister for the improved power sector as evidenced in improved generation and transmission since his assumption of office.

He said that TBEA would be willing to work with the Nigerian government to achieve its vision and contribute to the ongoing power sector revolution in the country.

By Constance Athekame

800 homes to benefit from EU funded mini-grid solar project in Cross River

Michael Simire
-
0
800 homes to benefit from EU funded mini-grid solar project in Cross River

No fewer than 800 homes in Etomi community of Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State are set to benefit from an EU funded mini-grid solar power project.

Solar mini-grid
A solar mini-grid system

The state’s Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Mr Eka Williams, stated this during a site visit to assess the progress of the project in the community on Saturday, August 31, 2024.

He named the project as the 196 Kilowatt-hour (kwh)-100H inverter Jinko powerhouse mini-grid solar farm that boasts 119 Kilo Watts (kW) capacity.

Williams said that the solar farm was designed to provide electricity to the community.

According to him, the project is now fully operational and ready to power the Etomi community.

“I am pleased to announce that the solar farm is now fully operational and ready to power the Etomi community.

“All stages of the project have been successfully completed.

“This initiative does not only enhance energy accessibility in the region.

“It also supports our commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development,” he said.

By Ehigimetor Igbaugba

Nasarawa intensifies awareness on flooding

Michael Simire
-
0
Nasarawa intensifies awareness on flooding

The Nasarawa State Government says it has intensified sensitisation to flood-prone local government areas to mitigate flood disasters in the state.

Abdullahi Sule
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State

Mr Yakubu Kwanta, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, said this during the Monthly Sanitation on Saturday, August 31, 2024, in Lafia, the state capital.

Kwanta, who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Garba-Rosha Mohammed, said that the ministry had gone to flood-prone communities to sensitise them to the need for early evacuation, in the event of flooding.

He said that Nasarawa State was among the states that the Federal Government, in the administration of President Bola Tinubu, graciously gave N3 billion toward mitigating flooding.

“As you know, Gov. Abdullahi Sule is a transparent person, he will ensure that the fund is utilised judiciously, especially for what it is meant for.

“We have been creating awareness on flooding and the need for early evacuation from the flood-prone areas, we have automated machines in the flood-prone local government areas that have connected to our phones.

“Anytime the alarm is shown to us that there will be flooding, we start telling these people to evacuate to a safer place,” Kwanta said.

He applauded the level of compliance on sanitation and called for sustenance in the state.

“We appreciate the Emir of Lafia for his support, supervision, and participation, we also thank the community people and stakeholders for their participation in keeping their environment clean.

“Actually, we went round with the media, we have seen what people are doing, the compliance was 85 per cent.

“Honestly, we are glad to see how people are passionately responding to this exercise,” the commissioner said.

Kwanta said that sanitation inspectors were deployed to supervise the evacuation of the drains and culverts for easy flow of water to prevent flood and other devastating effects on the environment.

Dr Abubakar Mohammed, the Chief Prosecutor Officer of the sanitation, said that 86 sanitation defaulters were arrested.

Mohammed, who is also the Director, Enforcement and Compliances, at Nasarawa State Waste Management and Sanitation Authority, said that some arrests made in the cause of the sanitation were mostly motorists and tricycles.

“We summon the Chairman of Tricycle Riders Association for not informing his people before the sanitation, even though he is part of the team,” he said,

Mohammed gave the breakdown of the arrest in the local governments to include: Lafia 12, Doma 15, Nasarawa Eggon 12, Karu 35, Keffi 12, noting that they would be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.

By Oboh Linus

Azerbaijan encourages parties to make early BTR submissions in advance of COP29

Michael Simire
-
0
Azerbaijan encourages parties to make early BTR submissions in advance of COP29

Azerbaijan has called on countries to submit their Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs) before the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which will be held in Baku in November 2024, reads a letter from COP29 President, Mukhtar Babayev, to the parties to the conference of the parties on climate change.

Mukhtar Babayev
Mukhtar Babayev, COP President

The letter reads in part:

“While recognising the varying starting points of each country, early submissions of BTRs will be a strong demonstration of our collective commitment to transparency. With COP29 in Baku fewer than 75 days away, it is imperative that we take tangible steps to demonstrate our shared commitment to climate action.

“As we conveyed earlier this year, the COP29 Presidency’s vision centres around two parallel and mutually reinforcing pillars: enhancing ambition and enabling action, with climate finance as our top priority. As we reiterate the necessity for all Parties to enhance their ambition in the next generation of national climate plans, transparency forms a cornerstone of mutual trust and accountability. It ensures that our collective actions to combat climate change are robust, comprehensive, and measurable. By transparently reporting our words and deeds, our progress and challenges, we reaffirm our commitment to achieving our climate goals.

“It is in this context that the COP29 Presidency is emphasising the key role of Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs), as Parties implement the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF). With the deadline for submission of the first BTRs rapidly approaching, it is critical to ensure that all countries are ready and able to submit. BTRs will be pivotal in tracking our progress, building trust, and identifying areas where further action and investment are needed.

“We understand that it will be challenging for many Parties to measure and report data and there is significant need for capacity building. In light of this, the COP29 Presidency is taking decisive steps to ensure ongoing political engagement and enhance collaboration and capacity-building so we can all deliver on our collective transparency commitments at COP29 and beyond.

“On September 3, 2024, the COP29 Presidency will host a High-Level Dialogue (HLD) to sustain momentum for increased transparency action in the lead-up to COP29. This High-Level Dialogue will focus on building confidence among Parties, raising political awareness about the importance of universal participation in the ETF, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.

“The main objective of the BTP is to enhance confidence and support Parties in preparing and finalising their BTRs, as well as implementing the ETF beyond 2024, in particular, supporting the capacity-building efforts of developing country Parties along the way. The BTP will complement existing transparency platforms, including the #Together4Transparency initiative, aligning with and enhancing the existing transparency ecosystem.

“Our goal is to unite stakeholders committed to support developing country Parties in the preparation and submission of BTRs, promote collaboration and knowledge exchange amongst all Parties on the full spectrum of the ETF, and better mobilize capacity-building resources where they are needed. By doing so, we can help to ensure the effective implementation of the ETF and the success of the Paris Agreement.”

1...252627...2,034Page 26 of 2,034

TV Report

Archives

2024 EnviroNews Nigeria. All Rights Reserved.

×