A 21-year-old student from the University of Leeds, inspired by the IPBES Global Assessment, is making a documentary in Pakistan about beekeepers facing climate change challenges. The IPBES report highlights the risk of extinction for over a million species, a narrative that has spurred individuals and organizations to action. IPBES has influenced policy changes worldwide, including in Nigeria and South Africa, where businesses are incorporating biodiversity into their strategies. The IPBES Track database documents the impact of their scientific reports, showing how science can lead to tangible change. At COP15, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgent need for a biodiversity framework. The student envisions a summit prioritizing biodiversity equally with climate change.

The AfCFTA Kazini Caravan, initiated by Youth Motion Kenya and its director Mr. Maina, is a mobile advocacy initiative that raises awareness among African youths about the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The caravan uses creative means such as flash mobs and performances to engage audiences across Africa. The first caravan journeyed from Nairobi to Durban, and the second edition plans to cover 20 countries, ending in Cairo during the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF). The AfCFTA Protocol on Youth and Women, which is under development, aims to enhance free trade, and Youth Motion has launched AfCFTArt, a competition for student artists to submit works related to AfCFTA. Mr. Maina emphasizes the importance of youth leadership and the role of trade in unifying and providing opportunities for young Africans.

In Senegal, small-scale farmers are facing challenges due to climate change, including droughts, floods, and decreased productivity leading to food insecurity. A regional project, Adaptation and Valorization of Entrepreneurship in Irrigated Agriculture (Avenir), led by the Mennonite Economic Development Associates with participation from the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), is training farmers in climate-adapted agriculture and agribusiness. The project aims to improve the social and economic well-being and resilience of agricultural households in the regions of Sedhiou and Tambacounda. It promotes climate-adapted agricultural and irrigation practices, increasing the profitability of agribusinesses in the production of various crops. The initiative is expected to benefit over 10,000 women and youth from farming families and indirectly impact another 35,000 individuals. Key components include the use of drought-tolerant seed varieties, climate-smart technologies, efficient irrigation techniques, and access to climate information services.

Africa needs to trade carbon credits to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, finance the transition to renewable energies, and boost economic development, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). Carbon credits offer an opportunity for African countries to protect against climate change while obtaining funding for renewable energy transitions. The World Bank reports that carbon pricing revenue increased by nearly 60% last year, reaching about $84 billion. Africa, which suffers from energy insecurity and relies heavily on fossil fuels, has untapped potential in the carbon trade market. However, transitioning from fossil fuels poses complex challenges for African countries, which could lose essential income and risk being stranded with natural resources as global demand shifts towards renewables. The ECA supports African countries in obtaining resources through carbon trading and emphasizes the need for proper oversight. Africa, responsible for only 3% of global CO2 emissions, is disproportionately affected by climate change, with many countries spending an average of 9% of their budgets on climate-related costs. The African Union has adopted a common position for energy transition, recognizing natural gas as a temporary energy necessity and allowing for increased investment in renewable energies.

People affected by leprosy, such as Sode in Ethiopia and Kofi Nyarko in Ghana, face severe discrimination that hinders their access to education, employment, and social inclusion. The Global Appeal 2024 aims to end stigma and discrimination against those with leprosy, with support from the WHO and the Nippon Foundation. WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Nippon Foundation chair Yohei Sasakawa emphasized the need for political commitment and public awareness to eliminate the disease. Despite being curable, leprosy continues to cause hardship and isolation due to discrimination. The Sasakawa Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) Initiative's 'Don't Forget Leprosy' campaign, along with various organizations and individuals, are working towards a world free of leprosy-related discrimination.

A South Korean company, QuadMedicine, has developed an innovative micro-needle patch (MAP) for painless, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly vaccine and drug administration. The MAP combines the benefits of patches and syringes, with tiny needles that are almost painless and deliver active pharmaceutical ingredients efficiently. The MAP is stable at room temperature, easily transportable, and can be recycled safely. QuadMedicine is planning clinical trials for their MAP technology, which could be particularly beneficial for low- and middle-income countries by reducing the amount of antigen needed for vaccinations. The World Health Organization notes the importance of managing health care waste, as 16 billion injections are administered annually worldwide.

In Zimbabwe's Masvingo Province, farmers like Aplonia Marutsvaka are successfully harvesting maize despite extreme heat and drought conditions, thanks to heat-tolerant maize seeds developed by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and the Research Programme on Maize of CGIAR. Funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development, these seeds have been trialed in several African countries and have shown better performance than other hybrids. The seeds are also drought-tolerant, which is crucial for areas with low annual rainfall. The United Nations World Food Programme has noted a significant drop in maize production due to drought, which has led to food shortages. The heat-tolerant seeds are expected to be widely available by 2018, and local companies anticipate increased sales. The success of these seeds in Zaka District is encouraging other farmers to adopt them, with the potential to improve food security in regions affected by climate change.

Mango farmer Eufria Nyadome from Mhondiwa village in Zimbabwe faces reduced income due to the invasive Oriental fruit fly, which has affected her mango trees. The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) reported that invasive species like the fruit fly are a major threat to biodiversity, causing irreversible damage and economic costs exceeding $423 billion annually. The report highlights the need for effective management and integrated approaches to address the issue, with only 17% of countries having specific regulations. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) emphasizes the impact of invasive species on local ecosystems and biodiversity. In Zimbabwe, farmers are combating the issue with integrated pest management practices developed by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE).

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers significant potential for young African entrepreneurs by removing trade barriers and fostering a single market for goods and services. It encourages investment, industrialization, and emphasizes the digital economy, which can lead to job creation and economic prosperity. The AfCFTA also includes a protocol on the free movement of people within Africa. Market research is deemed crucial for young entrepreneurs to understand consumer preferences and market trends, which can help them succeed in the growing demand for goods and services across the continent.

Governments in Southern Africa are enacting laws that restrict civil society organizations, leading to a shrinking space for civil society and an increase in human rights violations. CIVICUS highlights that a significant portion of the global population lives in countries with severe restrictions on civil liberties. Zimbabwe's upcoming national elections are of particular concern, with the government approving laws that could criminalize activities deemed against national interests. United Nations experts and civil society organizations warn of the negative impacts of such legislation on human rights and democracy. Similar situations are reported in Angola and Mozambique, where governments are using the pretext of combating terrorism to pass laws that could stifle civil society. Civil society advocates call for international support and urge governments to adhere to human rights conventions.

Governments in Southern Africa are enacting laws that restrict civil society organizations, leading to a shrinking space for civil society and rising human rights violations, according to CIVICUS. Zimbabwe, ahead of its 2023 national elections, has passed the Patriotic Act and is considering the Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Bill, both of which could criminalize activities of NGOs and journalists. Similar restrictive measures are seen in Angola and Mozambique, where new legislation could severely limit the operations of civil society organizations. United Nations experts and civil society leaders have expressed concern and urged for the protection of freedoms and human rights.

Vulnerable countries are pushing for an inclusive funding package to address the severe impacts of climate change, amid slow progress at the 2023 Bonn Climate Change Conference. Key issues like the Loss and Damage Fund and the global goal on adaptation remain unresolved. Climate Justice Director Yamide Dagnet emphasizes the need for resilient communities and innovative financing solutions. Developed countries are urged to fulfill their financial commitments, with COP28 seen as a critical juncture for advancing the Paris Agreement goals.

Vulnerable countries are seeking an inclusive funding package to address climate change impacts, but the 2023 Bonn Climate Change Conference ended without concrete outcomes. Yamide Dagnet from Open Society Foundations emphasized the urgency of building resilient communities and the need for a financial package aligned with the Paris Agreement. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has called for accelerated action, and developed countries have been criticized for not delivering on financial pledges. Innovative financing solutions for loss and damage are being explored, and the upcoming COP 28 is seen as crucial for making progress on all pillars of the Paris Agreement.

Vulnerable countries are calling for inclusive financial packages to combat the devastating impacts of climate change. The recent Bonn Climate Change Conference (SB58) ended with little progress, raising concerns for the upcoming COP28 in Dubai. Key issues like the Loss and Damage Fund and global adaptation goals remain unresolved. Yamide Dagnet from the Open Society Foundation emphasizes the need for urgent financial support and resilient communities. The IPCC warns of a significant gap between current actions and necessary measures to address climate risks. Developed countries are urged to fulfill their financial commitments, with innovative funding solutions proposed to support climate adaptation and mitigation.

The article discusses the deforestation problem in Benin, exacerbated by the use of wood for parboiling rice, a common cooking practice. The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) has developed a clean stove that uses rice husks, a sustainable and abundant by-product, as fuel. This innovation aims to reduce deforestation and health issues caused by wood smoke inhalation. The stove, powered by a solar panel, has low emissions and is now approved for commercial production. AfricaRice is also teaching local metal smiths in Benin and Nigeria to manufacture the stove, which comes in various sizes for different uses. The initiative is seen as a way to make cooking safer and more efficient while conserving the environment by reducing the reliance on wood fuel.

In March 2023, Malawi experienced devastating impacts from Tropical Cyclone Freddy, highlighting the urgent need for financial support to address loss and damage from climate change. COP 27 saw the historic agreement to establish a dedicated fund for this purpose, but operationalization and funding remain contentious issues. The Transitional Committee, established at COP27, met in March 2023 to discuss the fund's arrangements, but key questions remain unresolved. The committee aims to establish the fund by COP28 in November 2023. The United Nations and experts emphasize the importance of addressing loss and damage as a matter of climate justice and international solidarity.

Billy Offland, a British sustainability student, embarked on a two-year global journey to raise awareness about the biodiversity crisis, inspired by the IPBES Global Assessment Report. The report highlights the alarming rate of species extinction and the degradation of natural systems due to human actions. Offland's journey underscores the power of scientific research in mobilizing action for biodiversity conservation. The IPBES report has influenced global policy changes and corporate strategies, with notable impacts in Africa and South Africa. The article also discusses the role of the IPBES impact tracking database and the need for integrated climate and biodiversity action, as emphasized by UN Secretary-General António Guterres at COP15.

The escalation of conflicts and climate change threaten the implementation of the Great Green Wall Initiative, a land restoration project in Africa. Despite political will and investment, the project faces challenges from competition over natural resources exacerbated by climate change, particularly in West Africa. The initiative aims to restore over 100 million hectares of degraded land, sequester 250 million tons of carbon, and create 10 million green jobs by 2030. Currently, over 4% of the land has been restored, with $27 billion committed out of the $50 billion needed. The project has gained international support, including from the United Nations, and is seen as a solution to land degradation, drought, and desertification. However, conflicts in regions like Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Eritrea pose significant challenges to its progress.

Billy Offland, a British sustainability student, embarked on a two-year journey to raise awareness about the biodiversity crisis, inspired by the IPBES Global Assessment report. The report highlights the alarming rate of species extinction and the degradation of natural habitats. Offland's travels and research underscore the critical role of scientific research in mobilizing action to protect biodiversity. The IPBES report has influenced global policies and initiatives, including strategic action plans in Nigeria and biodiversity assessments by South African businesses. The TRACK database by IPBES documents the global impact of its work, showcasing how scientific findings can drive policy changes and conservation efforts. At the COP15 Biodiversity Conference, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgent need for a global biodiversity framework. Offland advocates for integrated summits addressing both biodiversity and climate change to achieve transformative change.

Billy Offland, a British sustainability student, embarked on a two-year journey to raise awareness about the biodiversity crisis, inspired by the IPBES Global Assessment report. The report highlights the alarming rate of species extinction and the degradation of natural habitats. Offland's travels and research underscore the importance of scientific research in mobilizing action for biodiversity conservation. The IPBES report has influenced global policy changes and inspired initiatives like the Impact Tracking Database (TRACK) to monitor the impact of biodiversity science. At the COP15 Biodiversity Conference, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgent need for a global biodiversity framework. Offland advocates for integrating biodiversity and climate change efforts to achieve transformative change.

Climate change is intensifying global injustice, disproportionately affecting poor and vulnerable communities. Yamide Dagnet, director for Climate Justice at Open Society Foundations, emphasizes the need for action on human rights and climate change. COP27 aims to address these issues, with vulnerable nations demanding social justice and reparations for losses and damages caused by climate change. Dagnet highlights the urgency of reducing emissions, protecting environmental defenders, and establishing a financial mechanism for affected countries. The talks at COP27 also include discussions on a windfall tax on fossil fuel companies to compensate for loss and damage.

Climate change is exacerbating global injustice, disproportionately affecting poor and vulnerable communities. Yamide Dagnet, director for Climate Justice at Open Society Foundations, emphasizes the need for urgent action to uphold human rights and address climate change. The COP27 conference in Sharm El Sheikh highlights the frustration over the lack of progress in reducing emissions and protecting vulnerable populations. The discussions include the need for financial mechanisms to support developing countries facing climate-induced losses and damages. The article underscores the importance of inclusive and effective climate action, accountability, and the role of international platforms like the UNFCCC.

Climate change is exacerbating global injustice, disproportionately affecting poor and vulnerable communities. Yamide Dagnet, director for Climate Justice at Open Society Foundations, emphasizes the need for urgent action to uphold human rights and address climate change. The COP27 conference in Sharm El Sheikh highlights the frustration over unmet climate goals and the need for financial mechanisms to support vulnerable countries. The discussion includes the potential for legal action against developed countries and corporations for failing to meet climate commitments.

Pacific island countries are facing severe impacts from climate change, with some islands disappearing due to rising sea levels. At COP27, Tuvalu's Prime Minister Kausea Natano called for a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty. The Pacific Islands, which are highly vulnerable to climate change, are experiencing natural disasters, ocean acidification, and coral reef bleaching, affecting their agriculture and fishing-dependent livelihoods. Despite low emissions, these nations have ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and seek financial support for adaptation and mitigation efforts. The Pacific Community (SPC) supports these nations through scientific and technical assistance, emphasizing the need for increased climate financing and resources for loss and damage compensation.

The narrative that livestock contributes negatively to climate change is hindering the growth of the vital livestock sector in Africa, which sustains over 1.3 billion people globally. In Africa, livestock is crucial for food, nutrition, jobs, income, and cultural significance. Researchers, farmers, and entrepreneurs argue for a balanced debate, viewing livestock production not as a problem but as a solution to climate change, especially in developing countries. Ian Wright of the International Livestock Research Institute emphasizes the sector's potential to boost economic growth, combat poverty, and achieve Sustainable Development Goals. Despite the sector's low investment, it contributes significantly to Africa's GDP. Sustainable livestock management can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote carbon sequestration. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization notes livestock's substantial contribution to global agricultural value, while the World Bank highlights the role of animal-sourced foods in addressing malnutrition and economic losses in Africa.

Africa needs to trade carbon credits to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, finance the transition to renewable energies, and boost economic development, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). Carbon credits offer an opportunity for African countries to protect against climate change while obtaining funding for renewable energy transitions. The continent faces energy insecurity and relies heavily on fossil fuels, but has the potential to meet 30% of global carbon sequestration needs by 2050. The ECA estimates that carbon removal in Africa could generate between $15 billion and $82 billion annually, depending on carbon credit prices. However, the African carbon market is underdeveloped, and the continent has historically contributed the least to greenhouse gas emissions but suffers significantly from climate change effects. The African Union has adopted a common position on energy transition, recognizing natural gas as a temporary energy need and allowing for more investment in renewables.

Zimbabwean farmers are facing severe food insecurity due to a significant drop in maize production caused by drought and economic challenges. The government has mandated farmers to sell their harvests to the state, but many are reluctant due to low prices and poor yields. The Grain Marketing Board and the land ministry have introduced cash incentives to encourage compliance, but farmers fear the measures will exacerbate hunger. The economic crisis, compounded by inflation and rising farming costs, is further straining the livelihoods of rural communities. Analysts warn that the situation could worsen food security across Africa.

Conservationists and scientists are urging China to set a date for the 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to address urgent biodiversity loss. The meeting, now scheduled for December 5-17 in Montreal, aims to establish a blueprint for the next decade's work on biodiversity. The CBD is crucial as climate change and other factors are driving species towards extinction. The COP, which China currently presides over, is expected to agree on a target to protect at least 30% of the planet by 2030. Delays in convening COP15 are seen as a setback, with the destruction of nature continuing. The Global Biodiversity Framework offers a rare opportunity to map out a new action plan, with a focus on innovation and science-based solutions. The CBD, a legally binding treaty, aims to reverse biodiversity loss and achieve harmony with nature by 2050.

The article discusses the impact of climate change on agriculture in South Africa's KwaZulu Natal Province, where a severe drought has led farmers to shift from cattle to goat farming. Bongekile Ndimande, a local farmer, has successfully transitioned to goat farming, which is more resilient to drought conditions. The Southern African Development Community has launched an emergency aid appeal due to the widespread drought affecting food security. The article highlights the importance of adapting agriculture to climate change, as emphasized at the COP 22 meeting in Marrakesh. Initiatives like the Adaptation of African Agriculture aim to transform African agriculture with climate-smart approaches. The Mdukatshani Rural Development Project, in partnership with Heifer International South Africa and other organizations, is working to double goat production and create jobs. The article underscores the role of science, innovation, and technology in adapting to climate change and the potential of goats as a sustainable livelihood for farmers in the face of environmental challenges.

The article discusses the impact of micro-dosing fertilizer on agriculture in Zimbabwe, where despite severe droughts, farmers like Phillip Tshuma have seen a significant increase in harvests. Micro-dosing involves applying small quantities of fertilizer, which has proven to be cost-effective and has increased yields. The article also touches on the broader context of fertilizer use in Africa, referencing the Abuja Declaration's goals for increased fertilizer use, which have not been fully met. It highlights the overall increase in fertilizer demand in Africa since 2008 and the potential for micro-dosing to improve food security and reduce import costs. The challenges of knowledge, availability, and affordability for smallholder farmers are also discussed, along with the need for private-sector investment and sustainable soil management practices to achieve a Green Revolution in Africa.

The article discusses Africa's commitment to combating climate change and its efforts to transition to renewable energy sources. Following the Paris Agreement, African countries are moving away from fossil fuels towards sustainable development, with investments in geothermal, wind, and solar power. Kenya is highlighted as a leader in geothermal power with the Olkaria IV Geothermal Power Plant. The article also touches on the challenges of water scarcity affecting hydropower and the need for public and private investments in green industrialization. It draws parallels with China's progress towards a low-carbon economy, suggesting that Africa could learn from China's experience. The article emphasizes the importance of structural transformation for Africa's sustainable development and industrialization, despite the continent's minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions yet suffering significantly from climate change effects.