Category Archives: Climate

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COP 30: African stakeholders issue seven-point call  

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African stakeholders have adopted a seven-point communiqué calling for urgent and coordinated climate action that aligns ambition with development needs across the continent, ahead of the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Ugochukwu Uzuegbu, Communications Officer, Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP) and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos.

The statement said the stakeholders emphasised that Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) — the central tool under the Paris Agreement — must serve as practical roadmaps for national development.

They urged that future NDCs be ambitious, feasible, and harmonised with national plans, while reflecting Africa’s social and economic realities through inclusive participation.

The seven-point communiqué called on African governments to treat the climate crisis as a developmental emergency, defend multilateralism, and use NDCs as platforms for cooperative engagement with global partners under the Paris Agreement, Agenda 2063, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

It also urged developed countries to sustain financial, technological, and technical support to help African states implement their NDCs, and for donor institutions to prioritise bankable, community-led projects that can attract private investment.

The communiqué further emphasised the need for gender, youth, and community inclusion at every stage of NDC design and implementation.

Read Also: Climate Change concern drops sharply in Kenya, South Africa – New FSC Report

Ms Gbemisola Akosa, Executive Director, Center for 21st Century Issues, stressed that although 85 per cent of African countries have incorporated gender in their NDCs, financing for women-focused climate action remains inadequate.

“We must not only put gender equality in our policies but ensure that implementation delivers real results,” she said.

Mr Iskander Vernoit, Executive Director, IMAL Initiative for Climate and Development, Morocco, highlighted the gaps in climate finance and the need for stronger global accountability.

“African governments must protect their citizens even in the absence of sufficient international finance,” he said,

He called for legal obligations on wealthy nations to fulfill climate finance commitments.

Representing African youth, Mr Samuel Okorie, Advisory Board Member of the UNFCCC Santiago Network, urged governments to partner with youth enterprises and integrate innovation into national climate action.

“It’s time to stop being afraid of youth businesses — they can drive Africa’s climate solutions,” he said.

The communiqué concluded with a united call for African countries to “speak with one voice” at COP30, focusing on the Baku to Belém Roadmap, Article 6 and Carbon Markets, and the Global Goal on Adaptation.

The communique added that the webinar was hosted by Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke and attended by over 30 stakeholders from across the continent.

(NAN)

Climate Change concern drops sharply in Kenya, South Africa – New FSC Report

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Public concern about climate change has dropped significantly in Kenya and South Africa in 2025, according to new data released by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) during its General Assembly.

Findings from the 2025 Global Consumer Awareness Survey, conducted by IPSOS across 50 countries with more than 40,000 respondents, reveal that global attention has shifted from climate issues to geopolitical and security concerns. While war and conflict (52%) now top the list of global public worries, climate change trails at 31%.

In Kenya, concern for climate change fell sharply from 42% in 2022 to 30% in 2025, though deforestation remains the top environmental issue, with 47% of respondents citing it as their primary concern — the highest globally. South Africa also recorded a decline from 32% to 25%, while in Egypt, which joined the survey for the first time, 32% of respondents identified wildfires as a major environmental threat.

Despite declining climate anxiety, many Africans still recognize the deep connection between forests, livelihoods, and climate stability. “When people see forests under pressure, they connect the dots between nature, water, and livelihoods. Protecting forests isn’t just about trees — it’s about stability, resilience, and hope in a changing climate,” said Subhra Bhattacharjee, FSC Director General.

The report further shows that droughts and floods are major issues in Kenya, with 40% of respondents expressing concern — 10 points higher than South Africa and 13 points above Egypt.

Read Also: IsDB Institute, LSEG launch report on Islamic finance, development traps

In terms of biodiversity, South Africans (42%) expressed the highest concern over the loss of plant and animal species, exceeding the global average of 36%.

While public worry about climate change is softening, consumer behavior remains environmentally conscious. Across the surveyed markets, 72% of consumers said they prefer products that do not harm plants or animals. In Kenya, 79% of respondents believe sustainability information on products should be certified by an independent organization, underscoring continued demand for transparency in sustainable sourcing.

“Even as global priorities shift, people here continue to care about forests and the livelihoods they sustain. They want transparency, fairness, and proof that the products they buy make a real difference,” said Annah Agasha, Deputy Director, FSC Africa.

FSC warns that as global crises such as war, pandemics, and inflation dominate public debate, climate action risks slipping down the policy agenda. The organization is calling for integrated strategies that combine environmental protection with social and economic security, ensuring that climate priorities remain central to global decision-making.

The findings are being discussed this week at the FSC General Assembly, where international stakeholders are shaping the future of responsible forest management and its role in combating climate change.

Lagos residents lament air pollution, seek stricter law enforcement

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As Lagos continues to battle environmental challenges associated with its rapid urbanisation, residents across the state have raised concerns over its worsening air quality, largely attributed to indiscriminate waste burning, vehicular emissions, and poor sanitation practices.

They disclosed this in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

NAN reports that from Ikorodu to Sasha, Oshodi to Alagbado among others, fumes from refuse fires, exhaust pipes and industrial discharges hang in the air, posing serious threats to public health and the environment.

Mrs Itunu Dada, a civil servant and resident of Ikorodu, told NAN that air pollution in her community is largely caused by refuse burning.

“Instead of patronising the PSP operators, many residents prefer to burn their waste.

“When you go outside, you see fumes of smoke from effluents. This causes cough and chest irritation. Around the markets, refuse dumped on the road median emits offensive odours. It’s appalling,” she said.

Dada called on the Lagos State Government to shut down markets with poor sanitation and strengthen its waste evacuation efforts.

“Those evacuating waste from the drainage leave them for weeks before removing them. When it rains, the waste washes back into the drains. This is not good.

“There should be a task force to monitor illegal dumping and burning of refuse within the metropolis,” she said.

In Sasha, a suburb in the Alimosho Local Government Area, Mrs Stella Lawrence, a teacher, said air pollution has become an everyday reality for residents.

“The huge population of Lagos contributes to it. Many commercial vehicles are not roadworthy and emit thick fumes.

“Generator use also adds to the problem. The government should ban unfit vehicles and ensure the PSPs remove refuse regularly to discourage waste burning. Providing regular electricity supply will also help to reduce generator fumes,” she added.

Similarly, Miss Chioma Ndukwe, a communications expert and resident of Okota, said air pollution has become severe in densely populated areas such as Oshodi.

“When you walk through Oshodi Market, you can hardly breathe; emissions from industries, waste burning, traffic fumes and poor sanitation combine to create a choking environment,” she said.

Ndukwe urged the government to provide public toilets, conduct regular vehicle emission checks and regulate industrial discharges.

Read Also: Group calls for sustainable solution to climate change

“We need to take air pollution seriously. Everyone deserves to breathe clean air in Lagos,” Ndukwe said.

In Lekki, Mr Bruno Ajede, a businessman, acknowledged that while the area is relatively clean, pollution persists in crowded parts such as markets and Ajah.

“Car fumes are the main problem. Air pollution affects human health and can cause respiratory issues like asthma,” Ajede said.

Also, Mr Ajibola Ajayi, a marketer and resident of Alagbado, said the community suffers from huge vehicular pollution.

“Many vehicles here emit heavy smoke because there’s little or no regulation,” Ajayi said.

Reacting to the development, Mr Friday Oku, President, Association of Wastepickers of Lagos, said Nigeria’s continued dependence on fossil fuel is worsening both environmental and health hazards.

“There’s a lot of danger associated with fossil fuel use. It’s causing serious harm to the environment and to human health.

“That’s why we are working to promote renewable energy and find ways to mitigate air pollution in our society,” Oku said.

He, however, criticised what he described as inconsistent government policies that undermine emission reduction efforts, citing the recent ban on waste pickers using carts, known locally as “cart pushers,” as an example.

“When we are trying to cut emissions from fossil fuels, the government suddenly bans cart pushers without providing any sustainable alternative.

“How do you ban them and replace them with tricycles that cause even more pollution? It shows a lack of policy direction,” he said.

Oku added that while private and civil society groups are striving to reduce emissions through renewable energy and cleaner alternatives such as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), government actions often contradict climate commitments.

“For us, we are against fossil fuel emissions from vehicles and markets. We must shift towards renewable energy and CNG. That’s the only way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” he emphasised.

He also stressed the need for behavioural change among Nigerians.

NAN reports that health experts opine that prolonged exposure to polluted air increases the risk of respiratory infections, heart disease and lung cancer.

However, the Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, has reiterated its commitment to tackling air pollution through its Blue and Green Economy Initiative and Air Quality Monitoring Network.

The state has also deployed mobile sensors in strategic locations to measure pollution levels and enforce compliance among industries and transport operators.

NAN reports that residents and environmental advocates argue that until citizens stop burning waste and the government enforces environmental laws effectively, Lagos’ quest for clean air may remain elusive.
(NAN)

New documentary showcases Africa’s pastoralists as innovators, not victims

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A new documentary is challenging long-held stereotypes about Africa’s pastoralist communities, portraying them instead as resilient innovators who are redefining the future of the continent’s drylands.

Titled “Charting New Futures in Africa’s Drylands,” the film highlights how pastoralists — who supply about 50% of Africa’s meat and 75% of its milk — are finding creative solutions to the challenges of climate change, conflict, and marginalization.

Filmed across Kenya, Nigeria, and South Sudan, the documentary profiles five communities that are driving change — from resolving farmer-herder conflicts to developing new livelihoods in the face of climate shocks.

Innovation Amid Adversity

The film overturns common myths that portray pastoralists as conflict-prone or resistant to technology. Instead, it spotlights their capacity for adaptation and innovation.

In Bor, South Sudan, for instance, Dinka pastoralists have turned devastating floods into opportunity by building a women-led fishing economy. “Now at the riverside, the number of women is higher than the men. Many of them don’t have husbands: they are the men and they are the women in their lives,” said fishmonger Awur Thon Jok.

In Nigeria, the Fulbe Development and Cultural Organization (FUDECO) is helping Fulani pastoralist families access justice after farmer-herder conflicts — ensuring perpetrators face trial and promoting peaceful alternatives to revenge violence.

Meanwhile, Livestock247, an online livestock platform, is working with pastoralists to microchip cattle for digital traceability, ensuring that meat is health-certified and command better market prices. The technology, designed in line with Fulani livestock traditions, is providing new insights into meat safety and trade transparency.

Critical but Undersupported

According to Guy Jobbins, Executive Director of Supporting Pastoralism and Agriculture in Recurrent and Protracted Crises (SPARC) and co-producer of the documentary, these stories reflect the everyday realities of Africa’s pastoralists.

“We should not be surprised that pastoralists are driving positive development. They are experts at navigating change,” Jobbins said. “The real issue is that for decades, pastoralists have been marginalized or subjected to interventions that undermined their resilience.”

One such example is Turkana’s Oropoi village in Kenya, where poorly planned borehole installations have been abandoned due to lack of community consultation.

Read Also: Impacts of industrial pollution on Climate Change

Sammy Ekal, Executive Director of the Turkana Pastoralists Development Organization (TUPADO), stressed the importance of including local voices in planning.

“It’s very important to have pastoralists involved in decision-making, because it affects them on a daily basis,” Ekal said. “A stakeholder will come and make a decision that does not support people in this area.”

2026: A Turning Point for Pastoral Policy

The United Nations’ declaration of 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) presents what experts call a crucial opportunity to reshape global policy.

Advocates are urging governments to recognize the role of rangelands and pastoralists in restoring degraded lands, building sustainable food systems, and advancing climate action.

“IYRP 2026 is a rare opportunity to shine a light on these regions, break down the myths about pastoralism, and champion the agency, knowledge, and resilience of people living in Africa’s drylands,” Jobbins said. “Pastoralists do not need ‘saving’ — but they do need to be part of the changes happening across the drylands.”

The documentary is accompanied by a podcast, Dynamic Drylands, which further explores the realities, innovations, and challenges shaping pastoral life in Africa.

Podcast: Dynamic Drylands
Documentary: Charting New Futures in Africa’s Drylands

Experts advocate ‘people-first’ strategy to tackle climate, poverty, biodiversity crises

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A group of international experts led by Project Drawdown has called for a “people-first” approach to addressing global challenges such as poverty, biodiversity loss, and climate change — urging policymakers to prioritize human well-being as the foundation for lasting environmental and climate action.

In a commentary published in the journal One Earth, the team argues that existing resources can effectively ease human suffering and protect the planet if solutions focus first on meeting people’s needs.

“Poverty, biodiversity loss, and climate change are interwoven problems with interwoven solutions,” said Dr. Paul C. West, Project Drawdown’s Senior Scientist and lead author of the study. “To solve all three, we need to prioritize actions that meet people’s needs first, especially in rural areas of low-income countries where poverty and hunger are widespread. If that doesn’t happen, benefits for nature and climate are likely short-lived — and it’s just the right thing to do.”

The paper, titled “A People-First Approach to Achieving Global Climate and Nature Goals,” was co-authored by 14 experts from organizations across Bangladesh, Canada, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nigeria, Senegal, Singapore, and the United States.

The authors noted that current global strategies tend to focus on climate and biodiversity goals while treating human well-being as secondary — a key reason why progress on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has stalled. With over one million species facing extinction and climate impacts worsening, they argue, a paradigm shift is urgently needed.

Read Also: How climate change ignites wildfires

Their proposed “people-first approach” emphasizes identifying technologies and practices that benefit people, biodiversity, and climate simultaneously — but with priority given to actions that improve lives immediately.

Practical examples include:

Village-scale solar projects, which enhance quality of life while cutting emissions and reducing deforestation.

Supporting communities that protect intact ecosystems, thereby preserving biodiversity and carbon storage.

Safeguarding coastal mangroves, which protect livelihoods and food sources while offering climate and habitat benefits.

The experts also highlight the importance of targeting interventions where they can have the greatest impact. “Understanding where needs are highest and where solutions can be most effective can identify ‘hot spots’ or ‘leverage points’ to guide action and accelerate progress,” the commentary stated.

“By designing projects to meet people’s needs and prioritizing those at the nexus of human, climate, and nature goals, decision-makers and funders can deliver enduring results that don’t jeopardize human well-being — and therefore, their own success,” the authors concluded.

Carbon Markets Africa Summit to unlock billions in Climate Finance

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Africa’s rich natural resources present vast opportunities to drive climate action and sustainable development — but realizing that potential requires investment, transparency, and collaboration. From October 21 to 23, Johannesburg will host the Carbon Markets Africa Summit (CMAS), bringing together more than 280 policymakers, investors, and project developers from 40 countries to accelerate Africa’s participation in high-integrity carbon markets.

The landmark event, hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with AUDA-NEPAD as the strategic institutional partner and One Carbon World as the official climate impact partner, marks the first continental summit dedicated to unlocking Africa’s carbon value through integrity, investment, and impact.

“Carbon markets can unlock billions in finance for the continent,” said Maxwell Gomera, Resident Representative of UNDP South Africa and Director of the Africa Sustainable Finance Hub. “With the right partnerships and governance, Africa can convert its natural wealth into climate-resilient growth and jobs.”

Madeleine Garlick, Africa Director at One Carbon World, added: “African innovators are leading the market now, but with collaboration, we can achieve the scale needed to ensure it delivers for everybody.”

Turning Ambition into Action

Reflecting the summit’s collaborative theme, TASC, an award-winning developer of high-impact carbon projects, is serving as diamond sponsor, joined by FSD Africa, SGS, and Trees for the Future as gold sponsors, with GIZ and Carbon Coin as silver sponsors.

“Our projects are having a monumental impact at a grassroots level—all this enabled through carbon finance,” said Shelley Estcourt, CEO Africa at TASC.

Francesca Cerchia, Global Head of Climate Solutions at SGS, emphasized: “We need to make sure Africa is at the centre of voluntary carbon market development.”

Read Also: Türkiye to host GITEX Ai Türkiye 2026 in Istanbul

Tim McLennan, CEO of Trees for the Future, added: “Farmers are the most vulnerable to climate change; our mission is to assist them to restore land and unlock prosperity.”

Scaling Africa’s Solutions

With participation from nine African governments — including Comoros, DRC, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda — and 14 innovative carbon projects, five of which are currently seeking investment, CMAS will showcase how African-led solutions are both local and transformative.

“The carbon economy is global, but its solutions are local,” said Chidalu Onyenso, Founder and CEO of Earthbond (Nigeria).

Nicole Dewing, Co-Founder of Africa Carbon & Commodities (Senegal), added: “High-integrity plastic credits can underwrite a circular economy where communities earn, oceans recover and investment delivers verifiable impact.”

Driving a Just Transition

The three-day summit will feature ministerial and investor roundtables, technical workshops, and sector dialogues highlighting Africa’s leadership in energy, cookstoves, blue carbon, nature-based solutions, and urban circularity.

Gabriel Labbate, Global Team Leader of the UN-REDD Programme (UNEP), noted: “Initiatives like the REDD+ Investments in Africa Roundtable at CMAS are crucial to bridging the gap between supply and demand and turning ambition into implementation.”

Daniel Okoth, Head of Carbon at SunCulture (Kenya), remarked: “We’re not just creating carbon credits—we’re creating climate-smart livelihoods.”

Marc Baker, Director of Carbon Tanzania, added: “We are at an inflection point in the carbon markets, with growth, increasing integrity and the emergence of Article 6.2 providing opportunities for scale.”

The Carbon Markets Africa Summit aims to turn Africa’s climate ambitions into measurable impact by connecting ideas, funding, and innovation — and positioning the continent as a major player in the global carbon economy.

Severe thunderstorm warning issued for parts of Rhode Island, Massachusetts

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The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts on Thursday, July 25, effective until 4:30 p.m.

Affected areas in Rhode Island include Warwick, East Providence, Portsmouth, Barrington, Bristol, Warren, and Tiverton. In Massachusetts, the warning covers Middleborough, Dartmouth, Wareham, Somerset, Swansea, Raynham, and Rehoboth.

According to the National Weather Service, the storm is capable of producing damaging winds of up to 60 mph and nickel-sized hail. Residents in these areas are advised to seek shelter immediately and remain indoors until the threat has passed.

Read Also: Extreme heat warning issued for Lawrence, Douglas County as storms loom

A severe thunderstorm warning is issued when a storm with the potential to cause serious damage is either occurring or imminent. It signals the need for immediate action, as such storms can produce strong winds, heavy rainfall, and hail.

In addition to the localized warning, a broader severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect for the rest of Rhode Island, as well as parts of Connecticut and Massachusetts, until 9 p.m. Thursday.

Residents in the affected areas are urged to monitor local weather updates, stay indoors during storm activity, and be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.

Heat dome grips U.S., puts 97 million under life-threatening alerts

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A massive heat dome is expanding across the central and eastern United States this week, placing over 97 million people under life-threatening heat alerts from the South to the East Coast, according to the FOX Forecast Center.

The dome of high pressure, acting like a lid on the atmosphere, is trapping heat and moisture, leading to dangerously high temperatures and humidity levels across multiple regions. By the end of the week, nearly 200 million Americans will be affected, with widespread highs climbing into the upper 90s and heat index values soaring well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Major cities including St. Louis, Kansas City, and Oklahoma City are already facing sweltering conditions, with some areas expected to feel as hot as 110 to 115 degrees due to oppressive humidity.

“High humidity significantly reduces the body’s ability to cool through sweating, making it feel far hotter than the actual air temperature,” meteorologists explained.

Read Also: Extreme heat warning issued for Lawrence, Douglas County as storms loom

Though largely dry conditions are expected under the heat dome, areas like Texas—which recently dealt with severe flooding—will continue to dry out. Meanwhile, the heat is expected to intensify and expand. By Thursday, the Great Lakes region will experience heat indices in the mid- to upper 90s, and by Friday, the most intense heat will shift toward the Northeast corridor.

Cities including Washington, D.C., New York City, and Boston are forecast to see highs in the 90s, but with elevated dew points, the “feels-like” temperature could exceed 100 degrees. Some cities may even flirt with record-breaking temperatures, with Newark, New Jersey potentially reaching the upper 90s.

Heat advisories have been issued across parts of Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts—including Boston—from Thursday into Friday.

Although slightly cooler conditions are expected in New York and Boston over the weekend, with highs dipping into the 80s, the mid-Atlantic will remain firmly in the grip of extreme heat. Cities such as Richmond and D.C. will continue to face heat index readings in the low 100s, with the added risk of isolated afternoon thunderstorms.

This summer has already proven historic, with over two dozen U.S. cities experiencing one of their five hottest summers on record. Average temperatures are currently running 1 to 3 degrees above normal in many regions. Long-range forecasts suggest that much of the East and Northeast will remain warmer than average for the rest of the season.

Climate Change: Foundation plants 100,000 trees in Jigawa

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The Partnership for Development Action (PADAC) Foundation has commenced the planting of 100,000 tree seedlings across Jigawa State as part of efforts to combat the adverse effects of climate change.

The initiative, which is part of PADAC’s 2025 tree planting campaign, was flagged off on Thursday in Dutse, the state capital. PADAC is a focal group of the Agro-Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project currently being implemented in the state.

Speaking during the launch, the Executive Director of PADAC, Aisha Muhammad, said the foundation started the campaign with the planting of 1,500 tree seedlings within Dutse metropolis. She noted that the foundation is targeting the planting of 100,000 drought-resistant tree seedlings throughout the year, with the aim of mitigating the worsening effects of climate change in Jigawa.

Muhammad explained that the seedlings are being planted along selected roads and in communities that are particularly vulnerable to desertification and soil degradation. She urged the benefiting communities to take ownership of the project by protecting and nurturing the seedlings to maturity.

According to her, trees play a vital role in curbing environmental challenges such as erosion, excessive heat, and loss of biodiversity, all of which are becoming more severe due to climate change.

Read Also: Climate Change threatens women’s health in Nigeria, experts warn

Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Mr. Hatuna Aliyu, commended PADAC for the initiative and described it as timely and impactful. He said that tree planting enhances air quality, supports biodiversity, and prevents erosion. He added that members of the state legislature would replicate the exercise in their various constituencies to support climate action across the state.

Also speaking, Alhaji Mustafa Aminu, a council member of the Dutse Emirate Council, emphasized the role of trees as natural windbreakers and their contribution to improving overall air quality in the region.

One of the beneficiaries, Ibrahim Fagge, expressed his support for the initiative and called on fellow residents to take responsibility for the maintenance of the trees. He said he would personally ensure the protection of the seedlings planted in his area and encouraged others to do the same in order to maximize the benefits of the tree planting campaign.

The initiative is expected to help strengthen environmental resilience in the face of increasing climate challenges in northern Nigeria. It also aligns with national and global efforts to promote sustainability and reduce the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities.

Climate Change threatens women’s health in Nigeria, experts warn

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Health experts have sounded the alarm over the growing impact of climate change on public health in Nigeria, with a particular focus on the disproportionate risks faced by women and vulnerable populations.

The warning came during a high-level panel session held on Thursday in Abuja, themed: “Addressing the Effects of Climate Change on Health.” Stakeholders from health, policy, and civil society sectors convened to explore locally driven solutions, equity-based partnerships, and climate-resilient health systems in Africa.

Dr. Amina Dorayi, Regional Director at Pathfinder International, highlighted how extreme weather events like floods and heatwaves disrupt access to essential reproductive and maternal health services.

“Pregnancy does not pause for climate disasters,” Dorayi said, stressing that mobility challenges and supply chain breakdowns during emergencies often prevent women from accessing antenatal care and family planning services.

Dorayi further emphasized that climate-informed programming is crucial to safeguard women’s health during crises. She called on governments, civil society, and the private sector to prioritize women in climate response strategies by embedding health into climate policies and scaling up early warning systems.

Also speaking at the event, Mashishi Mokgadi of Organon, a global women’s health pharmaceutical company, stated that excluding women from climate-related health strategies undermines their effectiveness.

“If women and girls are not part of the climate conversation, how do we know what problems we are solving?” Mokgadi asked, urging the use of simplified, community-relevant language to ensure that even grassroots women are active participants in climate action.

She advocated for accessible policy implementation that ensures women are not just represented, but actively involved in shaping climate-health interventions.

Dr. Edwin Edeh, WHO Nigeria’s Coordinator for Public Health and Environment, said that health outcomes provide the most visible evidence of climate change’s impact

Read Also: How climate change ignites wildfires

“Whether it’s in Lagos or Malawi, the impact of climate change shows up at the health facility,” he noted.

Edeh revealed that a nationwide assessment by WHO and Nigeria’s Ministry of Health found that 21% of the national disease burden is linked to climate change—equivalent to one in five deaths in the coming years, many of which are preventable with effective interventions.

He said Nigeria is already piloting solar-powered health centres, reducing both operational costs and greenhouse gas emissions, and has launched training programs for a climate-smart health workforce.

“Climate resilience must be built with the people, not just for them,” Edeh stressed, urging investment in community engagement, data generation, and innovation.

Dr. Morires Atiko, CEO of the African Business Coalition for Health, urged the private sector to go beyond corporate social responsibility and integrate climate and health financing into core business operations.

“Climate activities are buried in social reporting and disconnected from health. This must change,” Atiko said.

She called for measurable climate action in business reporting, including tracking carbon footprints, adopting eco-friendly logistics, and investing in sustainable health infrastructure.

Atiko also emphasized the importance of multi-sector collaboration, involving innovation hubs, policymakers, and financial institutions in co-creating lasting solutions.