Clean energy transition will increase demand for minerals, says new World Bank report

A new World Bank report highlights the potential impacts that the expected continuing boom in low-carbon energy technologies will have on demand for many minerals and metals.

Using wind, solar, and energy storage batteries as key examples of low-carbon or “green” energy technologies, the report, “The Growing Role of Minerals and Metals for a Low-Carbon Future” examines the types of minerals and metals that will likely increase in demand as the world works towards commitments to keep the global average temperature rise at or below 2°C.

Minerals and metals expected to see heightened demand include: aluminum, copper, lead, lithium, manganese, nickel, silver, steel, and zinc and rare earth minerals such as indium, molybdenum, and neodymium.

The most significant example is electric storage batteries, where demand for relevant metals: aluminum, cobalt, iron, lead, lithium, manganese, and nickel— could grow by more than 1,000 percent if countries take the actions needed to keep global warming at or below 2°C. 

The report shows that a shift to a low-carbon future could result in opportunities for mineral-rich countries but also points to the need for these countries to ensure they have long-term strategies in place that enable them to make smart investment decisions. In readiness for growth in demand, countries will need to have appropriate policy mechanisms in place to safeguard local communities and the environment.

“With better planning, resource-rich countries can take advantage of the increased demand to foster growth and development,” said Riccardo Puliti, Senior Director and Head of the Energy and Extractive Industries Global Practice at the World Bank. “Countries with capacity and infrastructure to supply the minerals and metals required for cleaner technologies have a unique opportunity to grow their economies if they develop their mining sectors in a sustainable way.”

The future demand for specific metals is not only a function of the degree to which countries commit to a low-carbon future, it is also driven by intra-technology choices.

The low-carbon technologies that emerge as most applicable and beneficial, will play an important role in defining the commodity marketplace of the next 50 years. For example, the three leading forms of alternative vehicles — electric, hybrid, and hydrogen — each have different implications for metal demand: electric vehicles require lithium; hybrid vehicles use lead and hydrogen-powered vehicles use platinum.

Demand for individual metals and minerals will reflect the component mix of low-carbon technologies, corresponding with economic changes and technical developments.

To position themselves well, countries will need reliable sources of economic data and market intelligence, as well as the capacity to turn that information into plans, investments, and sustainable operations.

Based on current trends, it is expected that Chile, Peru, and (potentially) Bolivia, will play a key role in supplying copper and lithium; Brazil is a key bauxite and iron ore supplier; while southern Africa and Guinea will be vital in the effort to meet growing demand for platinum, manganese, bauxite, and chromium.

China will continue to play a leading role in production and reserve levels in practically every key metal required under low-carbon scenarios. India is dominant in iron, steel, and titanium, while Indonesia, Malaysia, and Philippines have opportunities with bauxite and nickel.

A “green” technology future has the potential to be materially intensive, the report states. Increased extraction and production activities could also have significant impacts on local water systems, ecosystems, and communities. As countries develop their natural resource endowments, it will be critical that sustainability, environmental protection, and options to recycle materials be integrated into new operations, policies and investments. 

“The Growing Role of Minerals and Metals for a Low-Carbon Future” report is intended to contribute to a richer dialogue around the opportunities and challenges for resource-rich countries that a low-carbon future presents.

The analysis is designed to support policy-makers and other stakeholders in the areas of extractives, clean energy and climate change to better understand the issues involved and identify areas of common interest.

Green Climate Fund deepens ties with Conservation International

The Green Climate Fund has signed an Accreditation Master Agreement with Conservation International, broadening the Fund’s global reach to support climate action.

Conservation International, an international non-profit organization and GCF Accredited Entity, is helping to protect nature and encourage sustainable development in over 30 countries across six continents.

Accreditation Master Agreements are critical as they deepen ties between GCF and its Accredited Entities, which propose and carry out the climate finance projects GCF approves. They are also a prerequisite for the disbursement of project funds.

Conservation International President, Jennifer Morris, said the signing of the Accreditation Master Agreement is a critical step in helping the organisation address climate change. 

“CI has a long history of using nature-based solutions to combat climate change in countries around the world least able to cope with a changing climate,” said Ms Morris.

“Joining forces with the GCF provides us with additional financial means to expand our reach and increase our impact. This will include the launch of a first of its kind public-private investment program to stimulate investment in climate-resilient land use in Madagascar, our first approved GCF project.”

GCF Executive Director Howard Bamsey said GCF will benefit from the international NGO’s well-established model of conservation based on science, fieldwork and strong partnerships with governments and indigenous people’s organizations.

“Conservation International’s rich experience in reducing deforestation and improving agricultural practices will be a welcome addition to the Fund’s growing capacity to deal with climate change,” Mr Bamsey said.

Floods, bad roads and collapsing bridges – Kumasi’s broad day nightmare

Just a couple of years ago, people living in Kumasi would have had a troll at residents of Accra for the perennial flooding of the capital city, whenever the rains set in.

But today, makeshift swimming pools abound in Ghana’s second largest city – homes, markets and streets are now abodes of flood waters anytime the heavens pour.

Flooding is indeed a growing phenomenon in the Garden City; buildings are submerging, people are drowning and communities are being displaced.

The excessive flood waters in the past two months have collapsed bridges and washed away bitumen on roads, worsening the already pothole-ridden deplorable roads.

Arterial roads are almost impassable with floods everywhere.

Unlike Accra which is a coastal city, flood should not be a natural occurrence in Kumasi. This makes the situation pathetic.

The reasons for flooding are not far-fetched but the solution to arrest the havoc caused by rain waters is eluding city authorities.

Poor Waste Management 

Each downpour exposes the city’s poor waste management. Uncollected solid waste and other materials indiscriminately disposed swim in the flood.

When people are unable to access waste bins within their immediate environs, they tend to litter and dump their waste into gutters, water bodies, along streets and other open spaces.

Poorly disposed waste eventually chokes the free flow of liquid waste. When rain water cannot have free passage through the filth, flooding rears its head.  

Poor Drainage Systems

Most communities lack good drainage systems for liquid waste disposal and passage of flood waters. Rivers and streams have despicably turned into urban sewage systems.

Each downpour therefore puts a strain on bridges and roads and the floods explore outlets to run out.

The waters either find rest in homes or push structures off its way to run out. 

Along the line comes the devastation.

Defective Urban Planning

Kumasi is fast developing to a cosmopolitan city, but a cursory observation of new constructions and infrastructural development points to a defective urban planning.

New communities and building projects are haphazardly springing up on wetlands and water bodies; trees are being fallen indiscriminately for modern building structures; and there are no flood control contingencies.

The city’s poor environmental regulations put the ecosystem at great risk.

Costly Devastation

The number of flood-prone suburbs in Kumasi is increasing, as the city’s vulnerability to destruction caused by rain water is exposed.

A good number of bridges have collapsed and others are on the verge of caving in, putting commuters and local residents at safety risk.

Farming, trading and other economic activities are impeded as commuters struggle to access the roads and bridges.

Commuters get frustrated in spending long period of time for short trips, cost of plying roads increases as vehicles easily breakdown whilst people are exposed to road accidents.

Inspite of the havoc caused by the rains, there seems to be no immediate or long term intervention in sight.

Grave concerns have been expressed about the indiscriminate building on waterways in the city.

Planners and environmentalists have also prevailed on the city authorities to enforce by-laws on siting of buildings and other development projects.

Soon, the rains will stop and citizens as well as authorities will go to bed on the causes and effects of floods until yet another year. The situation could worsen.

Hopefully, the current man-made disaster of flooding will serve as wake-up call to begin climate-smart planning and re-engineering of the city to avert reoccurrence and adapt sustainably to harsh weather conditions.

By Kofi Adu Domfeh

Ghana needs new policy regime on space engineering – Daasebre Oti Boateng

Chancellor of the All Nations University has called for a new policy focus to harness the potential of Ghana’s new global brand in space engineering for economic development in the areas of security, education and capacity building.

Daasebre Prof. (Emeritus) Oti Boateng, who is also the Omanhene of New Juaben Traditional Area, says Ghana has now joined the elite group of nations with space science programmes, following a global historic milestone in launching its first satellite into space.

The country will participate fully in next year's meeting marking the 50^th Anniversary of the first UN Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.

Daasebre Oti Boateng says whilst the successful deployment of Ghana's first satellite into space from the International Space Station has placed Ghana on the global pedestal, the remarkable feat must be the starting point for a new national policy regime to develop and fully utilize the benefits of space science for national development as a new global player.

“GhanaSat1 will beef up and strengthen our national security by taking pictures with on-board cameras to monitor Ghana’s coastal regions. It will also stimulate and promote science, technology; engineering and mathematics (STEM) related skills by demonstrating the unique power of broadcasting songs from outer space to invigorate the learning process,” he said in a statement.

He is confident this will particularly encourage girls to be more interested in and responsive to STEM related disciplines which will continue to be in high demand and a major pathway to bridging the gender gap in the development process.

The successful deployment of Ghana's first satellite, GhanaSat1, into space followed a three-phase process with the initial major milestone accomplished on 3^rd June when GhanaSat1 was successfully launched aboard SpaceX-Falcon 9 CRS11 spacecraft from the Kennedy Space Center making a steady progress on its trajectory towards the International Space Station (ISS).

The second milestone was achieved with the successful rendezvous of the spacecraft with the ISS on 5^th June while the final phase was achieved with the successful deployment of GhanaSat1 from ISS into orbit at an estimated altitude of 400km above the earth atmosphere via the Japan/Kibo Deployment System. 

The scientific data and earth observation images taken by GhanaSat1 will be shared with both government and non-governmental institutions to promote capability building and the utilization of satellite-based information to solve relevant and pertinent problems in the country.

Daasebre noted “this emerging global brand pioneered by the young scientists from the All Nations University, Koforidua in the Eastern Region, remains a source of pride for all Ghanaians and a remarkable inspiration for the youth to adopt and embrace a globally competitive spirit to make a difference in this era of globalization”.

He commended the young scientists and applauded the cooperation of all stakeholders, particularly authorities at the All Nations University, for providing the requisite investment and extensive collaboration with leading universities and institutions worldwide to make this achievement possible.

By Kofi Adu Domfeh

Kumasi – a Garden City deprived of public recreational facility

In July 2016, a stampede in an overcrowded Asawase Community Center in Kumasi claimed nine young lives, whilst scores of other Muslim holiday revelers got injured.

Almost a year on, a teenage boy was shot in the head as he participated in the 2017 Eid-Ul-Fitr celebration at Manhyia.

Various security lapses have been identified and interventions outlined to avert recurrence of such incidents.

But there is a critical factor that has been downplayed – Kumasi is deprived of public recreational facilities to accommodate holiday and fun makers.

Festivities like the Eid, Christmas and Easter mostly attract young people who seek avenues to revel. But with limited avenues to host large crowds, the risk of falling prey to the Manhyia shooting incident remains high.

Kumasi Cultural Centre

The Kumasi Centre for National Culture “Cultural Centre” has in times past served as the major attraction to young holiday makers with exciting programmes for all.

The Centre has good space and other facilities to host large numbers.

However, the area is no longer attractive. Vehicular congestion and commuter traffic jam along the Kejetia-Bantama stretch has rendered the Cultural Centre almost inaccessible and unattractive to people.

Hence, event organizers seldom opt to host programmes at the enclave.  

Children’s Park

The Children’s Park at Amakom has a serene greenly environment for social pleasure and leisure reading.

This 10.9 acre land was allotted for the multipurpose park in the late 1980s to serve the recreational needs of children in Kumasi and other parts of the Ashanti region.

But the facility, which includes a playground and a library, has been left to deteriorate over the years with no rehabilitation in sight.

The park has largely become a den for criminals, an abode of reptiles and an atmosphere for suicide freaks whilst young people seek avenues to develop the physical and mental wellbeing.

Rattray Park

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) commissioned the Rattray Park in 2015 as an amusement and recreational park.

But access to the facility comes at a cost most young people may be challenged in paying.

On festive occasions, the Park attracts at additional charge, making it expensive for the average youth to patronize.

Kumasi City Mall

The newly commissioned Kumasi City Mall is the current attraction for young people in search of places of amusement. Even with no special events to excite trading at the Mall, holiday-makers troop the mall to stroll and window-shop.

It is now commonplace for the youth to use the facility as their abode of amusement.

Sustainable Livelihood

A modern city needs basic amenities for health and wellbeing.

Public parks and leisure facilities offer people avenues to build social cohesion and generate healthy living.

Kumasi city developers will therefore need to rethink recreational infrastructure that provides a safe environment for young people to play and develop sustainably.

Such facilities will also enforce the Garden City accolade of Kumasi where the people will pride in the city’s beautiful plant and flower species that induce pleasure living.

By Kofi Adu Domfeh