COP28: Leaders must act to protect people from climate chaos

As COP28 starts this week in UAE, leaders must act to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, protect people from climate chaos, and end the fossil fuel age. 

 

During a media encounter, UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, said leaders must not let the hopes of people around the world for a sustainable planet melt away.

 

“They must make COP28 count,” he said. “We need a global commitment to triple renewables, double energy efficiency, and bring clean power to all, by 2030. 

 

“We need a clear and credible commitment to phase out fossil fuels on a timeframe that aligns with the 1.5-degree limit. 

 

“And we need climate justice - setting the world up for a huge increase in investment in adaptation and loss and damage to protect people from climate extremes,” he said. 

 

He spoke about three decisions to avoid the melting of Antarctica.

 

“It is clear that if we now take decisions, tripling for 2030, the renewables energy available, and it is possible and it is cheaper than doing anything else. Doubling energy efficiency, because if we do not spend energy, that is the best way to protect the climate. And finally, phasing out fossil fuels with a time frame that is compatible with 1.5 degrees. So if there is political will to take these three decisions, we are perfectly on time to avoid any catastrophe in Antarctica and around the world,” said the UN head. 

 

The Melting Antarctica

 

Greenland and Antarctica are melting more than three times as quickly as they did in the early 1990s. According to recent data, Antarctic sea ice in September was 1.5 million square kilometers less than it typically is during this time of year. That's about the same area as Portugal, Spain, France, and Germany put together.

 

Additionally, Antarctic sea ice reached a record low this year.

 

“Melting sea ice means rising seas. And that directly endangers lives and livelihoods in coastal communities across the globe. Floods and saltwater intrusion imperil crops and drinking water – threatening food and water security. 

 

“Homes are no longer insurable. Coastal cities and entire small islands risk being lost to the seas. And vital natural systems are at risk of being disrupted. 

 

“The movement of waters around Antarctica distributes heat, nutrients and carbon around the world, helping to regulate our climate and regional weather patterns. 

 

“But that system is slowing as the Southern Ocean grows warmer and less dense. Further slowdown – or entire breakdown – would spell catastrophe,” said António Guterres. 

 

The cause of all this destruction is clear: The fossil fuel pollution coating the Earth and heating the planet. 

 

According to the UN Chief, “without changing course, we’re heading towards a calamitous three-degree Celsius temperature rise by the end of the century. Sea surface temperatures are already at record highs. If we continue as we are, and I strongly hope we will not, the Greenland and West Antarctica ice sheets will cross a deadly tipping point. 

 

"This alone would ultimately push up sea levels by around ten meters. We are trapped in a deadly cycle. Ice reflects the sun’s rays. As it vanishes, more heat is absorbed into the Earth’s atmosphere. That means more heating, which means more storms, floods, fires and droughts across the globe. And more melting. Which means, with less ice, even more heating,” he noted.

  

He concluded by emphasizing that “if there is a defining issue of our times, if there is what we can call the most relevant threat to humankind, it is climate. So to be passionate about climate is to be passionate about humanity”.

by Kofi Adu Domfeh

 

 

Climate Change: Oil and gas majors could have paid for their share of climate loss and damage and still earned $10trillion – new report

Global climate damages from emissions associated with the top 25 oil and gas ‘carbon majors’ between 1985 and 2018 are estimated at 20 trillion USD compared to the 30 trillion USD they earned over the same period, according to a new report released by international think tank Climate Analytics.

The top three emitters are Saudi Arabia’s Aramco, Russian government-owned Gazprom, the National Iranian Oil company, and the top investor-owned companies are ExxonMobil, Shell, BP and Chevron. The list also includes the company led by the president of this year’s international climate negotiations: the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. 

“These oil and gas majors have known about climate change for decades, yet they have doubled down on their business model. They have reaped massive financial gains, while climate change has intensified and left vulnerable peoples, and particularly developing countries, footing the bill,” said lead author Dr Carl-Friedrich Schleussner.

The authors used a middle-of-the-road estimate for the social cost of carbon – 185 USD per tonne of CO₂ – to calculate the damage estimates. Oil majors were attributed with a third of the damages, sharing responsibility equally with governments and consumers.

2022 super profits

In 2022 energy prices skyrocketed, and the financial gains for oil and gas companies reached record highs. Aramco announced what its CEO called “probably the highest net income ever recorded in the corporate world.” 

For 2022, authors were able to gather data for a subset of seven carbon majors including Aramco, Exxon Mobil, and Shell, showing that financial gains were almost twice the estimated damages caused by their emissions that year – 497 billion USD compared to 260 billion USD. 

 

Self-perpetuating fossil wealth 

The report also compares damages to sovereign wealth funds, which were largely created using profits from fossil fuel extraction. 

The United Arab Emirates, host of this years’ international climate negotiations, is home to the biggest combined sovereign wealth funds. Half of its funds could pay for the damages caused by the emissions associated with its oil and gas industry between 1985 and 2018, and it would still have 700 billion USD in wealth.

 

“Since their establishment, these funds have grown to such an extent that it’s clear that ‘fossil wealth’ is now perpetuating itself. But the other legacy of this wealth is climate devastation,” said report author Dr Marina Andrijevic.

Last year at COP27 all governments acknowledged that there was a need for new sources of funding for loss and damage. Mia Mottley, the Prime Minister of Barbados, specifically called for a 10% tax on oil and gas company profits to pay into a loss and damage fund.

“After last year’s super profits some of these companies are walking back their climate commitments, showing that we can’t rely on them to do this on their own – certainly not at the pace that we need. Governments should step in and tax polluters to pay for the loss and damage they are causing. We also need a firm commitment in the COP28 outcome to phase out fossil fuels to keep 1.5°C alive,” concluded Schleussner.

 

Climate crisis: Here is what Al Gore thinks of Ghana’s role on fossil fuel decolonization

Former US vice president Al Gore is in Accra for the first time to lead the 54^th Climate Reality Leadership Training. The session is one of the largest gatherings of scientists, experts and youth across the African continent providing overview of the latest climate science, existing policies, solutions and opportunities for advocates to make a difference.

 

Al Gore has acknowledged developing countries have done the least to cause the global crisis, but are often hit the hardest by the impacts of the climate crisis, partly because they have less resources to be resilient and to defend the infrastructure and the people who are affected.

 

He believes “we need to reform the global system for the allocation of capital so that resources are more easily available in developing countries to participate in this sustainability revolution that's based on solar energy and wind energy, electric vehicles, batteries, regenerative agriculture and other solutions”.

 

Ahead of COP28 climate talks in Dubai, Al Gore is concerned that the worldwide effort to achieve net-zero emissions is being driven by the fossil fuel industry, neglecting vital and essential advancements in achieving key targets.

 

A critical subject at the global climate talks is the call for developing economies, like Ghana, to decarbonize.

 

Ghana has for the past decade regarded its crude oil production as a vital resource for national development and funding source for the country’s net-zero ambitions.

 

With huge oil reserves remaining untapped, Ghana’s Energy Minister has stated that the country faces a real risk of stranded multi-billion oil and gas assets due to reduced funding for fossil-related projects, as the world transitions to cleaner sources of energy.

 

At a media roundtable, Kofi Adu Domfeh posed two critical questions to Al Gore.

 

Question: Do you think Ghana is in a position to lead the fossil fuel decolonization?

 

Answer: Yes, I do think that Ghana could lead fossil fuel decolonization. The way Ghana led decolonization of governments on the continent of Africa, the very first country to gain independence. I use that in an effort to inspire a change, but it's also an accurate history of what the people of Ghana have done in the past.

 

So we are seeing what some economists have called a resource curse, with over-dependence on one resource, fossil fuels, oil and gas, and even coal. And as someone said in one of the panels today, 86% of the foreign exchange is coming from fossil fuels, but only 0.6% of the income paid out to people who have jobs is coming from fossil fuels. So that means that the money from fossil fuels is going much more to the wealthy elites. And that is what happened during the period of colonization many decades ago.

 

So economic independence from fossil fuel colonization can be achieved with the elimination of subsidies for fossil fuels and the redirection of public funding to help subsidize the renewable sources of energy, which are cheaper, cleaner, provide more jobs. So, I do think that Ghana could lead this needed change on the continent of Africa.

 

Question: Going to COP28, do you see the advanced economies getting committed to developing economies like Ghana in terms of delivering on the climate finance promises that we've been expecting for all this long period of time?

 

Answer: I think there is likely to be a commitment for more money from the private sector to developed countries to developing countries. I think that the amount that is committed unfortunately may not reach the levels that leaders in developing countries would like to see. And it's never easy to describe political realities.

 

But I think my religious faith teaches me that it is just and fair and right for the wealthy countries to give more money to the poor countries. But the previous lifetime I lived in politics years ago taught me that persuading the voters to give their money to other countries is often difficult. It shouldn't be that way, but it is.

 

So yes, I think there will be an additional commitment of funding. But the total amount will lead many leaders in developing countries probably to say that's not enough. The real source of money that is needed is going to come from the private sector. And in order to unlock those flows from the private sector, there need to be policy reforms like the elimination of subsidies for fossil fuels and reforms at the international level such as changes at the World Bank and multilateral development banks to make it possible for countries like Ghana to gain access to the private investment capital.

 

Earlier, the question of Ghana’s role in fossil fuel decolonization was posed to Mohamed Adow, Founder and Director of Power Shift Africa.

 

He maintains Africa does not need the dirty energy of the past, but needs forward looking leadership that can take advantage of the clean energy of the present and future.

 

“How can you help decolonize Africa so that we can decarbonize and help put this continent on a sustainable path? Our opportunity is here today so that the continent of Africa can make the most out of the 21st century energy solutions. There is no future in charging in the footsteps of the polluter. There is opportunity in leapfrogging and leading the world in a new direction,” said Mohamed.

 

At COP28, there will be demands on global leaders to phase out fossil fuel emissions and stop funding fossil fuel projects; increase funding for climate solutions in countries that need it most; and reform future COP processes so fossil fuel interest cannot block progress.

 

 

WASCAL creates enabling environment for green hydrogen research and capacity building in West Africa

The inaugural edition of the Green Conversations has focused on achievements and prospects for a successful and smooth transition from fossil fuel to clean, cheaper, and sustainable energy in West Africa.

 

The two-hour interactive session is aimed at creating the enabling environment to ensure a successful green economy.

 

The conversations highlighted the need to speed up the smooth transition into green hydrogen and to further explore the available opportunities for West Africans to use cheaper and more sustainable energy.

 

It is spearheaded by the West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) and its stakeholders.

 

Key speakers from across the world focused on the theme: “Enabling Environment for Capacity Building and Research for Green Hydrogen Economy in West Africa”.

 

The Interim Executive Director of WASCAL, Prof Kehinde Ogunjobi, spoke on the contributions of WASCAL towards a smooth transition from fossil fuel to cleaner energy.

 

He emphasized the successful implementation of projects and programmes as part of its commitment to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal 7 on Clean Energy.

 

WASCAL recently graduated 59 West African Green Scholars in various Green Hydrogen programmes under its International Programme in Energy and Green Hydrogen. A new set of 73 students have been admitted in the drive to build stronger capacities in West Africa.

 

Prof. Ogunjobi says other activities and interventions include the waste-to-energy project as well as the PV2H projects.

 

Since 2021, WASCAL and its partners have worked together to build the capacities of students from 15 West African countries through its International Master’s Programme in Energy and Green Hydrogen.  

 

The partners include German’s Julich, RWTH Aachen, Rostock University, as well as its West African university partners, Houphouet Boigny University, Côte d’Ivoire; University Cheikh Anta Diop, Senegal, University of Lomé, Togo, and University of Abdou Moumouni, Niger.

 

Speakers at the Green Conversation included Prof. Kehinde Ogunjobi, Director of Capacity Building, Prof. Daouda Kone, Madam, Kerstin Annassi, from Julich, Nii Commey, Communications Manager of WASCAL, and Ms. Alberta Aryee, Renewable Energy Coordinating Officer.

 

The conversation was moderated by the Coordinator of Renewable Energy and Green Hydrogen in WASCAL, Dr. Bruno Korgo.

Young climate champions inspire action through African stories

An air of eager inspiration filled the room as three young climate champions took the stage to share their journeys at a recent Ghanaian gathering.

 

Hosted by media platform B. Inspired with Stories from Africa (B.ISA), the side event at the high-profile Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) harnessed the power of personal narrative to drive climate action.

 

Attended by over 50 youth leaders, community advocates, government stakeholders and journalists from across Ghana, the session aligned with LCOY’s objectives to spur climate dialogue, multiply solutions and strengthen nationwide youth networks.

 

Maxwell Beganim transported the rapt audience through his advocacy Genesis - from recognizing youth’s potential to affect change to founding the Pan-African Green Leaders Academy. This pioneering initiative provides comprehensive training on environmental literacy, leadership, social innovation and civic engagement to equip youth to tackle pressing ecological challenges.

 

Thought leader Otuo-Akyampong Boakye then took the microphone, chronicling his climate journey from witnessing his community’s alarming deforestation firsthand at a young age to mobilizing reforestation efforts and pioneering solar-powered irrigation technology to enable sustainable farming.

 

Kofi Adu Domfeh shared how a chance encounter reporting on climate change’s impact on Ghanaian groundnut farmers sparked his advocacy as an award-winning environmental journalist. He now raises awareness and planting trees with local youth.

 

Through emotionally compelling story arcs revealing their passion, creativity and perseverance, the speakers spotlighted how ordinary citizens can drive extraordinary change. Their tales of local solutions and homegrown innovation resonated deeply with participants.

 

“This event opened my eyes to grassroots sustainable development happening all around us that we rarely hear about,” shared one youth climate leader. “I'm inspired to explore what’s possible in my own community.”

 

Other attendees emphasized how the event renewed their motivation. “The speakers’ passion was contagious. Their stories made climate issues feel relevant and solvable,” noted a local non-profit founder.

 

By uplifting voices often unheard in dominant climate narratives, the event emphasized inclusive storytelling’s power to build momentum across Ghana’s diverse populations. “To drive change, we need stories that connect our heads and hearts,” said B.ISA’s Frank Koomson.

 

If the vibrant discussion during the moderated dialogue were any indication, these climate leaders succeeded in inspiring the next generation. The pens are now in their hands to author new narratives of hope, solidarity and possibility.

COP28: Africa’s special needs and circumstances must be kept in focus, says AGN Chair

The African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change (AGN) expects climate stakeholders to keep in focus Africa’s special circumstances and needs as they prepare for the 28th session of United Nations Climate Conference (COP28) scheduled for Dubai, United Arab Emirates, later in November this year.

 

AGN Chair, Ephraim Mwepya Shitima, says African stakeholders should not lose focus of the key principle of equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capacities (CBDR-RC).

 

CBDR–RC acknowledges the different capabilities and differing responsibilities of individual countries in addressing climate change.

 

“The equity principle is very important as it takes into consideration and safeguards our interests and unique circumstances as a continent that contributes just about four percent to global emissions and yet suffers the most,” said Shitima, in a speech read for him by AGN Communication Specialist, Friday Phiri.

 

He was speaking at the official opening of a Pre-COP28 Strategy Meeting organised by the African Group of Negotiators Experts Support (AGNES) in Nairobi, Kenya. Delegates from over 31 African countries who are attending the meeting.

 

As the global conversation on the just transition gains momentum, Africa has repeatedly noted the importance for the continent to be accorded policy space required to develop and means of implementation support to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 

The argument is that the just transition work programme must recognise and provide policy space and support in consideration of the continent's unique needs and development circumstances to ensure a fair and equitable shift to low-carbon and climate resilient development pathways.

 

“Our message for COP28 has also been very clear; that it should deliver ambitious, balanced, fair and just outcomes that should set the world on course to effectively address climate change on several fronts, including adaptation, loss and damage, finance and mitigation,” noted Shitima.

 

Earlier, AGNES Team Leader, George Wamukoya highlighted the need for continuous engagements and consultations between scientists and negotiators to ensure that Africa’s positions are watertight.

 

“As AGNES, we believe these interactions between scientists and negotiators are key in ensuring that our positions are framed to succeed as they enable negotiators to effectively engage their counterparts with facts and ensure that Africa’s voice is not just heard, but also respected and create the impact we all desire,” said Dr. Wamukoya.

 

Kenya’s Principal Secretary at the State Department of Environment and Climate Change, Eng. Festus Ng’eno welcomed the addition in the discussions, other important themes such as climate change and health, climate, peace and security as well as biodiversity and water to support a wholesome understanding of the climate crisis and its associated impacts.

 

“The impact on climate change to health as well as access to water for domestic, agricultural and industrial use is one area of growing concern. It is my hope that these great minds will deliberate on how to handle climate related health issues, including malnutrition, hunger, and water access issues that is a growing concern across the continent,” said Eng. Ng’eno.

 

The Pre-COP28 Strategy Meeting has been convened to reflect on SB58 outcomes, update negotiators on emerging areas of interest and discuss approaches for COP28.

 

“As you deliberate on the various themes during this crucial meeting, I urge you to keep in mind our special circumstances as Africa and the need for us to be allowed policy space and support to achieve sustainable development,” said the AGN Chair.

 

The AGN says it remains open for engagement and resolute to support Africa’s climate and development cause.

Rich nations fail to scale up finance at Green Climate Fund Pledging Summit

Rich nations have committed in total about $9.3 billion at the Green Climate Fund Pledging Summit in Bonn.

Overall, the commitments fall short of the scale of what is needed amidst the urgency of climate impacts that are hitting vulnerable communities in developing countries.

Polluter nations failed to deliver their fair-share with Australia, Switzerland, Italy and Sweden claiming to make pledges later and the USA failing to even do that and offering nothing.

While the pledging summit offered an opportunity for countries to raise their commitments on finance, it is critical that countries continue to come forward and make new and increased pledges ahead of COP28.

“The Green Climate Fund (GCF), envisioned as the lifeline for climate action in developing nations, is held back by the indifference of wealthy countries. The world's vulnerable populations face an escalating climate crisis, with their path to a sustainable future undeservedly delayed. The GCF is central to the climate finance structure and warrants funding commensurate with its importance. It's vital to underscore that public finance is key to ensuring vulnerable nations receive the support they need, particularly for boosting adaptation efforts,” said Harjeet Singh, Head of Global Political Strategy, Climate Action Network International.

“While Ireland's 150% pledge increase is praiseworthy, the tepid commitments—or outright stagnation—from nations such as Japan and Norway are deeply concerning. Some countries, like Sweden, seem to sidestep their obligations by urging developing nations to contribute to the Fund. The silence of the United States, even as it participates on the GCF Board and shapes policies without meeting its financial obligations, is glaring and inexcusable.

“With COP28 on the horizon, the GCF replenishment conference has fallen short of expectations. However, it's important to remember that nations are not restricted to making pledges only during set intervals; they can and should step forward with contributions at any time to support climate action,” he noted.

Illegal miners should be wary of kidney diseases, warns GKA

As the Ghana Kidney Association (GKA) engages stakeholders to make dialysis accessible and affordable to persons with kidney diseases, there is a call for the general populace to lead healthy lives for prevention.

 

Hypertension and diabetes mellitus are the two major leading causes of kidney ailments in Ghana, Africa and the world.

 

But President of GKA, Professor Sampon Antwi, is particularly cautioning illegal mining operators in Ghana to be wary of the implications in the use of heavy metals in mining.

 

"Our brothers in the galamsey business are also not spared," said Prof. Antwi. "There are a lot of environmental toxins from heavy metals like mercury and the gold itself that can also damage the kidneys. So we appeal to all to lead healthy lives that can protect their kidneys".

 

The Ghana Kidney Association is a professional body that is responsible for the promotion of healthy kidneys through education on preventive ways and also treatment of all people who are suffering from kidney diseases.

 

In the heat of public uproar on the cost of dialysis, the Association is hoping the government offers more in terms of funding dialysis in Ghana, or at least kept current cost unchanged.

 

"We are in talks with the government to see how it can actually make some concessions in the cost of importation of dialysis consumables so that the price will stay within the amount that will be affordable by the many who are suffering from kidney disease," said Prof. Antwi, a Consultant Paediatric Nephrologist and Head of the Child Health Directorate of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

 

Persons diagnosed with kidney disease are advised to report early to the hospital and keep appointment with their doctors all the time, while adhering to their medication.

 

"Even though you've been diagnosed with the disease, those measures will really slow down progression to end stage where you will need dialysis," emphasized Prof. Antwi.

 

By Kofi Adu Domfeh

Climate Resilience: AICCRA builds capacity of Ghanaian women champions

Fifteen gender champions have been trained to support women farmers in Ghana to mitigate climate risks and impact at a workshop organised in Kumasi.

 

The training was organised by the Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA), in partnership with Crops Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-CRI) and the University of Development Studies.

 

The champions comprised thirteen officers of the Women in Agricultural Development (WIAD) directorate of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and two officers from the Widows and Orphans Movement, and Single Mothers Association.

 

Participants were from AICCRA’s intervention districts in Greater Accra, Bono East, Central, Northern, Upper East and Upper West Regions of Ghana.

 

The objective of the workshop was to improve the officers’ knowledge of gender-responsive Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) and Climate Information Services (CIS).

 

The training on sustainable farm planning and costing, CSA, CIS and finance bundles and Neem Leaf Powder as a biopesticide emphasized opportunities for women to save money on farm inputs.

 

According to Faustina Obeng Adomaa, Gender Lead on the AICCRA project in Ghana, the workshop is to deepen AICCRA’s collaboration with the officers in the scaling of gender and nutrition smart CSA-CIS bundles while working towards transformative change of norms that create and deepen inequalities in communities.  

 

Gender transformative approaches highlighted innovative strategies for community dialogues and actions to change discriminatory gender norms.

 

Dr Joyce Haleegoah, Gender Lead at CSIR-Crops Research Institute indicated that the workshop was an opportunity to refresh the minds of the WIAD officers on gender and related concepts, and deepen their understanding of the approaches to empower women to utilise Climate Smart Agriculture and Climate Information Services.

 

The participants were trained on topics including gender-responsive CSA-CIS bundles, Cowpea and OFSP as gender and nutrition-sensitive crops, Gender-responsive dissemination approaches, farm planning and costing, Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) for strategic farm investment, and preparation of neem leaf extract as bio control product.

 

“The women farmers who are disadvantaged in various ways will benefit from accessing the bundles and neem leaf powder because they will reduce their expenses,” noted Mary Adogma, WIAD officer for Kassena Nankana district.

 

Other topics were identification of entrenched gender norms in communities and approaches to foster transformative change in gender norms.

 

Margaret Quarm, WIAD Officer at the Komenda Edina Eguafo Abirem district in the Central Region, said she has gained awareness of new approaches to garnering community support for women’s issues.

 

“The learnings on gender transformative approaches has changed the way I will engage community and opinion leaders on issues concerning women,” she said.

 

MoFA’s Women in Agricultural Development Directorate was established purposely to transform livelihoods and promote the wellbeing of women in the agricultural sector. WIAD officers work with women farmers on food-based nutrition, value addition and food safety.

 

Single Mothers Association works to improve the livelihood of rural women through economic empowerment initiatives, while Women and Orphan’s Movement supports women rights, education, capacity building and climate resilience.

 

By Kofi Adu Domfeh