Month: November 2024

On October 23-24, the Third Belt and Road Energy Ministers’ Conference took place in Qingdao, Shandong. During the event, the “Belt and Road Green Energy Cooperation Action Plan (2024-2029)” was unveiled, outlining seven key action areas for energy cooperation among Belt and Road partner countries over the next five years, emphasizing the green dimension of this cooperation.

The Action Plan focuses on enhancing green energy security capabilities, fostering collaboration on green energy technology innovation, building capacities in the green energy sector, strengthening financial services related to green energy, promoting policy and institutional innovation in green energy, facilitating exchanges and cooperation among young energy professionals, and creating a favorable environment for energy development.

In terms of green energy technology innovation, the Action Plan indicates that over the next five years, member countries will initiate no fewer than five joint R&D projects and collaborate on at least five clean and smart technology equipment initiatives, focusing on frontier technologies such as hydrogen energy, new energy storage, advanced nuclear power, carbon capture and storage, and unconventional oil and gas exploration. The plan also aims to promote standardized design and customized services for diverse energy scenarios, particularly in mining, smelting, and industrial parks.

Member countries will undertake at least 25 capacity-building projects in the energy sector, explore the establishment of an international cooperation research platform for clean energy, and conduct joint energy planning research with no fewer than five Belt and Road partner countries, providing comprehensive technical support for energy development. Additionally, at least 50 international cooperation exchange activities will be organized, focusing on energy supply diversification, the development of green energy, and stability in the green energy supply chain.

Zhang Jianhua, Director of the National Energy Administration, presented data highlighting China’s extensive reach in the wind and solar sectors, noting that its products are available in over 200 countries and regions. He emphasized that this not only enriches global supply but also greatly contributes to the green energy transition and stability in the global energy market. Currently, China boasts a complete R&D, design, and manufacturing system for the wind and solar energy industry, supplying over 80% of global photovoltaic components and 70% of wind energy equipment. In the past decade, the average cost of generating electricity from wind and solar power projects has decreased by more than 60% and 80%, respectively.

Zhang asserted that the Belt and Road energy cooperation partnership offers a diverse and mutually beneficial platform for collaboration, underscoring the importance of jointly building this platform. China is willing to work alongside other countries to engage in shared dialogue, expand the depth and breadth of Belt and Road energy cooperation, and assist developing countries in addressing the dual challenges of energy supply security and the green, low-carbon transition by seeking reliable solutions to energy-related issues.

During the conference, a working group for the Belt and Road Energy Cooperation Partnership Think Tank Network was established, along with the Belt and Road Energy Cooperation Partnership Secretariat Office. The event also led to the release of 19 “small yet effective” best practices for international energy cooperation, along with a think tank report on the “Green Transformation of Power Systems in Developing Countries.”

Emma Okonji

In a recent symposium held in Lagos, industry stakeholders emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to have its heritage recognized and represented in climate and environmental policies. With the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) set to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan from November 11 to 22, they believe it’s crucial for the Nigerian government to address the representation of heritage in its climate change strategies.

The event, titled “Nigeria Heritage in the Time of Climate Change,” was organized by researcher Olufemi Adetunji, who is also a member of the International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). Stakeholders expressed their desire for heritage professionals to engage actively in planning and implementing climate change initiatives, advocating for their inclusion in COP29 to ensure heritage considerations are factored into Nigeria’s climate policies.

“I organized this program to create a platform for organizations and professionals focused on the conservation and protection of Nigeria’s heritage to network, collaborate, and share ideas,” Adetunji explained. “Our goal is not just to protect tangible and intangible heritage, but to leverage their significance within our communities to foster social, economic, and environmental empowerment across Nigeria.”

Biodun Ajiboye, the CEO of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), discussed the far-reaching effects of climate change on Nigeria’s heritage and humanity as a whole. He highlighted how the threat of flooding has led to the migration and displacement of entire communities. To combat these issues, he suggested Nigeria utilize the ecological fund constitutionally allocated in the budget, strengthen partnerships by applying for funding from UNESCO’s World Heritage Fund and the African World Heritage Fund.

Nkechi Adedeji, the Coordinator of the National Museum, who represented the Director General, noted that the impact of global warming is visible through extreme weather conditions—such as heightened temperatures, increased rainfall, and soil erosion—which adversely affect both cultural and natural heritage. She pointed to visible damages, including cracks in existing monuments.

Mrs. Oloruntoyin Atekoja, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, shared initiatives being undertaken by the state, such as the development of a heritage map aimed at addressing some of these challenges. “We’ve visited Badagry, Ikorodu, and Epe, and we’re working on creating a comprehensive heritage map that will also spotlight the festivals in Lagos State,” she revealed. “The state government is committed to achieving sustainable development goals by 2030, implementing various actions to manage Lagos’s vulnerabilities as a coastal area, particularly related to flooding and other water-related disasters.”

To mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on indigenous heritage, Atekoja emphasized the importance of awareness and education. She noted, “We prioritize disseminating knowledge about heritage preservation and promoting sustainable practices to encourage active participation from Lagosians in conservation efforts.”

On October 27, after an intense six rounds of competition, the Golf China Tour Match Play Championship concluded in Chongqing, where He Chunyi emerged victorious, defeating Chen Zihao by 2 holes (2 up) in the final round.

This event, organized by the China Golf Association and the Chongqing Sports Bureau, featured a total prize pool of 1.2 million yuan, marking the only match play tournament in China’s professional golf circuit for the 2024 season.

The tournament kicked off with an initial field of 108 players, with the qualifying rounds held on October 24. After an 18-hole stroke play, the top 32 players advanced as seeded competitors. The event then proceeded with a single-elimination format until a champion was crowned.

On the final day, the semifinals and the final match took place, featuring He Chunyi and Chen Zihao battling it out for the championship title. The two players were evenly matched in the early holes, but as the round progressed, He Chunyi gained momentum, building a 3-hole lead at one point. However, Chen Zihao fought back, scoring back-to-back birdies on holes 14 and 15, reigniting the competition.

The final hole (a par-5) saw Chen Zihao unable to match He Chunyi’s score, finishing with a par that sealed his fate. With this victory, He Chunyi broke a three-year championship drought, earning his fourth title on the China Tour. In his post-match remarks, he expressed gratitude for the long-awaited rewards of his hard work and vowed to continue striving for excellence.

Li Jinliang, head of the Men’s Professional Event Department of the China Golf Association, shared that they aim to establish a match play tournament with a unique cultural and competitive flair. He emphasized that this event was a bold innovation in the China Tour’s efforts to create a premier competitive platform in China, enriching the variety of tournaments available and meeting the growing audience demand for golf.

On October 14th in Kuala Lumpur, a promotional event was held for the comic collection “Belt and Road Initiative: Connecting Hearts” and the scholarly commentary anthology “Fifty Years of China-Malaysia Friendship: Building a Community of Shared Future.” The event was attended by Zheng Xuefang, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia, and Mustapha, the Deputy Minister of the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education, who both delivered speeches.

During the event, Chargé d’Affaires Zheng provided insights into the outcomes of the 20th Central Committee’s Third Plenary Session of the Communist Party of China. He emphasized that China’s economy is on a path to recovery and holds a promising future. He articulated that the Belt and Road Initiative vividly illustrates the idea that “if the world is good, China will be good; and if China is good, the world will be even better.” Zheng expressed China’s commitment to actively integrating into the international economy, positioning its vast market as a major opportunity for the world.

Zheng also noted the broad prospects for the development of China-Malaysia relations and expressed hope that various sectors in both countries will continue to support high-quality collaboration on the Belt and Road Initiative, contributing to the construction of a shared community between China and Malaysia.

Deputy Minister Mustapha praised the China-Malaysia relationship, particularly the achievements stemming from the Belt and Road Initiative. He underscored that both sides will deepen cooperation to promote people-to-people connections, ultimately building a more prosperous and sustainable future.

Securing the keys to a home is more than just a milestone – it marks a significant, often life-changing moment in a person’s life. For first-time buyers, getting onto the property ladder can involve years of planning and saving, along with navigating the complex buying process. We caught up with several first-time homeowners to explore how their experiences have reshaped their perspectives on life and ownership.

**”I Knew This House Was the One” – Emma Croman, 45, Matlock, Derbyshire**

Emma Croman, a freelance photographer, always thought buying a home as a solo buyer would be challenging. With her heart set on transforming a former council property into her dream home, Emma’s determination was unwavering. “In my 20s, I was told that buying alone would be tricky, so I continued renting in Brighton,” she recalls. “However, when I turned 40, a mortgage advisor gave me a much more positive view.”

Emma was keen to live near her mother in Derbyshire, and a road trip through the Peak District confirmed her desire. “I set up Rightmove alerts and initially planned to just window-shop, but then I saw this house and immediately knew it was the one.”

After making an offer of £160,000 and facing some mortgage hurdles, she emphasized the importance of securing a mortgage in principle early in the process. “Looking back, that would have clarified my budget much earlier,” Emma admits.

Now settled into her renovated home since August 2023, she has embraced her DIY skills and blogged about her journey. “I’ve converted it into an open-plan space, filled with light, and created areas for journaling and yoga,” she shares. “Owning my own home has significantly enhanced my quality of life.”

**”We Finally Have a Place to Call Our Own” – Tom Lee, 25, and Chloe Morris, 22, Hereford, Herefordshire**

Young couple Tom Lee and Chloe Morris are grateful for the financial support from their families, which helped them circumvent some of the traditional struggles Gen Z faces when purchasing a home. “We were lucky to have stable jobs and the option to live with our parents while saving,” Tom explains.

Having both sheltered at home, they turned to Rightmove to find a spacious property ideal for their work-from-home lifestyle. After considering just two properties, they successfully purchased a modern three-bedroom house for £298,000, located conveniently close to family.

“The house was fairly new, needing just minor updates like new carpet and painting,” Tom notes. “Having learned DIY from my dad and grandad, we managed much of the work ourselves.”

Their financial outlook has shifted since moving in, but they wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. “Budgeting has become a serious consideration,” Chloe says. “However, it’s worth it – we finally have our own home.”

**”I Feel at Peace” – Tessy Mbofung, 47, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire**

After 18 years of renting, Tessy Mbofung was determined to find a stable home for her children, Donella and Dylan. “Renting was challenging, so buying my first home meant everything to me,” she states.

With a strategic approach to her credit rating and strict budgeting, Tessy managed to save for a deposit before securing her mortgage in principle. “I spent two years getting everything in order,” she shares. “The excitement hit when I started looking for houses in Stoke-on-Trent.”

After viewing over 60 properties, Tessy finally found a large home in a quiet cul-de-sac that ticked all the boxes. “We moved in last October, and it’s a project but has so much potential,” she describes. “The day we moved, my daughter and I cried tears of joy. It has truly become a welcoming home.”

**”I’ve Wanted My Own Home Since I Was 20″ – Kelly O’Donoghue, 30, and Chris De’ath, 37, Colchester, Essex**

For Kelly O’Donoghue, the dream of homeownership began early; she saved half her wages for nearly a decade. “I sacrificed experiences like traveling with friends, but I was focused on having something to pass down to my future family,” Kelly explains.

When her relationship with Chris De’ath took a romantic turn, their shared vision for the future solidified their decision to buy together. “After we received a mortgage in principle in March 2023, we were pleasantly surprised by our budget,” she says.

During a chance drive through a neighborhood they liked, they discovered a house that perfectly matched their desires. “The owner graciously gave us a tour while still in her pajamas!” Kelly recalls. With an offer of £340,000 accepted, they moved in May 2024.

“It’s in a peaceful area but close to everything we need,” Chris adds. “Having my own home has been a lifelong goal; achieving it has given me immense fulfillment.”

These stories illustrate the profound impact of homeownership, showcasing the journey, challenges, and triumphs faced by first-time buyers. Each homeowner’s experience sheds light on the emotional and practical aspects of the process, reinforcing that securing a place of one’s own is indeed a significant achievement in life.

The Southern California Alumni Association of Jinan University recently held a vibrant event to celebrate both the 118th anniversary of their alma mater and the 46th anniversary of the alumni association. Alumni gathered to enjoy a delightful day filled with fun activities. The event was not only highlighted by exciting performances but also featured delicious food, raffles, group photos, as well as traditional activities such as calligraphy creation and recitations of classical Chinese literature, showcasing rich Chinese cultural heritage.

A significant focus of the gathering was honoring the elderly, reflecting the traditional Chinese virtue of respect for seniors. Alumni expressed their gratitude by giving red envelopes to elder attendees. During the celebration, President Mei Fan provided an update on the association’s activities and then proceeded to recite Ouyang Xiu’s “Record of the Drunken Old Pavilion” in Cantonese, illustrating the essence of Lingnan culture. The atmosphere was lively as alumni joined in singing, their voices carrying melodiously in the breeze, with applause resonating throughout the pavilion.

The grand finale featured a live calligraphy performance by Hu Jiang, a part-time professor and distinguished calligrapher from Jinan University. Attendees gathered around in awe as Hu Jiang skillfully wrote the phrases “Jinan Love” and “Autumn Emotions Deep” in bold characters, which will serve as mementos for the alumni association. Additionally, he brought along several of his calligraphy works to be offered as prizes, and many lucky alumni won these pieces in the raffle, taking home a piece of art.

The event was further enhanced with gift and cash prize draws, creating a warm and festive atmosphere throughout the gathering.

Is it really the case that buying a fridge magnet has turned into a race? This scene has become a familiar sight outside the Beijing Museum of Ancient Architecture. Social media users are half complaining and half bragging about their experiences, with some saying, “I had to get in line by 6 a.m.” and others sharing, “After waiting for over two hours, I finally snagged one.” The prized item? The “Tiangong Zaojing” fridge magnet, which has become one of the most sought-after fridge magnets in Beijing, limited to one per person.

This unique product is inspired by the museum’s treasure, the “Wanshan Zhengjue Hall Tiangong Zaojing,” featuring a five-layer design that meticulously replicates the actual structure of the ancient ceiling, showcasing the intricacies and beauty of historic architecture. The layers can be displayed separately to highlight different aspects of the zhaojing or stacked together to recreate its complete form. The bottom layer has a starry design with a glow-in-the-dark effect, creating a soft light as night falls. Since its launch in May of this year, it has frequently sold out. On October 23, the museum opened online reservations for purchases, again limiting them to one per person.

Another standout fridge magnet that has captured attention is the crown magnet from the National Museum of China. The design is based on the famous artifact, the phoenix crown belonging to Empress Xiaoduan from the Ming Dynasty, intricately detailed with nine golden dragons and embellished with numerous natural rubies and pearls. Even before the fridge magnet was introduced, visitors would line up to take pictures with the crown. The careful design and craftsmanship of the magnet evoke the crown’s exquisite artistry, making its popularity completely understandable.

Currently, this phoenix crown magnet comes in both wooden and metallic versions, with a limit of two per purchase for each type.

Other popular options that also frequently sell out include the high-footed cup fridge magnet from the Hangzhou Museum and the paper-cut lamp fridge magnet from the Dunhuang Academy. The former captures not only the unique blue-green color of the ancient Yuan Dynasty porcelain but even replicates the blush effect on the surface and the artifact’s cracks. The latter features an adjustable brightness lamp that projects stunning three-dimensional images of the Nine-color Deer or flying heavenly beings when lit.

What drives the allure of these cultural fridge magnets for today’s youth?

Liu Jiecheng, an associate researcher at Peking University’s Cultural Industry Research Institute, believes that fridge magnets have long been a must-have souvenir—simple, portable, and rich in cultural significance. He emphasizes the need for museums to further refine the intellectual property value of their artifacts, ensuring that temporary trends can evolve into sustained interest.

Song Yuhan, the secretary of the Cultural Heritage Communication Committee of the Chinese Society of Cultural Relics, sees these fridge magnets as vessels for the history consumers have experienced and the world they have navigated. The surge in demand for creative fridge magnets is a natural outcome of the dual trends of cultural and tourism enthusiasm. “The magnetic pull of these items not only bridges ancient traditional culture with contemporary life but also breathes new vitality into outstanding traditional culture within the modern context,” she reflects.

French President Emmanuel Macron recently convened a conference in Paris aimed at addressing the deepening humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, exacerbated by ongoing Israeli bombings. Macron’s primary goal is to raise about £300 million in aid while also seeking solutions to the security vacuum left by the Lebanese state’s longstanding vulnerabilities.

In discussing the conference, many analysts believe Macron may find success in securing financial commitments, particularly from Gulf states with Sunni majorities. These donations are seen as a chance to rekindle interest in Lebanon, a country that has suffered neglect from these states, creating an opportunity for Hezbollah’s influence to grow unchecked in recent years.

However, the conference carries a more daunting challenge: negotiating a ceasefire. The prospect of halting hostilities appears slim, especially given the U.S. government’s apparent alignment with Israel’s military strategy aimed at diminishing Hezbollah’s power.

During discussions, proposals are expected to surface regarding reinforcement of the Lebanese armed forces and a renewed mandate for the UN peacekeeping mission, Unifil. Notably absent from the Paris meeting was U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, highlighting an ongoing rift between Paris and Washington regarding their respective approaches to the Israel-Lebanon crisis. While Blinken conducts meetings with Arab leaders in Qatar, the UK is represented by Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer, as Foreign Secretary David Lammy attends the Commonwealth summit in Samoa.

Hezbollah remains firm, stating that it will not discuss its future political or military plans until a ceasefire is officially established. Israel has made it clear that its operations will persist, aiming to decimate Hezbollah footholds both in Beirut and the region south of the Litani River.

While France hasn’t specificed its fundraising target, the UN has indicated that over $400 million is required for humanitarian efforts. Ahead of the conference, Germany announced an increase of $62 million in aid, and a coalition of 150 NGOs underscored the immediate need for a ceasefire, emphasizing the urgency given that over 2,500 people in Lebanon have lost their lives and nearly 12,000 have been injured since hostilities escalated a year ago.

The effectiveness of France’s push for a ceasefire hinges on Hezbollah’s willingness to commit to halting its actions, independent of ongoing conflicts in Gaza. Conflicting statements from Hezbollah cast uncertainty on its intentions, yet there’s hope that U.S. pressure on Israel could create an opening for a ceasefire agreement, which might pave the way to resolve the two-year stalemate in the Lebanese parliament caused by ethnic divisions.

Moreover, France aims to establish a consensus at the conference for bolstering, expanding, and training the Lebanese armed forces. Israel argues that UN resolution 1701, enacted in 2006, has not been fully realized, particularly due to Unifil’s failure to enforce calls for Hezbollah’s withdrawal north of the Litani River. U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein recently suggested a more robust “1701+” mandate to address these shortcomings.

Italy, a significant contributor to Unifil, has proposed establishing a peacekeeping buffer zone with strengthened forces and revised rules of engagement between the Israeli border and the Litani. Additionally, Italy supports the training of the Lebanese army as part of these efforts. However, Israel is insisting on its right to access Lebanese airspace, a demand that is unlikely to gain acceptance from any Lebanese government.

On October 21, the Ministry of Science and Technology of China published a response on its official website to proposal No. 00607 submitted by the Central Committee of the China Kuomintang during the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. This proposal focused on advancing the high-quality development of science popularization and supporting the modernization efforts in China. In its response, the Ministry stated that it would strengthen the development of science popularization talent and ensure that the effectiveness of science popularization efforts is a key consideration in evaluating science and technology talent programs.

According to the response, as of 2022, the nationwide funding for science popularization reached 19.1 billion yuan, with a total of 1.9967 million full-time and part-time science communicators. There are 1,683 science museums and technology-related museums across the country, nearly 2,000 science popularization websites, and over 8,000 science-related WeChat public accounts. In addition, 11,500 types of science popularization books were published, with a total circulation of 104 million copies. Various science popularization activities attracted over 2.8 billion participants, showcasing a robust growth in the field nationwide.

The Ministry pledged to carefully consider and incorporate the suggestions put forth by the Central Committee of the China Kuomintang and to collaborate with relevant departments to implement the following initiatives: First, deepen the understanding that “science popularization is equally important as scientific innovation.” This includes advancing reforms in science popularization supply, dismantling institutional barriers to high-quality development, and innovating in content, formats, and methods of science communication.

Second, there will be a focus on strengthening the talent pool for science popularization. The Ministry plans to establish a comprehensive training system, develop training outlines to enhance the capabilities of science communicators, and implement widespread training programs. Additionally, criteria for evaluating the performance of science popularization workers will be formulated, encouraging employers to consider these outcomes in career assessments and evaluations, thereby facilitating career advancement for science communicators. The Ministry will also improve recognition mechanisms, honoring individuals and organizations that make significant contributions to science communication in compliance with national regulations, and continuing to recognize outstanding organizations and individuals in science popularization.

Third, efforts will be made to enhance the scientific education system. The focus will be on key areas such as curriculum resource development, teacher training, innovative teaching methods, evaluation reforms, creating learning environments, and integrating social forces. The aim is to ensure a seamless connection between schools and the wider educational community, providing quality science education to primary and secondary students, thereby improving their scientific literacy and nurturing future scientists willing to dedicate themselves to research.

Finally, the Ministry will promote cooperation and exchange in science popularization. This includes strengthening communication with various regions and departments, organizing regular seminars, workshops, and meetings. There will be active efforts to establish a support mechanism for science popularization work between different regions, directing quality resources to less developed areas. Moreover, the Ministry will encourage international exchanges in science popularization as a crucial aspect of scientific communication globally, supporting organizations like the China Association for Science and Technology to join or lead international science popularization initiatives. Engagement with Belt and Road Initiative countries and ongoing collaboration in science popularization between mainland China and Hong Kong and Macau will also be prioritized.

•Say country only mobilised $1.9bn out of $17.7bn annual climate funding requirement
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Several energy, climate and environment experts yesterday met in Abuja to discuss Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP), agreeing that if the targets set by the country were to be met, there would be need for more commitment from the government.
The event was organised by the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation and was supported by the Ford Foundation; Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) and Nextier.
Speaking during the programme, the Founding Partner, Nextier, Patrick Okigbo III, listed some of the elements that will make the transition succeed as: Strong political commitment, more action and less talk as well as stakeholder coordination, including extractive communities.
He also called for the integration of ETP with other sectoral policies and plans as well as position the transition as central to development and national security plans.
In addition, he argued that there was the need to coordinate national, state, and local government support for the plan and facilitate planning rather than being the primary actor.
The programme was themed: “ Maximising Just Energy Opportunities Through an Inclusive Country Platform”.
According to Okigbo, there was also the need to regulate rather than procure or develop any aspect of the plan as well as enable the private sector to take the lead.
He observed that the global shift to renewables can ultimately cause the extractive communities to be left behind, stating that for the first time the Niger Delta may be irrelevant in global trade.
Okigbo further highlighted that there might be increased conflicts and pollution over abandoned petroleum assets and new resource conflicts over control of critical metals for renewable energy.
To achieve “Just” Energy Transition, he explained that there was the need to place the people and communities at the heart of the process as well as strengthen government’s commitment and leadership.
In his intervention, Lai Yahaya of the African Policy Research Institute (APRI) emphasised that the global South nations were already making strides in renewable energy adoption, utilising solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power for sustainable development.
Despite progress, he argued that a significant financing gap remains between the ambition for a fossil fuel transition and the reality of available investment resources, stressing that Nigeria has only mobilised $1.9 billion out of the $17.7 billion needed annually for its climate goals.
“This leaves a $15.8 billion annual funding gap, underscoring the insufficiency of current investments in meeting Nigeria’s ambitious NDC targets for climate action,” he stressed.
Yahaya stressed that there was also the need to involve key government stakeholders, especially the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), the main player in government revenue generation and economic growth, to co- create the plan.
He reiterated the imperative of a significant political commitment and technical resources and ensuring that both aspects are adequately resourced to facilitate effective scaling and implementation readiness.
In his remarks, Nnimmo Bassey of HOMEF, stressed that if the government delivers on its pledges in terms of methane emissions reduction, the energy transition will be turn out a success.
“At the last COP, the loss and damage came into operation, and countries made initial contributions to that fund. Loss and damage actually hold the key to how we should be talking about financing for climate change. We should be asking for recognition that the global south is owed a debt, a climate debt, from centuries of exploitation and damage,” he argued.
He maintained that the harm done to the Niger Delta environment was so deep that even if Nigeria spends all the money it gets from oil on repairing the environment, it wouldn’t be enough.
Other speakers at the event included: The Director, Partnerships and Development, Yar’Adua Foundation, Amara Nwakpa; Ford Foundation’s Emmanuel Kuyole; Lanre Shasore of Sustainable Energy for All, among others.