By Odhiambo David |odhisdavid59@gmail.com
African science journalists with support from The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and Down To Earth magazine with the Media for Environment, Science, Health and Agriculture (MESHA) converge in Nairobi next week for a conference whose highlight will be launching of the inaugural edition of State of Africa’s Environment Report 2023.
The launch is part of The Africa Network Media Cafe, a new initiative under the partnership of MESHA and CSE designed for series of media briefings on some of the most critical and current survival questions that are dogging the Global South.
This release event aims to shed light on the environmental challenges facing the African continent, presenting comprehensive data, analysis, and recommendations that will contribute to informed decision-making in the region.
“The State of Africa’s Environment is not a report of bad news only — it has a lot of silver lining as well, it provides us with a lot of reasons to celebrate as well,” Sunita Narain, director general, CSE, stated in a press briefing.
A cursory look at the report reveals that the first chapter underscores the rapid pace of climate change in Africa, highlighting its consequences on internal displacement, water resources, food security, and the economy. It discusses the issue of mass extinction in Chapter 2 and explores the potential to alleviate poverty through sustainable wildlife trade.
The third chapter delves into food insecurity, the impact of global conflicts on food systems, and the spread of desertification. Chapter 4 talks about the growing problem of air pollution, the need to transition to zero-emission electric vehicles, and the role of African countries in adopting such policies.
In Chapter 5, the report discusses Africa’s rising energy demand, the gas exploration boom, and the critical importance of renewable energy for future growth. Chapter 6 assesses the complex relationship between climate change and health, addressing neglected tropical diseases, the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and antimicrobial resistance.
Chapter 7 notes the challenges of water scarcity and its connection to poverty and disease, brought about by the climate emergency. Lastly, Chapter 8 focuses on the alarming increase in waste generation in Africa and the need for improved waste collection practices.
The “State of Africa’s Environment Report 2023” promises to be a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and journalists interested in the environment and sustainability.
In his welcome note to the participants, MESHA Chairman, Mr Bozo Jenje said that it is great to have the many journalists from as far as Madagascar, Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, Zimbabwe and Zambia join their East African colleagues to discuss the state of our environment just a few weeks to the UN COP28 due in Dubai.
MESHA share a long-standing and successful association with Centre for Science and Environment working together to build the capacity and understanding of journalists in Africa on issues of the environment and development. The partnership has resulted in a number of pan-Africa briefings and training programs over the past several years.
