Implications for the climate under a second Trump term
There’s been nothing to suggest Trump isn’t still in his ‘drill, baby, drill’ bag. Here’s a reminder of why a second term of his presidency is so concerning for US climate reform. Election day has been won by Donald Trump. Whether that is cause for despair or celebration depends who...
Current in Planet
Why doesn’t the US want to collectively save nature?
Besides the Vatican, it’s the only nation in the world that hasn’t joined the Convention on Biological Diversity – the single most important global treaty designed to safeguard Earth’s animals and ecosystems. What’s behind this reluctance to stave off ecological collapse? As it stands, only two countries haven’t joined the...
I attended Mercy Corps’ leading agricultural summit on Africa
I had the privilege of attending the 8th AgriFin Annual Learning Event, organized by Mercy Corps AgriFin in Nairobi. The gathering brought together a diverse group of professionals all deeply committed to shaping the future of agriculture in Kenya and across Africa. The MO of Mercy Corps’ AgriFin Learning Event...
Spain is facing its worst natural disaster in 50 years
Amid weather warnings for storms and heavy rain, more than 70 people have been killed after flash floods struck eastern parts of the country. Those in the worst-hit areas have been advised to stay at home. Three days of mourning have been declared in Spain in the aftermath of...
Britain shuts its last power plant and opts for eco-friendly fuel
The last coal power plant in Britain was closed last week, marking the end of over 140 years of coal-fired electricity and the beginning of more eco-friendly fuel use in the country. Ratcliffe-on-soar, in central England, was home to the last coal power station in the UK. After more...
Scientists fear that carbon sinks are failing
Together, the planet’s oceans, forests, and soils absorb about half of all human emissions. As the Earth heats up, many are concerned that this crucial natural process – which regulates temperatures – is breaking down. The planet’s oceans, forests, and soils play a critical role in the survival of humanity,...
The Gold Rush destroying Ghana’s agriculture
In recent years, Ghana has been grappling with a crisis that is endangering its land, water and future economy. ‘Galamsey,’ illegal small-scale mining is a growing epidemic, with devastating effects on the environment. Galamsey, derived from the phrase ‘gather them and sell,’ refers to the widespread practice of illegal small-scale gold mining in Ghana. What began as a source of livelihood for local communities has evolved into a large-scale environmental...
The race to discover and protect Earth’s hidden plants
Scientists warn that thousands of potentially life-saving plants may vanish due to extinction before they can be documented or protected. In a world obsessed with technological innovations and scientific breakthroughs, many of Earth’s natural ecosystems have been taken for granted. A new study led by Kew’s Royal Botanic Gardens suggests that there are an estimated 100,000 plant species which remain undiscovered. It's also likely that they are on the...
I hosted the Live On the Frontlines climate film screening event
Organised in response to recurring climate-related disasters affecting the globe, the Live On The Frontlines event aimed to shed light on the lives impacted by these issues and explore sustainable solutions through a blend of film screenings, panel discussions, and community engagement. Kenya’s Kisumu city, situated on the shores of Lake Victoria, is no stranger to the harsh impacts of climate change. The region’s vulnerability to flooding, particularly in the Nyando...
Can renewables end South Africa’s ‘load shedding’ blackouts?
Despite two decades of rolling blackouts and national energy scandals, stimulation in the renewables sector might just be the turning point for Africa’s most developed economy. South Africa is in the throws of an energy crisis which has been unfolding for almost twenty years now. The country's national electricity grid, which comes predominantly from coal power stations, has been severely hindered through aging infrastructure, gross mismanagement, and continuous allegations of...
