UN

Rising inequality affecting more than two-thirds of the globe, but it’s not inevitable: new UN report

_The problem is we don't know what the climate is doing. We thought we knew 20 years ago. That led to some alarmist books – mine included – because it looked clear-cut, but it hasn't happened._ (7).jpg

The World Social Report 2020, published by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), shows that income inequality has increased in most developed countries, and some middle-income countries - including China, which has the world’s fastest growing economy.

The challenges are underscored by UN chief António Guterres in the foreword, in which he states that the world is confronting “the harsh realities of a deeply unequal global landscape”, in which economic woes, inequalities and job insecurity have led to mass protests in both developed and developing countries.

“Income disparities and a lack of opportunities”, he writes, “are creating a vicious cycle of inequality, frustration and discontent across generations.”

Nearly half a billion people can’t find decent work; unemployment set to rise: new UN labour report

_The problem is we don't know what the climate is doing. We thought we knew 20 years ago. That led to some alarmist books – mine included – because it looked clear-cut, but it hasn't happened._ (6).jpg

After nine years of relatively stable global unemployment, the World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2020 puts the rising jobless numbers down to a stagnating global economy.

The number of people unemployed around the world stands at some 188 million. In addition, 165 million people don’t have enough paid work, and 120 million have either given up actively searching for work or otherwise lack access to the labour market.

Earlier in January, a UN report on the economy showed that developed countries are experiencing slow growth, and some African countries are stagnating. The consequence is that not enough new jobs are being created to absorb the growing labour force as it enters the market. In addition, many African countries are experiencing a drop in real incomes and a rise in poverty. 

2019, the second warmest year as confirmed by the UN

_The problem is we don't know what the climate is doing. We thought we knew 20 years ago. That led to some alarmist books – mine included – because it looked clear-cut, but it hasn't happened._ (3).jpg

“The average global temperature has risen by about 1.1°C since the pre-industrial era and ocean heat content is at a record level,” said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas.  

At the current trend of CO2 emission rate, we are headed towards between a 3 to 5 degree increase in temperature by the end of the century.

2019, as reported by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) was 1.1°C warmer than the pre industrial era.

Only 2016 was hotter, due to a very strong El Niño which causes warming, combined with long-term climate change. 

UN moves to tackle ‘hidden abuse’ and violence against Europe’s children

_The problem is we don't know what the climate is doing. We thought we knew 20 years ago. That led to some alarmist books – mine included – because it looked clear-cut, but it hasn't happened._ (2).jpg

Each year, at least 55 million children in Europe suffer some form of physical, sexual, emotional or psychological violence - the UN health agency (WHO).

And despite the magnitude of this figure, “it is well established that incidents of interpersonal violence are widely underreported”, according to the World Health Organization’s European Region office.

Accounting for underreporting, WHO estimates that of the 204 million children under the age of 18 across the region, 9.6 per cent experience sexual exploitation, 22.9 per cent physical abuse and 29.1 per cent emotional harm. Moreover, 700 are murdered every year

“The cost of violence against children adds up”, WHO maintained, highlighting that an estimated $581 billion is spent annually on treating victims.

Violence against children is chilling and distressing
— WHO Spokesperson


Inaction over climate emergency ‘not an option’ says UN Assembly chief

_The problem is we don't know what the climate is doing. We thought we knew 20 years ago. That led to some alarmist books – mine included – because it looked clear-cut, but it hasn't happened._.jpg

Tijani Muhammad-Bande was addressing the International Organization for Renewable Energy High-Level meeting on the particular threat faced by Small Island Developing States, or SIDS, and their partners in development. 

“Inaction will put at risk all life on earth as we know it”

Warned the veteran Nigerian diplomat. “Inaction will only lead to more severe and extreme weather events, land degradation and deforestation, loss of biodiversity, pollution and acidification of oceans, global food insecurity as well as drought and floods.” 

Inaction will lead to continued sea level rise, risking the displacement of 280 million people from coastal areas and islands by 2050
— Muhammed Bande

Spread of polio still an international public health concern

_The problem is we don't know what the climate is doing. We thought we knew 20 years ago. That led to some alarmist books – mine included – because it looked clear-cut, but it hasn't happened._ (3).jpg

The opinion comes in a statement released on Tuesday following the latest meeting of the Emergency Committee convened by the World Health Organization (WHO) that provides technical advice on international public health emergencies.   

“The Committee unanimously agreed that the risk of international spread of poliovirus remains a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and recommended the extension of Temporary Recommendations for a further three months”, it said.

The Emergency Committee, which met in December, expressed concern over “the significant increase” in cases of wild poliovirus 1 (WPVI), the last of three strains to be eliminated.   

There were 28 cases in 2018, compared to 113 as at mid-December last year, “with no significant success yet in reversing this trend.”

Transmission remains widespread in Pakistan, where challenges include continued refusal to accept vaccination by individuals and communities.  There was also evidence of further spread to neighbouring Afghanistan, where ongoing instability makes scores of children inaccessible, particularly in the south. 

66 People Have Died in Indonesia's Devastating Floods

From the Jakarta flood, Indonesia, dozens of people have been reported dead while  Landslides and flash floods have displaced more than 36,000 in Jakarta and the nearby provinces of West Java and Banten, according to the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA).

Mudslides and power blackouts have hampered the search for people missing in massive floods in Indonesia’s capital, where more than 60 people have died and some of the tens of thousands of evacuees are living in damp, cramped emergency shelters.

Reports say it is the worst flooding since 2007 which killed over 80 people, spanning over 10 days. More rain is forecast, with the potential for more extreme rainfall in the next month.

Economic impact of Australia's bushfires set to exceed $4.4bn cost of Black Saturday

_The problem is we don't know what the climate is doing. We thought we knew 20 years ago. That led to some alarmist books – mine included – because it looked clear-cut, but it hasn't happened._.jpg

Damages record of $4.4b from the 2009 Australian bush fire called Black Saturday is set to be broken by the intense wildfire currently battled in the Country, according to Moody Analytics.

The Moody’s economist Katrina Ell said the fires would further cripple Australia’s already anaemic consumer confidence, increasing the chances of a rate cut next month, as well as causing damage to the economy through increased air pollution and direct harm to industries such as farming and tourism.

Fires have charred about 8.4 million hectares of land compared to the 450000 from the 2009 Black Saturday blazes where about 173 people were killed. Currently, reports show that about 25 people have been killed by the ongoing fire.

Tourism in the country has already taken a significant hit during what is supposed to be a Peak season and Tourism bodies say it will cost billions to rebuild.

Record-breaking 4.9m hectares of land burned in New South Wales (Australia) this bushfire season

_The problem is we don't know what the climate is doing. We thought we knew 20 years ago. That led to some alarmist books – mine included – because it looked clear-cut, but it hasn't happened._ (12).jpg

A record-breaking area of land has been burned in New South Wales this bushfire season, according to the latest figures released by the Rural Fire Service.

A total of 4.9m hectares – an area larger than Denmark – has been destroyed in the state during the nationwide fire crisis.

The total area burned across NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania has now reached 8.4m hectares – an area larger than Scotland. At least 25 people have been killed, including three volunteer firefighters, and thousands of homes destroyed.

Statistics show that it has burned an estimated 8.4 million hectares (21 million acres; 84,000 square kilometres; 32,000 square miles), destroyed over 2,500 buildings (including over 1,300 houses) and killed 25 people as of 5 January 2020.

Investing in health workers yields ‘triple dividend - WHO chief says

_The problem is we don't know what the climate is doing. We thought we knew 20 years ago. That led to some alarmist books – mine included – because it looked clear-cut, but it hasn't happened._ (11).jpg

“They are doing life-saving work every day, including during holidays when the rest of us are with our loved ones at home”, said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), in his video message for the new year.

“But the world needs to do a better job in supporting our health workers, paying them, training them and protecting them”.

WHO estimates that the world will need another 18 million health workers, mostly in low- and middle-income countries.

He recalled that 2020 is the Year of the Nurse and the Midwife, which celebrates the professionals who provide a wide range of health services “from the first moments of life to the last”.

There are 22 million nurses and two million midwives worldwide, who prevent, diagnose and treat diseases, provide expert care during childbirth and also serve people caught in humanitarian emergencies and conflicts, according to WHO. 

Green Campus Initiative partners with UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN)

We are happy to be in partnership with the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN).The Sustainable Development Solutions Network goals include; no poverty, zero hunger, good health, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, responsible consumption and production, decent work and economic growth. Below is the letter of partnership sent from SDSN.

UN Partnership Letter

It is with great pleasure that I write to inform you that the Executive Committee of the cc has enthusiastically approved the Green Institute, Adeyemi College of Education for membership. We are very happy to have you join the Network and look forward to working together in support of sustainable development.

In the coming months, we look forward to finding further means of collaboration on research, Solutions Initiatives, and policy work.

In the meantime, please let us know if you have suggestions for joint initiatives or requests for how the SDSN might be able to support your work. Please also feel free to contact Lauren or me at any time if you have questions regarding your membership in the SDSN.

With best wishes,

Eve de la Mothe Karoubi

Manager
Sustainable Development Solutions Network

www.unsdsn.org

                                                             

Green Campus Initiative features in Earth Day: Climate Action 2016


Time, people, events, and places conglomerate to align you with destiny…
— Unknown

Theodore Idibiye Francis Auditorium, located at The Federal University of Technology, Akure, was ready to accommodate green minds from inside and outside of Nigeria. The warm and refreshing air, welcoming sounds, and rich blends of colours used in its interior confirmed that this would be the perfect location for Nigeria’s Earth Day celebrations. Before the event began, as a Green Campus Initiative Intern, I was able to join in the chats, banter, and healthy discussions going on among groups of lively, intelligent and energetic people. Their impressions, feelings, and comments about this stand-out climate event were positive and educative. All these people, discussions, natural and tranquil environment really helped set the mood up for what was to happen.

Earth Day is an annual event on which day events worldwide are held to demonstrate support for environmental protection. Founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson and first celebrated in 1970, it is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network, and celebrated in more than 192 countries each year. With the passage of COP21 and the release of new UN Sustainable Development Goals, climate awareness is at an all time high. In this spirit, the Space Club and ENACTUS Team of The Federal University of Technology, Akure, felt it timely to organize Earth Day: Climate Action 2016 on January the 15th, 2016. The event was aimed at promoting sustainable practices that people could adapt to protect the planet. It was also a platform for sharing ideas, exhibiting products and inventions that mitigate climate change.

What made the event special for me?

First, it was the highly educative and interactive oral presentations of the experienced lead speakers, which included Adenike Akinsemolu; the Founder of Green Campus Initiative, Toluwanimi Kolawole; a Research Associate at The University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, Prof. Ahmed Balogun; an Applied Meteorologist and the Coordinator of WASCAL (West African Science Service Center on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use).

Adenike Akinsemolu showed the audience, which comprised of primary school pupils, secondary school students, university undergraduates, and young professionals from around the region, simple and creative solutions that will help sustain earth and influence people. Some of these included: commuting green, raising eco-conscious kids, social entrepreneurship, investing in organic foods and products etc. Toluwanimi Kolawole continued the session by sharing knowledge on parts of the planet such as people, resources, and systems which are finite. He discussed  the relationships between these element and, how anthropogenic activities influence the climate, and problem solving or critically thinking skills.

Also, the panel discussion and product and invention exhibition made the event special. Interesting questions were raised and discussed. One of such questions raised by a female undergraduate student of Industrial Design was on how art could be used to minimize climate change. One of the panellist, a Ghanaian and Team Lead of The Conservative; Mr Thomas Koffi Aboh emphasized that recently, art has become an important tool in reducing the effect of climate change. He went ahead and showed The Conservative eco-friendly products such as bags and caps all of which are made from local materials. Other panellists were, Olayinka Ojo; the Green Campus Initiative Minister for Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship, and also the Winner of the UN Spoken for Word Contest, Owoeye Josaiah Abolade; an Environmental Pollution PhD candidate, and Daniel Trump from the University of Edinburg.

Several teams, including The Conservative and Earthplus Africa from Obafemi Awolowo University, exhibited great ideas and products that are mitigating climate change.

Top Dignitaries of the University present at the event were the Dean of Students Affairs and First Bank Nigeria Professorial Chair in Computer Science; Prof. B. K. Alese, who also represented the Vice Chancellor of the University; Prof G. A. Daramola, the University Registrar; Dr. Mrs M. Ajayi, and Director of CESRA (Centre for Space Research and Applications), FUTA; Prof. J. O. Akinyede.

The Earth Day Event at FUTA was different from other green campaigns or activities because it did not just create awareness, but because it was a platform for sharing ideas and exhibiting various projects and innovations working to mitigate climate change. Attending this event alongside other team members from the Green Campus Initiative was worthwhile to me. The outcome has already started to be felt among other participants. This event should be held every year across campuses in Nigeria as this is a sure way of ensuring sustainability. Check out the pictures below:


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Christopher Oghenekevwe Oghenechovwen , a B.Tech student of Meteorology and Climate Science (FUTA), is a decolonized African, environmentalist and ready volunteer. He is 2013 Citizenship and Leadership Certified by CLTC, Nigerian Federal Ministry of Youth Development, a 2015 UNESCO & Athabasca University student on Media and Information Literacy and Intercultural Dialogue, 2015 Senior Category Gold Winner of The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition, and youth correspondent at yourcommonwealth.org . His growing passions lie within the circle of Climate Action, Media and Information, IT, Youth Education and Leadership. Apart from volunteering with Earthplus, The Green Campus Initiative, and doing creative writing, Oghenekevwe loves to connect with people. Invite him for a healthy conversation via chrischovwen@gmail.com