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Energy and Agriculture: Key Factors to Methane Emission 

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By Okoko Chidozie Christian

[email protected]; 09025179984.

Methane as the main ingredient in natural gas production is a major source of global emission alongside agriculture and waste management.

Energy and Agriculture: Key Factors to Methane Emission 

Targeting fossil fuels, waste and agriculture can bring a significant reduction in the overall greenhouse gas emissions.

Agriculture being the predominant source of methane, livestock emission from manure and gastro enteric release accounts for roughly 32% of human–caused emissions.

Though, agricultural methane does not only come from animals, also paddy rice cultivation–where flooded fields prevents oxygen from being penetrated into the soil, creates ideal conditions for methane, thus emits bacteria which accounts for another 8% of human-linked emissions, study reveals.

A big deal about methane is that: as a primary contributor to the formation of ground-level ozone-a hazardous air pollutant and greenhouse gas, exposes about 1 million premature people to death. Also, about 80 times more potent at warming the earth than carbon-dioxide, CO2.

Methane has accounted for roughly 30% of global warming since the pre-industrial times, and it is proliferating faster than at any other time since record keeping began in the 1800s. According to data from the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, even as carbon-dioxide emission decelerated during the pandemic-related lockdown of the COVID-19 in the year 2020, atmospheric methane shifted up.

Recently, on how to reduce methane emission, James Lomax, adviser to UNEP Food Systems and Agriculture says “the world needs to begin by rethinking our approaches to agricultural cultivation and livestock production”. That will include: leveraging new technology shifting towards plant-rich diets and embracing alternative sources of protein.

Carbon-dioxide remains in the atmosphere for hundreds to thousands of years. This means that even if emissions were immediately and dramatically reduced, it would not have an effect in the climate until later in the century. But, it takes only about a decade for methane to breakdown. So, reducing methane emissions would have an impact on the near-future, and it is critical to help keep the world on a path to 1.50C. Also, it will be a way out if humanity is to slash greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming to 1.50C – a target by the Paris Climate Change Agreement.

Looking at the farmer’s corner, farmers can provide animals with more nutritious feed for large and healthier productivity. Research gathered that scientists are experimenting with alternative types of feed to reduce the methane production by cows, and looking at ways to manage manure efficiently by using it to produce biogas-(a gas with high methane content).

However, when it comes to staple crops like paddy rice, experts recommend alternative wetting and drying approach that could reduce emissions rather than allowing the continuous flooding of fields. For example, paddy rice cultivation could be irrigated or drained two or three times throughout the growing season, thereby limiting methane production without impacting yield. That process will also require 1/3 less water, making it more economical.

Human-caused methane emissions could be replaced by as much as 45% within the decade. This would also improve health, and avert nearly 0.30C of global warming by 2045 helping to limit global temperature rise to 1.50C, and putting the planet on track to achieve the Paris Climate Change Agreement.

Subsequently, the yearly reduction of ground–level ozone would also prevent 260,000 asthma–related hospital visits, 73billion hours of labour from extreme heat, and 25million tons of crop losses.

Moreover, the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres convened the UN Food System Summit in September, 2012 which aimed at helping farmers and food production more environmentally friendly. Hence, the UN’s Joint Work on Agriculture is supporting transformation of agricultural and food systems, focusing on how to maintain productivity amidst a changing climate.

According to Mark Brownstein, Senior Vice President of Environmental Defense Fund “reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas industry is the fastest way to slow the rate of global warming that we feel today”. Cutting methane can also slow warming right now, but scientists explains that if there is success in a rapid, full-scale effort, then there is a chance to actually experience the benefit fast in our lifetime.

The International body through research and advocacy are drawing actions to cut methane pollutions from the energy and agricultural sectors for over a decade, and are building a Methane-Tracking Satellite to help scale reduction by at least 30% by 2030. September 7th every year has been isolated for the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies. This day aimed at raising awareness and facilitating actions to improve air quality.

It is a global call to find new ways of doing things to reduce the amount of air pollution we cause; and ensure that everyone, everywhere can enjoy their right to breathe clean air.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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ALX Africa Enriches over 1,200 Lives Through CSR Initiatives Across Nigeria

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In a concerted effort to impact their host communities, ALX, Africa’s leading tech accelerator, embarked on a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative to enrich the lives of people in low-income communities across nine states in Nigeria.

This impactful exercise saw ALX Learners and Fellows (graduates), actively engaged in various uplifting activities centered around three key activities: food relief, education and tutoring, and orphanage visits.

ALX Community members in Abuja and Anambra State embarked on educational outreaches to secondary schools and universities.

In contrast, members in Lagos, Enugu, Kaduna, Rivers, Oyo, and Imo states provided food relief.

Speaking at the food relief exercise at the Ilaje community in Costain, Lagos State, the Country Operations Manager at ALX Nigeria, Helen Eboagwu, highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, “At ALX, we believe that our mission goes beyond equipping young people with the skills for a successful career in tech.

“We are deeply passionate about the people and communities that host us. This initiative shows our commitment to giving back and making a tangible difference in the lives of those around us.

“The initiative shows ALX’s dedication to social impact and reinforces our core values of fostering a culture of empathy, leadership, and community service among our learners.

“By engaging in these activities, ALX learners gain invaluable life experiences and contribute to Nigeria’s socio-economic development,” Eboagwu emphasized.

As ALX continues to empower the next generation of tech leaders, the organisation remains steadfast in its commitment to creating positive change and uplifting the communities it serves. This CSR initiative marks a significant milestone in ALX’s journey to make a meaningful impact across Africa.

ALX is dedicated to transforming Africa’s future by empowering young people with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in the tech industry. Through world-class training programmes and a commitment to excellence, ALX is shaping the next generation of tech leaders who will drive innovation and progress across Africa.

 


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Seplat Donates Two More STEAM Labs in Benin

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The NEPL/Seplat Energy JV has unveiled two more Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Labs at both the Edo Boys High School and New Era College, both in Benin City, Edo State. The STEAM Lab project is part of a comprehensive Seplat Innovators Programme (SIP), which complements the Seplat Teachers’ Empowerment Programme (STEP).

The programme is a follow-up on the progress of the trained teachers, to ensure that Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) learning is passed on to the students, towards improved quality of education.

In her opening remarks, the Director of External Affairs & Social Performance, Seplat Energy, Chioma Afe, who was represented by the Senior Manager, Corporate Social Investment and Performance, Esther Icha, stated that, “Our commitment to education is unwavering, and we are thrilled to collaborate with the Edo State Ministry of Education to provide quality education in the state. These STEAM Laboratories are designed to foster the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovative skills among the students, preparing them for the challenges of the 21st century.”

She further noted that the STEAM approach to learning is a holistic and interdisciplinary approach that encourages students to explore the connections between different subjects, igniting their curiosity and creativity. She also expressed optimism that the laboratories will serve as hubs of learning, where students can engage in hands-on activities, experiments, and projects that will enhance their understanding of the STEAM disciplines.

On her part, the commissioner for Education, Edo State, Joan Oviawe, represented by the Functioning Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Ero Ugiagbe noted that, “Seplat Energy’s commitment to empowering the next generation is truly commendable. The three STEAM Labs you have built and equipped are testaments to your dedication to innovation and education. Your generosity will have a lasting impact on the lives of countless students, providing them with the platform to exploit, learn and bloom. Your contribution to the development of STEAM education in our community is invaluable. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Seplat for this remarkable feat. Your investment in our future is a beacon of hope and a reminder that collective effort can lead to remarkable achievement.”

It would be recalled that on April 14, 2023, the Seplat JV launched its first fully equipped STEAM Lab in Edo State. The Lab, complete with full internet subscription for a period of 12 months, was donated to Ihogbe College, Benin City, with a sustenance plan in place, to guarantee effectiveness and efficiency of the project.

Both the Principal of Edo Boys High School, Ebewele Christy and her counterpart at New Era College, Osaretin Uwaifo, appreciated Seplat Energy and the NNPCL for generously donating the State-of-the-art facilities to their respective schools. They equally expressed excitement and assured that the facilities will be put to maximum use and to achieve the purpose for which it has been provided.

The event attracted stakeholders in both the education and energy sectors, including the Acting Director, Social Mobilisation, State Secondary Education Board, Mabel Ojiefoh; Acting Director, School Support Management, State Secondary Education Board, Jennifer Aisuan; Acting Director, Shared Services Department, State Secondary Education Board, Ifueko Oseye; Managing Partner Teasoo Consulting Ltd, Sarah Ajose-Adeogu, while the NNPC Exploration & Production Limited (NEPL) was represented by Yemisi Lawal and Owunari Tomikeimieye.


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Stanbic IBTC Insurance Launches Education Endowment Plan

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Stanbic IBTC Insurance, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, has launched Education Endowment Insurance  Plan, an offering that empowers parents and guardians to secure the academic future of their children or wards.

Targeting young adults,  the underwriting firm said the Education Endowment Plan encouraged parents and guardians to adopt a long-term strategy for investing in the educational future of their children through the launch.

The company aims to raise awareness about the importance of investing in education.

It said by opting for the Stanbic IBTC Education Endowment Plan, parents could benefit from a comprehensive investment solution that safeguards their children’s academic journey.

At the media launch of the product in Lagos, the Chief Executive  Officer Stanbic IBTC Insurance,  Akinjide Orimolade, explained that the Education Endowment Plan offered families a strong financial safety net.

“This product ensures the protection of their children’s education, regardless of life’s uncertainties; providing reassurance and confidence. By making strategic investments today, parents can secure access to education for their children, enabling them to realise their full potential and pursue their aspirations.

“We are proud to launch the Education Endowment Plan campaign, an insurance product that aligns with our commitment to empowering parents in Nigeria to attain financial security for the education of their children,” he stated.


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