<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



Food recalls in 2023 reached the highest levels the U.S. has recorded since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, mainly driven by undisclosed allergens and listeria contamination, according to a new report released Thursday.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">KEY FACTS</h2>



Some 313 food recalls (impacting products that were still on sale) and alerts (involving products no longer on sale, but may be in consumers’ homes) were announced last year by the Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, an 8% increase from 2022 and the highest number since the COVID pandemic began in 2020, according to a report released Thursday by the nonprofit U.S. Public Research Interest Group Education Fund.



Contaminated food resulted in six deaths and over 1,100 illnesses last year, though the researchers suspect there were more illnesses since most people recover from food poisoning without medical attention.



The most commonly recalled food items in 2023 were snacks like cookies and granola bars, which accounted for one in five recalls, though other commonly recalled foods included fruit—mainly cantaloupes—beef, soup, salads and greens, poultry, cheese, vegetables, supplements and pet food, according to the report.



Almost half of all recalls (49.3%) in 2023 were related to allergens undeclared on packaging, while other major reasons for recalls were listeria contamination (15%), salmonella contamination (8.6%) and uninspected products (6.1%).



This uptick in undisclosed allergen cases was partially driven by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/allergic-sesame-food-labels-now-must-list-sesame-allergen#:~:text=As%20of%20January%201%2C%202023%2C%20sesame%20is%20required%20to%20be,milk" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">inclusion</a>&nbsp;of sesame—which accounted for 39% of the increase—as a required disclosed allergen, a rule that began in January 2023.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-the-5-biggest-food-recalls-of-2024-so-far">WHAT ARE THE 5 BIGGEST FOOD RECALLS OF 2024 SO FAR?</h2>



<ul>
<li>Dairy products: An investigation into a “multi-year, multistate” <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/ariannajohnson/2024/02/08/costco-trader-joes-walmart-recall-dairy-products-over-listeria-outbreak-what-to-know/?sh=7902e28a47f5">listeria outbreak</a> was reopened after listeria was found in several food products containing dairy like queso fresco and cotija cheese. This outbreak includes cases dating back to 2014, and the FDA investigated it in 2017 and 2021, though it couldn’t link a specific brand to the outbreak. The most recent investigation was reopened in January, and manufacturer Rizo-Lopez Foods voluntarily recalled around <a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/176015/download?attachment" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">60</a> dairy products. Major retailers like Walmart, Costco and Trader Joe’s recalled products including salad and taco kits due to potential contamination. As of April 9, the FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention <a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-listeria-monocytogenes-queso-fresco-and-cotija-cheese-february-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a> the outbreak is over. The agencies said there were 26 cases, 23 hospitalizations and two deaths across 11 states.</li>



<li>Trader Joe’s Dumplings: Over 61,000 pounds of Trader Joe’s steamed chicken soup dumplings were recalled in March due to potential hard plastic contamination from a permanent marker. The products were voluntarily recalled by manufacturer CJ Foods Manufacturing Beaumont Corporation, <a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/cj-foods-manufacturing-beaumont-corporation-recalls-trader-joes-chicken-soup" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according</a> to the USDA. The problem was discovered after customers submitted complaints of hard plastics in their dumplings, though no adverse reactions were reported.</li>



<li>Ground cinnamon: The FDA issued an <a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-alert-concerning-certain-cinnamon-products-due-presence-elevated-levels-lead" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alert</a> in March warning it found unsafe levels of lead in six ground cinnamon products. These products were sold in discount stores like Dollar Tree and Family Dollar across several states. This recall came after the FDA investigated the recall of lead-tainted <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/ariannajohnson/2024/02/07/lead-poisoned-applesauce-ecuadorian-cinnamon-processor-likely-source-behind-recalled-pouches-fda-says/?sh=27a6e3082618">cinnamon applesauces</a> in 2023 that led to over 500 reports of adverse events in children.</li>



<li>Trader Joe’s cashews: Wenders LLC, the manufacturer of the nuts, <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/caileygleeson/2024/03/18/trader-joes-cashews-recall-product-pulled-in-16-states-over-salmonella-concerns/?sh=3ac5e89e58d4">recalled</a> four lots of Trader Joe’s 50% Less Sodium Roasted &amp; Salted Whole Cashews in March due to potential salmonella contamination. Though no illnesses have been reported, the potentially contaminated nuts were sold in 16 states.</li>



<li>Quaker Oats products: Quaker Oats <a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/update-quaker-issues-revised-recall-notice-additional-products-due-possible-health-risk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expanded</a> its list of recalled products in January after it recalled several in December due to possible salmonella contamination. This expanded list included over 20 granola, protein and cereal bars, cereals, instant oatmeals and snack mixes sold in all 50 states. However, no adverse events have been reported.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-number">BIG NUMBER</h2>



48 million. That’s how many Americans the CDC&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/foodborneburden/2011-foodborne-estimates.html" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">estimates</a>&nbsp;get sick annually due to foodborne disease, totaling one out of six Americans. Out of that number, 128,000 are hospitalized and 3,000 die.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-background">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



Food gets recalled in one of four ways, according to the report. One way is consumers get sick, seek medical attention and then local officials or the CDC test fluids and trace an outbreak to a specific food item; another is consumers file a complaint with companies or regulators; a third is local, state or federal officials discover an issue through investigations or routine surveillance; and the other method is by companies self-reporting a problem after testing. The FDA regulates around&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/143704/download" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">78%</a>&nbsp;of the country’s food supply, and its oversight includes everything except meat, poultry and some fish and eggs products, which are regulated by the USDA. The FDA was behind 224 recalls in 2023, while the USDA accounted for 89, according to the report. Although the number of recalls via the FDA were virtually unchanged, the number of USDA recalls increased by 31% in 2023 compared with 2022—the highest levels since 2019.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-reading">FURTHER READING</h2>



<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/ariannajohnson/2024/02/08/costco-trader-joes-walmart-recall-dairy-products-over-listeria-outbreak-what-to-know/?sh=7902e28a47f5">Costco, Trader Joe’s, Walmart Recall Dairy Products Over Listeria Outbreak—What To Know</a>&nbsp;(Forbes)



<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/ariannajohnson/2024/02/07/lead-poisoned-applesauce-ecuadorian-cinnamon-processor-likely-source-behind-recalled-pouches-fda-says/?sh=27a6e3082618">Lead-Poisoned Applesauce: Ecuadorian Cinnamon Processor ‘Likely Source’ Behind Recalled Pouches, FDA Says</a>&nbsp;(Forbes)



<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/caileygleeson/2024/03/18/trader-joes-cashews-recall-product-pulled-in-16-states-over-salmonella-concerns/?sh=3ac5e89e58d4">Trader Joe’s Cashews Recall: Product Pulled In 16 States Over Salmonella Concerns</a>&nbsp;(Forbes)

A Safeway Grocery Store Ahead Of Alberston’s Earnings Figures

2023 Had Most Food Recalls Since Start Of COVID-19 Pandemic, Report Finds

A fight over a vital federal tax credit intended to kickstart a market for clean hydrogen and worries over high production costs are cooling near-term expectations for the climate-friendly fuel.



Clean hydrogen has been heralded as a carbon-free fuel that’s key to efforts to remediate the climate crisis. It would help clean up dirty industries like chemical and steel production, be a source of clean transportation fuel and help the U.S. hit a goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/us-long-term-strategy.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">by 2050</a>. But getting things started isn’t going so well.



After years of hype, fundraising, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/alanohnsman/2023/10/13/us-amps-up-clean-energy-push-with-50-billion-hydrogen-hub-plan/?sh=431f604144f9">billions of dollars of federal support</a>&nbsp;to get a green hydrogen market off the ground, there’s growing pessimism over how fast the carbon-free fuel can ramp up. Frustrated by proposed guidelines for a crucial government incentive that they deem too strict, companies including ExxonMobil and Plug Power are threatening to scrub or delay big hydrogen projects.



“Two years ago this was super-hyped. It was like, everybody&#8217;s exuberant,” Raffi Garabedian, CEO of <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/alanohnsman/2024/02/21/green-hydrogen-could-help-save-the-planet-this-startup-wants-to-make-it-cheap/?sh=1cd8fe4e2835">Electric Hydrogen</a>, told Forbes. “What’s happened is people started realizing, ‘Oh, shit, this thing I&#8217;ve been talking about for a while — the hype-to-reality ratio — projects aren&#8217;t getting built. I wonder why? People have started realizing this is really hard.”



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Clean hydrogen — particularly the “green” variety made from just water and renewable electricity — is central to the Biden Administration’s strategy for slashing carbon pollution. But proposed rules for a tax credit worth up to $3 a kilogram to offset the fuel’s higher production costs favor projects that rely on new renewable (or nuclear) power sources, which raises the cost substantially. Garabedian is fine with that, but some competitors say it’ll keep the price of green hydrogen too high. And ExxonMobil is unhappy that its approach — making hydrogen from natural gas but capturing the CO2 before it can escape into the atmosphere — probably won’t get the full credit.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
Dirty hydrogen can be made for $1.06/kilogram. Green hydrogen costs up to four times as much.
</blockquote>



As with other low-carbon technologies, including solar panels, wind turbines and electric car batteries that had to conquer early high costs, clean hydrogen has to get cheaper to be competitive and impactful. But getting even to cost parity with the dirty industrial variety made from natural gas won’t be easy — it’s made for as little as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=61763&amp;src=email" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">$1.06 a kilogram</a>. Green hydrogen costs about four times as much.



The world uses about 92 million tons of hydrogen a year, mainly for heavy industry. By the end of the decade, industry researcher Wood Mckenzie estimates clean hydrogen production could grow to about 14 million tons, from essentially nothing now. It’s an amount that would mark the start of critical mass for the fuel. But that’s about 1 million tons less than it had previously anticipated in late 2023.



“We expected some delays, but they&#8217;re a bit more than what we and others had thought,” said Murray Douglas, vice president for hydrogen research at Wood Mackenzie in Edinburgh, Scotland.



“It’s everything: the cost of the renewable generation; it’s the rules; it’s general cost inflation across all industries; and then it&#8217;s also convincing (customers) that they should sign up now, rather than waiting for costs to come down,” he said. “When you put these things together, you begin to get a more bearish view of 2030.”



That’s leading some fossil fuel companies to take a presumptive victory lap.



“We should abandon the fantasy of phasing out oil and gas, and instead invest in them adequately, reflecting realistic demand assumptions,” Amin Nasser, CEO of Aramco, the world’s largest oil company,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aramco.com/en/news-media/speeches/2024/ceraweek-keynote-speech-by-amin-h-nasser" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;at S&amp;P Global’s recent CERAWeek conference in Houston. “Many of us have been saying for a long time that the world has been trying to transition in a fog, without a compass, on a road to nowhere.”



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-credit-critics">Credit Critics</h2>



Along with green hydrogen startups, incentives to ramp up a clean hydrogen industry need to compel fossil energy companies that are a big part of the climate problem to join in. But the plan as proposed doesn’t do that.



In a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.regulations.gov/comment/IRS-2023-0066-28305" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">letter to regulators</a>, the biggest U.S. oil company said a project in Baytown, Texas, that it’s touted as the world’s largest low-carbon hydrogen plant, is at risk from the proposed credit rules that don’t incentivize carbon capture and storage. If they’re not altered, “the cost of the hydrogen produced will be such that the market for low carbon hydrogen will not be catalyzed and our project, and possibly others, will not proceed,” wrote ExxonMobil vice president Jim Chapman in the letter.



Even Plug Power, an early leader in green hydrogen, isn’t pleased with having to use power from new, clean sources to get the full credit. The company told&nbsp;Forbes&nbsp;a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.plugpower.com/plugs-california-green-hydrogen-plant-saves-water-creates-new-energy-source/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">green hydrogen plant in California</a>&nbsp;intended to make 500 tons of carbon-free hydrogen a day may not open next year as planned due to the 45V tax credit proposal and other factors. (Its first such facility opened in Georgia this year, getting electricity to make hydrogen from a new nuclear power plant. All hydrogen made there will be eligible for the credit)



As currently proposed, “we think the U.S. now takes a real backstep to Europe on hydrogen,” Plug CEO Andy Marsh said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/alanohnsman/2023/12/22/green-hydrogen-makers-say-strict-federal-tax-credit-rules-will-stall-us-boom/?sh=7877597f2e1c">December 2023 interview</a>.



A final version of the credit rules is expected late this year, likely before the November election.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pricey-fuel">Pricey Fuel</h2>



ExxonMobil’s interest in making cleaner hydrogen is understandable. Like Aramco, it already uses huge amounts of conventional hydrogen — and ranks among the&nbsp;<a href="https://carbonmajors.org/briefing/The-Carbon-Majors-Database-26913" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">world’s largest sources of carbon pollution</a>. That’s not a good look as the worsening climate crisis brings new record temperatures on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2024/04/09/march-record-global-heat/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">land</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/10/climate/ocean-heat-records.html" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">sea</a>&nbsp;almost weekly.



Given the global scale of its operations and cash reserves of more than $31 billion, ExxonMobil is well-positioned to be a leader in capturing and storing CO2 from its operations, making what’s known as blue hydrogen. But the Biden Administration has decided not to reward that approach.



A landmark&nbsp;<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ese3.956" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">study by Cornell scientist Robert Howarth</a>&nbsp;found that carbon capture and storage is energy-intensive and leads to even more climate pollution than if the CO2 just wafted into the air. Its greenhouse gas footprint is also “more than 20% greater than burning natural gas or coal for heat and some 60% greater than burning diesel oil for heat,” the study found.



Unlike petroleum-based fuels, there’s no commodity market price for hydrogen. It’s supplied directly from producers to consumers. Big users, like oil refineries and chemical plants, get it for the lowest cost. Others pay much more.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
“The cost of hydrogen is running about 2.5 times more than for compressed natural gas.”Foothill Transit CEO Doran Barnes
</blockquote>



In California, the only U.S. market for hydrogen vehicles, Toyota-backed First Element operates dozens of fuel stations dispensing highly compressed hydrogen for an eye-popping $36 a kilogram to drivers of Toyota Mirai sedans and Hyundai Nexo SUVs. (The price is distorted by the fact that most hydrogen vehicle owners get prepaid cards for up to six years of free fuel.)



Prices are a bit better for Foothill Transit, a Los Angeles-area agency with three dozen hydrogen buses and that’s adding 20 more. It negotiated a multiyear rate from a hydrogen supplier of $9.12 a kilogram, said Foothill CEO Doran Barnes. And while the buses are reliable, “the cost of hydrogen is running about 2.5 times more than for compressed natural gas,” he said.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-power">Need For Power</h2>



The requirement that power to make green hydrogen come from new clean energy sources is understandable. The electric grid is already struggling to keep up with rising demand from power-hungry data centers, booming U.S. manufacturing and growth in electric vehicles that require charging.



“If we&#8217;re going to grow energy demands by producing electrolytic hydrogen we have to add new clean power resources to support that,” said Eric Guter, vice president of hydrogen mobility for Air Products, the world’s biggest supplier of the gas. “Otherwise we&#8217;re going to exacerbate the emissions problem on the backs of taxpayers, and that will destroy the long-term outlook for a viable clean hydrogen market.”



Air Products plans several large-scale green hydrogen projects that open later this decade — including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.airproducts.com/energy-transition/neom-green-hydrogen-complex" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">one in oil rich Saudi Arabia</a>&nbsp;— and supports the proposed tax credit rules. So too does Electric Hydrogen, which is developing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/alanohnsman/2024/02/21/green-hydrogen-could-help-save-the-planet-this-startup-wants-to-make-it-cheap/?sh=2543f9f28351">large-scale green hydrogen plants</a>. Cofounded by two solar industry veterans, the Boston-based company’s business plan is to locate hydrogen operations near new wind or solar projects and, ideally, avoid plugging into the grid. It’s raised more than $600 million from investors including Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Energy Impact Partners, BP Ventures and Amazon.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
“We&#8217;re competing against 100 years of global subsidy, war, blood, fortune and gold that&#8217;s gone into making oil and gas what it is today.”Electric Hydrogen CEO Raffi Garabedian
</blockquote>



It wants to deliver its first commercial-scale green hydrogen plant late this year to billionaire&nbsp;<a href="https://eh2.com/electric-hydrogen-to-supply-electrolyzer-technology-green-facility/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Wes Edens’ New Fortress Energy</a>. New Fortress intends to sell the fuel it makes to an ammonia producer. Powered by 100 megawatts of electricity, the plant will be capable of making up to 45 tons of fuel daily.



Garabedian said another early market for green hydrogen may be for sustainable aviation fuel, or SAF, as regulations in Europe force airlines to use more low-carbon fuel. But as the company lines up customers, he understands the challenge ahead.



“We&#8217;re competing against 100 years of global subsidy, war, blood, fortune and gold that&#8217;s gone into making oil and gas what it is today. And it&#8217;s still the most highly subsidized industry in the world, other than the military,” he said. “Trying to compete with that on a cost basis, it&#8217;s insane.”

New Green Hydrogen Tank construction site.

Green Hydrogen’s Hype Hits Some Very Expensive Hurdles

World Central Kitchen has delivered 43 million meals to Palestinians facing starvation. Now the organization is calling for an investigation into the attack in which seven workers were killed.



What were the clearly marked World Central Kitchen vans full of as they delivered food in the southern Gazan city of Deir al-Balah this week, before the horrific killing of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers? Rice, flour, legumes.&nbsp;Also among the supplies: Dates.&nbsp;To celebrate Ramadan. To bring a brief moment of tradition to a region facing catastrophic loss.



World Central Kitchen has delivered 43 million meals to Palestinians facing starvation, as access to food and water have been under attack. People like chef José Andrés’ volunteers have been risking it all to bring humanity to an inhumane crisis. The deadly attack this week is far from the first time food has been weaponized in Palestine, and while World Central Kitchen is <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2024/04/04/world-central-kitchen-demands-independent-probe-into-israeli-strike-that-killed-seven-aid-workers-in-gaza/">calling for an independent commission to investigate the killings</a>, millions are waiting to see if this shocking loss will create change.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-related-stories">Related Stories</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/chloesorvino/2022/06/16/russia-widens-attack-on-food-with-bombing-of-train-bound-for-jos-andrs-world-central-kitchen/">Russia Widens Attack On Food With Bombing Of Train Bound For José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/chloesorvino/2022/11/07/jos-andrs-has-some-things-to-get-off-his-chest-as-world-central-kitchen-prepares-for-brutal-ukraine-winter/">José Andrés Has Some Things To Get Off His Chest As World Central Kitchen Prepares For A Brutal Ukraine Winter</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/chloesorvino/2023/10/20/fresh-take-cooking-through-crisis/">Finding Moments Of Joy And Inspiration In The World Central Kitchen Cookbook</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/chloesorvino/2022/04/27/water-emerges-as-weapon-of-war-in-ukraine-and-beyond/">Water Emerges As Weapon Of War In Ukraine And Beyond</a></li>
</ul>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">What’s Fresh</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/errolschweizer/2024/04/03/how-food-industry-workers-want-to-modernize-the-farm-bill/">How Food Industry Workers Want To Modernize The Farm Bill</a></h3>



Essential&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/errolschweizer/2024/04/03/how-food-industry-workers-want-to-modernize-the-farm-bill/">food workers are organizing</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;ensure that the Farm Bill is keeping up&nbsp;with the needs of their communities.



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/errolschweizer/2024/03/27/why-independent-grocers-are-pushing-for-better-antitrust-enforcement/">Why Independent Grocers Are Pushing For Better Antitrust Enforcement</a></h3>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="740" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/GettyImages-1237046063.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-53534" style="width:612px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/GettyImages-1237046063.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/GettyImages-1237046063-300x217.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/GettyImages-1237046063-768x555.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">(Photo by Kyodo News via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure></div>


Independently owned grocery stores&nbsp;are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/errolschweizer/2024/03/27/why-independent-grocers-are-pushing-for-better-antitrust-enforcement/">enthusiastic about recent FTC actions</a>&nbsp;that could start to level the industry playing field.



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/daphneewingchow/2024/03/31/spread-the-word-here-are-the-biggest-trends-in-butter/">Spread The Word: Here Are The Biggest Trends In Butter</a></h3>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="767" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Roasted-coffee-laid-out-for-a-cupping-tasting-session-767x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-53663" style="width:524px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Roasted-coffee-laid-out-for-a-cupping-tasting-session-767x1024.jpg 767w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Roasted-coffee-laid-out-for-a-cupping-tasting-session-225x300.jpg 225w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Roasted-coffee-laid-out-for-a-cupping-tasting-session-768x1025.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Roasted-coffee-laid-out-for-a-cupping-tasting-session.jpg 809w" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, 767px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Roasted coffee laid out for a cupping (tasting) session. </figcaption></figure></div>


Social&nbsp;conversations about Butter have increased by 23.57%&nbsp;over the past year. Here are the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/daphneewingchow/2024/03/31/spread-the-word-here-are-the-biggest-trends-in-butter/">trends driving butter&#8217;s growth</a>.



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/daphneewingchow/2024/03/31/policy-makers-should-not-overlook-the-role-of-culture-in-food-security/">New Movement Emphasizes The Role Of Culture In Global Food Security</a></h3>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="774" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GettyImages-200530070-001-1024x774.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-60561" style="width:496px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GettyImages-200530070-001-1024x774.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GettyImages-200530070-001-300x227.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GettyImages-200530070-001-768x581.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GettyImages-200530070-001-1536x1161.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GettyImages-200530070-001.jpg 1991w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">(Getty Images)</figcaption></figure></div>


With its&nbsp;focus on leveraging food culture as a catalyst for change, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/daphneewingchow/2024/03/31/policy-makers-should-not-overlook-the-role-of-culture-in-food-security/">Food Culture Alliance offers tangible pathways</a>&nbsp;toward achieving food security.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveknox/2024/03/25/mls-journey-from-restaurant-success-to-cpg-triumph/">MìLà’s Journey From Restaurant Success To CPG Triumph</a></h3>



From its&nbsp;humble beginnings as a restaurant in 2018&nbsp;to its foray into the CPG realm,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveknox/2024/03/25/mls-journey-from-restaurant-success-to-cpg-triumph/">MìLà&#8217;s unique approach</a>&nbsp;has captured the hearts and palates of a diverse audience.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/errolschweizer/2024/03/24/why-austin-frerick-is-taking-on-the-grocery-barons/">Why Austin Frerick Is Taking On The Grocery Barons</a></h3>



Iowa-born antitrust scholar Austin Frerick has seen firsthand&nbsp;how consolidation has wrecked the American food system.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/errolschweizer/2024/03/24/why-austin-frerick-is-taking-on-the-grocery-barons/">His crucial new book</a>&nbsp;shows how to fix it.

Closeup shot of a man holding his hands under a stream of water outdoors

Fresh Take: Food And Water Access Under Attack

Food is the future and these proactive startups are focused on shifting agricultural practices to prepare for what is to come.



Agriculture has always been a core component of Africa’s economic viability. And where it’s estimated that 140 million people in Africa face acute food insecurity, the continent’s ability to produce food efficiently is vital. As many individual countries wrestle with inadequate governments, there has been a spate of proactive startups focused on revolutionizing the food system across Africa.



From a continent- spanning online marketplace changing the way African farmers do business to a technology platform focused on producing cultivated meat alternatives and a company using technology to convert arid desertland into agricultural areas, these are the firms showing the way in foodtech in Africa.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-just-like-the-nile-river-was-pivotal">‘Just like the Nile River was pivotal…’ </h2>



Farming and selling produce can be inefficient and costly for farmers in Africa, despite being one of society’s oldest practices. Nile, a B2B marketplace, wants to change this. By connecting farmers directly with commercial produce buyers, Nile is reshaping produce trading while empowering farmers across southern Africa.



Founded in 2020 in South Africa by Louis de Kock, Eugene Roodt, and Rick Kleinhans, whose collective experience spans Amazon, JP Morgan and Luno, Nile came from the idea that tech can modernize agricultural trade.



&#8220;In 2020, farmers were still distributing their products in the same way my grandfather did in the 1950s, which was surprising given how much has changed since then, both tech and logistics,” De Kock reflects. Seeing these outdated distribution methods encouraged them to explore tech solutions, resulting in an online marketplace.



In a nutshell, Nile facilitates connections between farmers and buyers, minimizing costs and preserving perishable produce. Through Nile&#8217;s online marketplace, farmers list their produce for global buyers, securing instant orders and secure payouts, allowing farmers greater control over pricing. &#8220;By digitizing transactions, we can improve transparency, while reducing transaction fees,&#8221; he adds. The logistics network then ensures efficient routes to buyers, either via direct delivery or consolidated loads through Nile’s cross-dock hubs.



Further to this, their recently- launched inputs marketplace, coupled with financial support for farmers has revolutionized logistics, but perhaps most importantly, it’s helping farmers find the best market for their produce.



&#8220;We want to become central to a farmer&#8217;s everyday existence by providing a comprehensive suite of digital services to enhance transacting and trading, with the data and predictive analytics as the golden thread,” says De Kock.



Nile operates in 12 African countries, and now calls itself “the largest fruit and vegetable online marketplace on the continent”.



Operating in a region with high food insecurity means sustainability is vital here, and Nile’s tech facilitates it. &#8220;Food waste is dramatically reduced compared to traditional markets since all produce is pre-sold to buyers in 40+ towns and cities and thus does not degrade over time on a market floor,” says De Kock.



In addition to this, Nile’s logistics maintains multiple temperature zones for cold chain management while minimizing food miles.



&#8220;Just like the Nile River was pivotal to the development of agricultural production and trade across African countries, we believe our name is symbolic of our mission,&#8221; says De Kock.



As buyer demand continues to grow, so does the market for quality, affordable produce and Nile seems to be changing the game for African farmers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-model-that-not-only-combats-desertification">&#8216;A model that not only combats desertification…’</h2>



Further afield, Sand to Green focuses on agroforestry for arid regions. It converts barren land into fertile agricultural areas using pioneering agroforestry practices and advanced technology.



Founded by Wissal Ben Moussa, Gautier de Carcouët, and Benjamin Rombaut, the company wants to make desert areas agriculturally productive while contributing to CO2 capture and biodiversity enhancement, effectively overhauling these agricultural landscapes.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Sand-to-Green-was-formed-in-response-to-the-challenges-of-food-security-and-environmental-sustainability-in-dry-regions-image-supplied-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-61482" style="width:606px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Sand-to-Green-was-formed-in-response-to-the-challenges-of-food-security-and-environmental-sustainability-in-dry-regions-image-supplied-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Sand-to-Green-was-formed-in-response-to-the-challenges-of-food-security-and-environmental-sustainability-in-dry-regions-image-supplied-300x225.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Sand-to-Green-was-formed-in-response-to-the-challenges-of-food-security-and-environmental-sustainability-in-dry-regions-image-supplied-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Sand-to-Green-was-formed-in-response-to-the-challenges-of-food-security-and-environmental-sustainability-in-dry-regions-image-supplied-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Sand-to-Green-was-formed-in-response-to-the-challenges-of-food-security-and-environmental-sustainability-in-dry-regions-image-supplied-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sand to Green was formed in response to the challenges of food security and environmental sustainability in dry regions; image supplied</figcaption></figure></div>


Formed in response to the challenges of food security and environmental sustainability in dry regions, particularly in Morocco and broader Africa, the founders saw the need for eco-friendly agricultural practices in these challenging environments.



Traditional farming methods exacerbate issues like soil degradation and water scarcity, affecting vast areas of agricultural land and, in turn, populations in Africa. Sand to Green&#8217;s model integrates agroforestry with solar-powered desalination, drawing inspiration from ancient oasis ecosystems, a 7,000-year-old agroforestry system.



&#8220;Our vision was to develop a model that not only combats desertification&#8230; but also enhances local food production,&#8221; says co- founder Rombaut. Morocco presented the ideal climate, showcasing the need to balance food security with environmental restoration. &#8220;Our approach addresses water scarcity by using sustainable desalination, tapping into the region&#8217;s abundant solar energy,” he adds. “This model not only meets the immediate need for more food production but also promotes environmental sustainability, offering a blueprint for similar arid regions globally,” adds Moussa.



Sustainability is at the core of this operation. The supply chain focuses on local resources and labor, supporting regional economies and reducing transport-related carbon emissions. In arid regions, their solar-powered desalination technology lowers water usage, while recycled brine from the desalination process is used to cultivate halophyte plants.



Their practices also reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, aligning community well- being with an environmental one. Driven by the belief in locally- adaptable solutions, Sand to Green hopes to influence global agricultural practices.



&#8220;We strive for a future where sustainable agriculture is central to solving global food and environmental challenges,&#8221; Rombaut says. They show how sustainable agriculture can thrive in challenging environments without compromising ecosystem integrity, an idea that will hopefully shift agricultural practices globally. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-replicate-the-conditions-of-an-animal-just-outside-of-the-animal">‘…replicate the conditions of an animal, just outside of the animal’ </h2>



In Cape Town, Newform Foods wants to revolutionize the food industry through cultivated meat production. Promising a more ethical protein alternative using leading bioprocessing technology and proprietary methods, Newform allows food producers to manufacture animal- friendly products. &#8220;We are producing the ability to scale cultivated meat intended for other companies within the food and meat industry,” says Brett Thompson, who co-founded Newform along with Tasneem Karodia.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Newform-CEO-Brett-Thompson-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-61483" style="width:600px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Newform-CEO-Brett-Thompson-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Newform-CEO-Brett-Thompson-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Newform-CEO-Brett-Thompson-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Newform-CEO-Brett-Thompson-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Newform-CEO-Brett-Thompson-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Newform CEO Brett Thompson</figcaption></figure></div>


While alternative meat isn’t an entirely new concept, Newform is one of the first of its kind in Africa. &#8220;We want to create a technology platform that can be applied to any company around the world,&#8221; says Thompson. Essentially, Newform facilitates sustainable food production through tailored platforms and solutions. “We’re trying to perfectly replicate the conditions of an animal, just outside of the animal,” he explains. This is done using animal cells, and an intricate combination of media development and bioreactors to help the cells grow. Thompson adds that the entire process, from cell to harvest, takes only three to four weeks, a fraction compared to the standard 18 months in conventional farming.



Having successfully experimented with lamb, beef and pork, Newform will soon be exploring poultry and seafood, as part of creating an agnostic platform. “We want to specialize in the platform, not the species,” says Thompson. Ethics aside, Newform’s solution is undeniably more sustainable for various reasons. Reduced land, water and energy use, as well as minimizing food waste, means a much lower impact than in conventional farming practices. 


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="alignleft size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Newforms-Greek-pita-with-cultivated-lamb-meatballs-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-61485" style="width:485px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Newforms-Greek-pita-with-cultivated-lamb-meatballs-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Newforms-Greek-pita-with-cultivated-lamb-meatballs-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Newforms-Greek-pita-with-cultivated-lamb-meatballs-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Newforms-Greek-pita-with-cultivated-lamb-meatballs-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Newforms-Greek-pita-with-cultivated-lamb-meatballs-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Newforms-Greek-pita-with-cultivated-lamb-meatballs-scaled.jpg 1707w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Newform&#8217;s Greek pita with cultivated lamb meatballs</figcaption></figure></div>


“We can produce something that we can use every single part of,” he explains.



This technology could also affect farms and food transportation. “Imagine a future where you have large facilities close to cities that can produce a delicious protein and get it to retailers and consumers in a more localized fashion.”



What does this Newform future look like? &#8220;I&#8217;d like to see a world in which no animal is used within the supply chain of our food,” says Thompson. “We&#8217;ll be part of the way to replace all animals in the food system and make a healthier protein that&#8217;s cost-effective and delicious.”



While originating in South Africa, Newform plans to expand internationally, starting with the United Kingdom.



Encouragingly, Thompson has seen a shift in the industry, with more food companies willing to adopt technology towards sustainability. “The industry is looking to future-proof itself,” he says, and Newform is primed to lead the charge.

Nile co-founders Eugene Roodt and Louis de Kock

CREAM OF THE CROP: The African Firms Showing Why Foodtech Is The Future

With a growing youth population, the African continent could find itself on the path towards a bright future. However, this may only become a reality if the continent is able to provide widespread upskilling initiatives and tangible employment prospects.



The International Labour Organization reported in August that more than 72 million youth in Africa are not in education, employment or training, with the majority being young women. Furthermore, it was reported previously that by 2030, young Africans are expected to make up 42% of the world’s youth.



The goal to empower Africa’s young people has become a collective one. One organization working towards this is Prince’s Trust International (PTI). Founded by His Majesty, King Charles III (then Prince Charles), the Trust partners with local stakeholders to develop programs that equip young people with the skills and/or interventions needed to create a future for themselves.&nbsp;



“As a result of Prince&#8217;s Trust International’s human capital development focused&nbsp;programming, we have been able to reach over 15,000 young people since 2019 and provide them with the key skills and opportunities to secure livelihoods,” Shabir Randeree, Chairman of Prince’s Trust International, tells FORBES AFRICA.



“We have also been able to partner with a number of fantastic organizations, working together to help improve the way training facilitators and teachers engage with young people on the continent. This work has helped to deliver more impactful programming with greater rates of positive outcomes and created a ripple effect beyond the young people who directly benefit from our programs.”


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="682" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Arunma-Oteh-and-King-Charles-image-supplied.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-61387" style="width:464px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Arunma-Oteh-and-King-Charles-image-supplied.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Arunma-Oteh-and-King-Charles-image-supplied-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Arunma-Oteh-and-King-Charles-image-supplied-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Arunma Oteh and King Charles; image supplied</figcaption></figure></div>


CEO, Will Straw says that what started out as an organization that provided grants for people from disadvantaged backgrounds, when the organization was established in the United Kingdom (UK) over 40 years ago, has grown and evolved.



“Over time, [it] expanded into programs with employers, helping young people into job vacancies, where perhaps the employers were struggling to find work-ready youth. Then, more recently, on education programs and personal development programs in schools and other educational settings, helping young people to gain some of the core skills that are so important in the world of work – things like self-confidence, communication, problem-solving, teamwork, resilience, managing feelings, setting and achieving goals,” Straw says.



“And so Britain&#8217;s Trust International, founded in 2015, has sought to take those programs and insights about the needs of young people&#8217;s skills, and helping people to find meaningful work or set up their own business, to countries around the world.”



Currently, on the African continent, the organization has programs in Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.



In addition to this, African Development Bank Group (AfDB) President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina and Straw met in November to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and to explore strategic partnerships to scale up youth employment, human capital, and entrepreneurship opportunities.



The MoU indicated the commitment of both the AfDB and PTI to work together to identify and develop partnership opportunities, in countries of common interest, to mainstream employability skills for technical and vocational education and training (TVET) projects, funded by the Bank. PTI is also expected to participate in the preparation, design, implementation and monitoring of TVET and skills development projects.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Participants-on-the-Get-Into-Programme-Nigeria-2023-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-61471" style="width:584px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Participants-on-the-Get-Into-Programme-Nigeria-2023-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Participants-on-the-Get-Into-Programme-Nigeria-2023-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Participants-on-the-Get-Into-Programme-Nigeria-2023-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Participants-on-the-Get-Into-Programme-Nigeria-2023-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Participants-on-the-Get-Into-Programme-Nigeria-2023-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Participants on the &#8216;Get Into&#8217; Programme in Nigeria 2023</figcaption></figure></div>


It was reported at the time of this meeting that the Trust would be committed to “co-hosting a youth-focused investment summit in 2024 in the UK, in conjunction with the African Development Bank.”



According to PTI, it’s the insights of the youth they work with and their local partners that inform the type of work that’s done. Straw echoes this, adding that the role of the Trust is simply to impart the knowledge gained over the past few decades.



“[It’s] a mixture of programs; it depends on what the specific needs are in any particular country, and which local partners we&#8217;ve identified already doing valuable, impactful work on the ground, supporting young people&#8217;s journey, in a sense, from education to employment,” he says.



“Then we&#8217;ll work with them either to introduce one of our own programs or potentially to adapt or add to a program they&#8217;ve already got in place with some of our content or methodologies, to make it even more impactful.”



PTI Trustee, Arunma Oteh, who was the Vice President and Treasurer at the World Bank from September 2015 to November 2018, shares her experience with the organization, saying, “I am honored to be a member of the Board of Prince’s Trust International. I believe that it has even greater potential to do more in Africa and particularly expand its activities in the six countries it already has a presence in, as well as establish its programs in several of the other African countries.”


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Winners-Enterprise-Challenge-Kenya-2022-2-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-61470" style="width:634px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Winners-Enterprise-Challenge-Kenya-2022-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Winners-Enterprise-Challenge-Kenya-2022-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Winners-Enterprise-Challenge-Kenya-2022-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Winners-Enterprise-Challenge-Kenya-2022-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Winners-Enterprise-Challenge-Kenya-2022-2-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Winners Enterprise Challenge Kenya, 2022. </figcaption></figure></div>


“Its employability and entrepreneurship programs prepare young people for future success, teaching them valuable business and leadership skills, early in their lives. For example, a number of successful people of African origin, such as Idris Elba and Ozwald Boateng, got their break from Prince’s Trust.”



“I have a personal attachment to both Africa and Asia. I was born in South Africa of Asian origin when my family migrated from Northern India in the 1860s. The opportunity to internationally apply my experience, having also served on the board of The Prince’s Trust in the UK, was hugely appealing,” Randeree adds.



“Having had a career in business, it never ceases to amaze me what can be achieved by elevating educational aspirations of our youth. Last year, almost 30,000 young people were impacted positively by Prince’s Trust International in 18 countries. It was Nelson Mandela who said ‘education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world’.”

Kenya Royal Visit 2023 HMK with PTI participants

His Majesty’s Trust In Africa’s Youth:Helping Bridge The Education And Skills Gap

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



Climate change could cut life expectancy by half a year, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://journals.plos.org/climate/article?id=10.1371/journal.pclm.0000339" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a>&nbsp;published Thursday, illustrating another ominous consequence of human-driven global heating after scientists confirmed 2023 as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/roberthart/2024/01/09/2023-was-officially-the-worlds-hottest-year-on-record/?sh=5b4ccc086655">hottest year on record</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">KEY FACTS</h2>



Changes in temperature and rainfall caused by climate change could shave six months off the average human lifespan, researcher Amit Roy said in a paper published in the journal PLOS Climate.



Roy, a researcher at The New School for Social Research and Bangladesh’s Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, came to the conclusion after analyzing life expectancy data from 191 countries between 1940 and 2020.



An annual temperature increase of 1 degree Celsius on its own would cut average human life expectancy by around five and a half months once other factors affecting lifespan like GDP are accounted for, Roy said.



Changes in rainfall—which is&nbsp;<a href="https://climate.ec.europa.eu/news-your-voice/news/how-climate-change-disrupting-rainfall-patterns-and-putting-our-health-risk-2023-08-03_en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disrupted</a>&nbsp;in a multitude of health-affecting ways by climate change—also have an impact on life expectancy, the data showed



Considered in isolation without temperature changes, an increase or decrease in rainfall could be both beneficial or detrimental depending on circumstances—for example, in an area already experiencing heavy rainfall or an area experiencing drought.



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However, when considered alongside temperature changes, Roy—who developed a new composite index to consider the combined impact of the two features on life expectancy—found a more negative outcome, with a 10-point change on the index combining the two features leading to a six month drop on the average life expectancy.



Women and those in developing nations are disproportionately affected by the life expectancy hit, Roy said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-background">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



Scientists have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/roberthart/2024/01/09/2023-was-officially-the-worlds-hottest-year-on-record/?sh=5b4ccc086655">confirmed</a>&nbsp;2023 as the hottest year on record and experts warn 2024 could be hotter still. Experts overwhelmingly believe that human activity is driving significant and rapid climate change the likes of which our planet has never experienced and warn that even with drastic action to mitigate damage, a great deal of hardship from this is going to be in store for coming decades. While variations in climate are a normal and expected part of the planetary ecosystem, emissions of greenhouse gasses like carbon dioxide and methane have disrupted natural cycles and help lock heat inside the planetary system. These temperature increases have disrupted climatic patterns and features like rainfall, which can both decrease and cause problems in the form of phenomena like drought and increase and cause issues like flooding in wetter areas. Without drastic and swift action to cut emissions, scientists&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/roberthart/2023/10/25/here-are-6-tipping-points-the-un-warns-could-soon-spell-disaster-for-humanity-from-space-junk-to-disappearing-water/?sh=710d0f72797a">warn</a>&nbsp;we will cross planetary tipping points from which there may not be a return and extreme weather like storms, droughts and freezes are expected to increase in both frequency and severity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-fact">SURPRISING FACT</h2>



While abundant research has documented a slew of negative health effects linked to climate change—including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/roberthart/2023/11/21/extreme-heat-killed-over-70000-in-europe-last-year-study-finds-this-year-is-on-track-to-be-even-worse/?sh=62fbcdd57929">potentially lethal heat</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/roberthart/2022/04/28/climate-change-could-spark-future-pandemics-study-finds/?sh=a5d1e2b57873">the risk of new deadly pandemics</a>, an uptick in extreme weather events and natural disasters and risks for those with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/sep/04/climate-crisis-poses-greatest-risk-to-people-with-respiratory-illnesses-experts-warn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breathing</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/grantham/publications/all-publications/the-impact-of-climate-change-on-mental-health-and-emotional-wellbeing-current-evidence-and-implications-for-policy-and-practice.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health</a>&nbsp;problems—Roy said none had yet established a direct link between the phenomenon and life expectancy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crucial-quote">CRUCIAL QUOTE</h2>



“The global threat posed by climate change to the well-being of billions underscores the urgent need to address it as a public health crisis,” Roy said, adding: “mitigation efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and proactive initiatives are essential to safeguard life expectancy and protect the health of populations worldwide.&#8221;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-reading">FURTHER READING</h2>



<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/roberthart/2024/01/09/2023-was-officially-the-worlds-hottest-year-on-record/?sh=5b4ccc086655">2023 Was Officially The World’s Hottest Year On Record</a> (Forbes)

Reports Indicate 2016 Was Hottest Year On Record

Climate Change Could Cut Months From Life Expectancy, Research Warns

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



Annual carbon emissions from bottom trawling—a popular fishing method used to capture seafood at the bottom of the ocean—is equivalent to around 40% of annual transportation emissions in the U.S., a new study published Thursday found, reaffirming previous research on the harms of bottom trawling.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">KEY FACTS</h2>



<a href="https://www.msc.org/what-we-are-doing/our-approach/fishing-methods-and-gear-types/demersal-or-bottom-trawls" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bottom trawling</a>&nbsp;is a fishing method used to catch large quantities of fish at once, which involves dragging nets towed by boats along the ocean floor to catch fish and other marine animals.



When the nets scrape the ocean floor, they disturb and cut up the coal housed in the marine sediment, releasing carbon dioxide into the water that eventually finds its way into the atmosphere.



Between 55% and 60% of the carbon dioxide made underwater by bottom trawling will be released into the atmosphere within the following nine years, the Thursday study published in Frontiers in Marine Science found.



Around 370 million metric tons of carbon emissions were released into the atmosphere every year between 1996 and 2020 due to bottom trawling, equivalent to around 40% of all U.S. transportation emissions in 2022 (1,023 million metric tons)&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=307&amp;t=10" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according</a>&nbsp;to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.



Annual bottom trawling emissions are more than double the annual fuel emissions from the global fishing fleet(<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-018-0117-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">179 million</a>&nbsp;metric tons a year), almost double the annual emissions produced by volcanos (<a href="https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/news/volcano-watch-which-produces-more-co2-volcanic-or-human-activity" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">200 million</a>&nbsp;metric tons) and 55% of all U.S. yearly agriculture emissions (<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/natural-resources-environment/climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">671.5 million</a>&nbsp;metric tons).



The researchers identified bottom trawling carbon dioxide emissions as the highest in the East China Sea, the North Sea, the Baltic Sea and the Greenland Sea.



A previous&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03371-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a>&nbsp;published in 2021 found bottom trawling releases as much carbon dioxide as the entire aviation industry, and there’s less carbon in trawled areas of the ocean than untrawled areas.



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The practice’s controversy has led to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration banning it from some parts of the seafloor off the U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://montereybay.noaa.gov/resourcepro/ebmi/2020nmfs_rule.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">West Coast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mpi.govt.nz/fishing-aquaculture/sustainable-fisheries/strengthening-fisheries-management/bottom-trawling/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Zealand</a>&nbsp;restricting it from around 20% of its territorial sea and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSL8N3706KS/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.K.</a>&nbsp;banning it from at least one body of water.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CRUCIAL QUOTE</h2>



“The good news is that reducing bottom trawling carbon emissions will deliver immediate benefits,” Enric Sala, study author and executive director of ocean preservation company Pristine Seas, said in a statement. “The bad news is, delaying action ensures that emissions from trawling will continue seeping into the atmosphere a decade from now.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CONTRA</h2>



Some researchers don’t believe bottom trawling emits as much carbon as previously reported. Researchers who wrote a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06014-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">response paper</a>&nbsp;to the 2021 study believe the study overestimated the carbon emissions of bottom trawling by between 100 and 1,000 times due to the researchers’ flawed assumption of the carbon cycle. Around 70% of buried carbon can be broken down by bottom trawling and release carbon dioxide, according to the 2021 study. However, buried carbon isn’t reactive to oxygen, and therefore most of it cannot be broken down, the response paper says. “It doesn’t mean [the 2021 study] can’t be important, but it does mean that the model makes no sense,” lead author of the response paper and researcher at Bangor University in Wales&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seafoodsource.com/news/premium/environment-sustainability/response-paper-aims-to-debunk-the-theory-that-bottom-trawling-releases-as-much-carbon-as-air-travel" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told</a>&nbsp;SeafoodSource News. A separate&nbsp;<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/gcb.16105" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">paper</a>&nbsp;released in 2022 challenged claims that there was less carbon in trawled areas compared to untrawled areas. It reviewed 49 papers and found 61% saw no difference, 29% reported less carbon in untrawled areas and 10% reported higher carbon levels in trawled areas of the ocean.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BIG NUMBER</h2>



19 million tons. That’s how much seafood is caught by bottom trawling annually, making bottom trawling responsible for over a quarter of all wild-caught seafood captured each year, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1802379115" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a>&nbsp;published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



Besides releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, bottom trawling has other dangerous effects. Between 40% to 45% of carbon released by bottom trawling remains in the ocean, which increases ocean acidification and leads to harmful damage on aquatic plants and animals, according to Thursday’s paper. The practice can also lead to a change in nutrient levels, the destruction of habitats and plant roots and reduce photosynthesis in ocean-dwelling organisms,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usgs.gov/programs/cmhrp/news/what-drag-global-impact-bottom-trawling" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according</a>&nbsp;to the U.S. Geographical Survey, an arm of the Department of the Interior. It’s also believed bottom trawling is wasteful:&nbsp;<a href="https://marine-conservation.org/archive/mcbi/DSCC_RedHerrings.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">50%</a>&nbsp;of all unwanted and discarded fish by the fishing industry is caught through bottom trawling. This is equivalent to around 437 million tons of discarded fish, or a loss of $560 billion, the University of California, Santa Barbara&nbsp;<a href="https://emlab.ucsb.edu/blog/overlooked-impact-bottom-trawling" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FURTHER READING</h2>



<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/17/climate/climate-change-oceans.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Looking for Climate Solutions? Protect More Ocean, Researchers Find.</a>&nbsp;(New York Times)

Crew members of purse seiner hauling in net while fishing for salmon

Here’s How Much Carbon Emissions Are Caused By A Popular—And Controversial—Fishing Method, According To Study

September 2023 was a month of conferences.



It started off with the summit of the Norwegian-African Business Association in Oslo.



A Reuters event in London followed. Then the revered United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. And the month finished with the AIIB Annual Meeting at Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt. Fascinating as always. Thousands of clever people flying around, talking and promising. Everywhere, the Africa question is dominant but cautious. Risk, coups, exchange rates, crime… are oft-repeated words.



The fine balance of today’s geopolitics means Africa has to appease to the rhetoric and the threats of a rejuvenated West while still looking at the East for all things important.



Tough for our leaders, fraught as their countries are with inflation, currency issues, elections, and poverty.



The fundamental architecture where Africa provides the minerals, and the world produces goods they then sell back to the continent creates an imbalance that no amount of Bretton Woods fiddling can resolve.



The climate challenge exposes the hypocrisy too. Africa, home to labor, land, minerals and oodles of sun, wind and water (read renewables).



Why keep manufacturing then outside its shores? At least one eminent minister told me that the Washington Consensus on Trade in the 1980s, which was 40 years after the original Bretton Woods’ party and now another 40 years later, the climate agenda (and the ESG paraphernalia), has one thing in common.



A 40-year itch perhaps.



Extract not engage. Lecture but not lead. Promise but not provide.



Can happy endings come from this relentless pursuit of a status quo camouflaged as aid and grant?



The question is: what then?



Possibly the BRICS bank is the answer to getting an alter ego?



They seem serious albeit the principle of ‘my enemy’s enemy is my friend’-kind-of binding force. Well, my school had said ‘charity begins at home’.



My mother, like all mothers, had told me: “You don’t get what you want, you get what you deserve.” And my little daughter used to say: “United we stand, divided we fall.”



African unity cannot remain a myth. African collaboration cannot be an illusion. African solidarity cannot be confined to speeches. The global quest for minerals, gas and gold interlaced with ‘dead aid’, fits nicely into the greed, guilt, and fear syndrome. How do we collectively enhance that fear factor?



The fear of food shortage when Africa has so much arable land.



The fear of global warming when Africa can absorb it all through its forests.



The fear of energy sourcing when Africa has all the gas, oil and the coal the world needs.



The fear of growth when Africa has the youngest and largest unserved markets.



The fear of supply chain concentration when Africa has the obvious renewable energy- based manufacturing at source (critical minerals) solutions. The fear of mass immigration; fundamentalism when simply adding value to Africa’s resources will create jobs and keep them south of the Mediterranean.



Collective bargaining, anyone?



Into that valley of hope let Africa awake. To take charge and be masters of our own destiny. Maybe we should start with banning Africa’s soccer stars from playing in Europe? That should make them feel the pinch – or at the very least, let’s make a pledge to not export any raw materials without value addition at source. Therein lies the start to a world where jobs exist and prosperity reigns.

African woman plucking tea leaves on plantation, East Africa

The Conundrum Facing Africa. Question Is: What Then?

Debt Crisis Looms for Poorer Nations Most Vulnerable to Climate Change

In Its Own Sweet Time: Sustainability And Innovation In South Africa’s Sugar Industry

Agriculture represents one of Kenya’s largest industries. Over the decades, the mega-sector has shaped and formed to include some of the continent&#8217;s highest export volumes, with major crops making a name for the country in the global market. FORBES AFRICA takes a closer look as the country celebrates its 60th birthday.



Agriculture in Kenya is big business. According to the latest Central Bank data, this national industry is responsible for at least 20% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It’s also a top income earner, accounting for 65% of national export earnings, and employs over 40% of the working population; a majority of which (approximately 70%) lives outside the cities. Additionally, the industry is directly and indirectly responsible for the livelihoods of an estimated 80% of the Kenyan population.



The productivity of this industry is expected to have a major impact on the economic growth of the country. Hence, it has become a cornerstone pillar in President William Ruto’s strategic economic plan known as the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).



Among six pillars, Agriculture cuts across several objectives intended to boost resilience and recovery in the country’s national economy. Among the key directives is a paradigm shift, challenging previous policy approaches in force within the industry.



A focus on entrepreneurship, across the value chain, including at farm-level as well as a move towards unit productivity rather than production marks the shift. Adding to this, agricultural resources, such as land and livestock, are now treated as national assets, elevating these factors of production to crucial levers in prevailing food security and export mandates. Overall, BETA seeks to address major economic challenges including poverty reduction through the creation of employment opportunities, particularly for the country’s large youth population, as well as boosting foreign exchange earnings, among others.



Organizations, in both the public and private sectors as well as civil society, have stepped in to shore up targets. Among them is the Centre for African Bio-Entrepreneurship (CABE), which supports stakeholders across the agricultural value chain in Kenya including farmers and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).



“We do market linkages. We gather market information, share the current state of market, in terms of agricultural produce [and] what is trending [in the marketplace]. This is to create value so that they have a targeted market and whenever they engage in business, it is demand-driven,” explains Lucy Adoyo, who leads Research at CABE’s Nairobi headquarters, to FORBES AFRICA.



MSMEs represent an important layer of the sectoral value chain and within the BETA framework. One of the pillars of the economic agenda, these enterprises are poised to drive job creation and stimulate trade and market activities across the national economy. Within agriculture, they provide a crucial pipeline for the youth population to enter the industry while employing the majority of Kenyans who depend on subsistence farming for both food and finance.



“These are the enterprises that produce the food which we consume in the country. They are the people you’d find in the domestic market and those are the people who even drive the local economy beyond the export [market]. The current discussions we’re having right now are around sustainable food systems coupled with climate action,” adds Adoyo.



These agribusinesses range from specialization to size and focus on direct food production to value addition such as agro-processing. The development of these businesses is a core national objective and a target of the BETA plan.



Last year, Strathmore University Business School, one of the most respected tertiary institutions in the country, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries and the Kenya Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) announced a program to support MSMEs within the industry. The partnership is intended to commercialize sectoral value chains across the country’s major counties; each of them home to a bulk of the farming population in Kenya.



While these businesses form a crucible within Kenyan agriculture, MSMEs in the country remain arrested in development. Barriers to growth such as lack of access to financing and markets are consistent stumbling blocks for entrepreneurs across all sectors as well as inflexible policy environments. The hopes for the BETA interventions frame this context with its promises for improved trading conditions, greater access to funding, and much needed business development support.



The Strathmore Business School program for agricultural MSMEs sharpens its focus on addressing gaps in the industrial value chain; beyond direct business support. Data, for improved policy-making and for tracking sectoral growth and impact, is lacking at both local and international levels. The program launched with an intention to address these challenges.



“There is a need to map out the value chains and integrate them under one platform to inform decision-making and areas of intervention,’’ noted Dr. George Njenga, Programs Manager at the Kenya Small Business Development Centers, during the announcement.



In Kenya, these enterprises currently employ close to 15 million people and hold the key for further job creation within the agricultural industry, particularly for the growing youth population.



“Youth are mobile, youth transition very fast, [they] are also innovative in nature and if we understand those aspects about youth, [then] creating sustainability [in] the businesses they establish and also tracking them to ensure that they are creating employment opportunities for themselves and others; looking at the multiplier effect of the initial seed [investment] is most important to us,” says Adoyo of CABE.



Kenyan youth are becoming prolific players within agriculture than in previous decades thanks to recent policy efforts, namely the national Kenya Youth Agribusiness Strategy that ran from 2018 to 2022. However, like other entrepreneurs in the MSME space, young agri-preneurs face similar challenges to scale such as limited market information, lack of credit, and competition from imported agricultural produce, which is often cheaper and floods the market during peak seasons.



Nevertheless, they remain a crucial demographic for BETA’s interventions, across the board. The country’s young people not only represent major human capital potential at the national level, they are also potential food producers for Kenya&#8217;s local and export markets. However, to keep them in the industry, relevant support systems need to be put in place, explains Adoyo.



“They are looking for livelihoods. If they are unable to sustain themselves, they might even sell their infrastructure and move on to the next thing. Sustainability of initial efforts is what is key in making sure that youth are able to earn meaningful employment or income.”



Like its youth population, agriculture remains one of Kenya’s most vibrant and promising industries. With output set to grow over the coming decades and its current export earning prowess, the industry is poised to drive the country into a new era of development and economic growth – financing the futures and fortunes – of the next generation.

Vegetable farmer

Kenya@60: Driving Agribusiness As A Core Imperative In The East African Country 

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline"><a href="https://policies.google.com/privacy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a>TOPLINE</h2>



Global carbon emissions reached another record high in 2023—even after both the U.S. and E.U. cut fossil fuel emissions, according to a recently published study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">KEY FACTS</h2>



This year’s global carbon emissions from fossil fuels are projected to total 36.8 billion tonnes—a 1.1% rise from 2022, according to a study published by&nbsp;<a href="https://globalcarbonbudget.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Carbon Budget</a>.



The report, compiled by an international team of climate researchers from more than 90 universities, determined that time is “running out fast” to avoid the worst impacts from climate change.



The global rise comes even after a sizable reduction in emissions from the European Union and the United States, decreasing by 7.4% and 3% respectively.



However, emissions from India are projected to increase by 8.2%, and emissions from China are expected to rise by 4%.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-background">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



According to the Global Carbon Budget, emissions have largely plateaued in the last 10 years. The world did not see a significant increase compared to 2022, which also saw emissions increase by 1%. However, experts say this stabilization will not be enough to ensure emissions breach the 1.5ºC threshold—after which the earth will experience irreversible damage from climate change. The Global Carbon Budget now estimates that there is a 50% chance the world will exceed the 1.5C threshold in just seven years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crucial-quote">CRUCIAL QUOTE</h2>



Professor Corinne Le Quéré of the University of East Anglia’s School of Environmental Sciences said the annual changes are “not profound or widespread enough” to deter climate change. “All countries need to decarbonise their economies faster than they are at present to avoid the worse impacts of climate change,” Le Quéré said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tangent">TANGENT</h2>



The study was released as the UN’s annual climate conference, COP28, takes place in the United Arab Emirates. COP28 president-delegate Sultan Al Jaber, the CEO of the UAE’s state-run oil and alternative energy companies, has faced steep criticism since the conference began. Last week, <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/zacharyfolk/2023/12/01/cop28-advisory-board-member-resigns-over-reports-uae-used-climate-talks-to-push-fossil-fuels/?sh=480addf4a37e">leaked memos</a> appeared to show Al Jaber was using the conference to pursue more oil and natural gas deals. On Sunday, comments Al Jaber made at a SHE Changes Climate summit on November 21 attracted further criticism. “There is no science out there, or no scenario out there, that says that the phase-out of fossil fuel is what’s going to achieve 1.5C,” Al Jaber said, in remarks first reported on by the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/03/back-into-caves-cop28-president-dismisses-phase-out-of-fossil-fuels" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Guardian</a>. The COP28 president’s beliefs seem to directly conflict with the UN’s stated position on meeting the threshold. “The science is clear: the 1.5-degree limit is only possible if we ultimately stop burning all fossil fuels,” UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said in an address at COP28. “Not reduce. Not abate. Phase out.”

Global Carbon Emissions Reached Another Record High In 2023, Study Suggests

Mbongeni Buthelezi&#8217;s fascination with turning discarded materials into meaningful art is evident, and his creative sanctuary is a testament to his unwavering dedication.



It is the middle of July in South Africa and everyone is dressed head to toe in full winter gear, including Mbongeni Buthelezi as he opens the entrance to his studio for me.



The immediate assumption one makes at this point is “oh no, it&#8217;s going to an ice cold studio”. However, as you walk in, you are greeted with a large warehouse space with expansive windows allowing a good amount of sunlight into the building. These allow Buthelezi to see his work accurately and also provide the space with a welcoming source of heat. The heat guns that Buthelezi and his assistant have going to apply the plastic to the canvas of his latest piece also provide an element of warmth as they had clearly been doing this for the previous few hours.



The studio itself is a haven of transformation. As one enters, the artistic journey that Buthelezi has embarked upon becomes palpable. The creations within are diverse and captivating, ranging from pieces that could be mistaken for oil or watercolor paintings to sculptures that stretch over seven feet in height, even extending to custom-designed dining tables. Buthelezi&#8217;s fascination with turning discarded materials into meaningful art is evident, and his creative sanctuary is a testament to his unwavering dedication.



When asked about his journey as an artist, Buthelezi&#8217;s response is: &#8220;This is my whole life. For me, it all really began in 1985 when I first stepped into an art class. By 1992, I had transitioned from part-time exploration to full-time immersion into this art thing.”


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The years that followed were filled with growth, marked by the completion of an art teaching course and exploration of teaching art. As his commitment to his craft deepened, he navigated the realms of both artistic creation and education. However, due a few stubborn students he encountered along the way, the decision to take his art career into the realm of an independent artist was made all that much easier. He reflects: &#8220;Animals are dying, fish in the ocean are dying – because of this material and because of us as human beings. It is us that need to take responsibility.&#8221;



Buthelezi&#8217;s early years at art school as an artist are interwoven with the exploration of varied techniques. His journey as a student introduced him to a rich array of artistic methods, each of which contributed to the evolution of his craft. The culmination of these experiences granted him a versatile toolkit that enriched his artistic expression. A pivotal moment was a call for innovation, a desire to create something uniquely his own. The scarcity of resources, combined with financial constraints, propelled him to seek alternative media. Fueled by an ambition to break free from conventional artistic pathways, Buthelezi embarked on experimentation.



Buthelezi says: “There was a time that I once thought I need a change, I need to do something that would be unique and what was that going to be? At the beginning I had no money to buy paint, I didn’t really have enough money to make ends meet, to be honest. So I began to seriously look around and see what I could possibly do to be able to proceed with whatever it was that I wanted to achieve.”



By the 1990s, Buthelezi had cemented his status as a professional artist, channeling his craft to advocate for a healthier planet. His artworks, born from recycled plastics, encapsulate the essence of growing up in South African townships. Over the course of his career, he has harnessed art as a potent tool for education, sparking dialogues about the global menace of plastic pollution. He boldly asserts that the contemporary world offers abundant resources for art creation without necessitating additional manufacturing.



“Honestly my work has been displayed in exhibitions, festivals, workshops which have taken me to all kinds of places. Germany and Australia were two of my favorites. Vermont in Canada was amazing but very cold!” These exhibitions showcased the universality of his message. His art functions as a mirror reflecting societal realities, prompting discussions on pressing issues. “Last year I engaged in a discussion on plastic innovation at the South African National Science and Technology Forum. Later in the year, I was set to participate in an art and environment festival in Abu Dhabi.”


<div class="wp-block-image">
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Amidst the acclaim, Buthelezi has encountered sceptics questioning the sustainability of his



technique due to the eventual depletion of plastic resources. “However, I welcome this outcome as it really does align with my work&#8217;s purpose which is highlighting the true urgency of plastic pollution in the world.”



In his ongoing journey, Buthelezi not only creates art but also fosters conversations and inspires change, which in his opinion is the purpose of art. As he prepares for engagements and exhibitions, his commitment to being an artist mirrors society and stands as a testament to the transformative power of creativity. The fusion of innovation, environmental consciousness, and advocacy underscores the significance of his work in addressing global challenges. He combines artistic expression with environmental advocacy, using recycled plastics.



His art sparks dialogues on plastic pollution globally. His work is a testament to the transformative power of creativity, addressing global challenges through innovation and advocacy. A truly visionary man being the change in the world that he wants to see. Maybe we could all take a little something from that.

Mbongeni Buthelezi uses plastic for his art

Plastic To Paint: The South African Combining Artistic Expression With Environmental Advocacy

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



The Geminids meteor shower—which <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/meteors-meteorites/geminids/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA calls</a> one of the “best and most reliable” yearly meteor showers—returned on Sunday and is slated to run through December 24, with a peak in three weeks, though no equipment is required to see it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">KEY FACTS</h2>



The shower peaks between December 13 and December 14, but it may still be visible beforehand with the proper observing conditions, NASA&nbsp;<a href="https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/meteors-meteorites/geminids/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.



The shower is best viewed during the night before dawn, and because it usually starts earlier than other showers, between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m., it’s considered one of the best for young viewers, according to NASA.



A dark, open sky away from city or street lights is ideal, and the best viewing position is laying flat on the back with feet facing the south—binoculars and telescopes typically aren’t needed.



Though it will be visible everywhere in the night sky, from Earth’s perspective, the Geminids meteor shower appears to originate from the direction of the Gemini constellation, which is northeast of the Orion constellation,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.space.com/34921-geminid-meteor-shower-guide.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according</a>&nbsp;to Space.



The Geminids meteor shower is fast, very bright, and mainly made up of white meteors, though there are some yellow, green, blue, and red ones,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/geminid-meteor-shower-uk-dates-how-to-see" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according</a>&nbsp;to the Royal Museums Greenwich.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BIG NUMBER</h2>



120. That’s how many meteors can be seen per hour during the shower’s peak season,&nbsp;<a href="https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/meteors-meteorites/geminids/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according</a>&nbsp;to NASA. This makes the Geminids stream one of the “strongest” annual showers. In comparison, the&nbsp;<a href="https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/meteors-meteorites/leonids/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leonids</a>&nbsp;shower—which peaked last weekend—has about 15 meteors per hour, the&nbsp;<a href="https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/meteors-meteorites/orionids/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orionids</a>&nbsp;shower has 23 and the&nbsp;<a href="https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/meteors-meteorites/perseids/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Perseids</a>&nbsp;shower peaks at around 100 meteors per hour.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



The Geminids meteor shower was&nbsp;<a href="https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/meteors-meteorites/geminids/%5C" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first discovered</a>&nbsp;in the 1800s, and the first showers only displayed between 10 and 20 meteors per hour. The Geminids stream has since grown into one of the “most intense” meteor showers, and is unique because it’s one of the only showers to originate from an asteroid, according to a June&nbsp;<a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/PSJ/acd538" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">paper</a>&nbsp;published in the&nbsp;Planetary Science Journal. Most meteor showers are made of comet debris, but the Geminids stream originates from the asteroid&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/solar-system/asteroids-comet-like-tail-is-not-made-of-dust-solar-observatories-reveal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">3200 Phaethon</a>. Because comets are made of ice, when they travel close to the Sun, they melt and release a trail of ice and dust that eventually turns into a meteor shower. However, because asteroids are made of metal and rocks and aren’t affected by the Sun’s heat, many scientists are confused how 3200 Phaethon formed a meteor shower. The most likely answer is the asteroid violently collided with another object, causing the trail of debris that makes up the Geminids stream, according to the&nbsp;Planetary Science Journal&nbsp;study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">TANGENT</h2>



This year, the Geminids stream’s peak coincides with the new moon, which falls on December 12,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amsmeteors.org/meteor-showers/meteor-shower-calendar/#Geminids" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according</a>&nbsp;to the American Meteor Society. The moon will be 1% full around this time, making the night’s sky dark and creating an ideal viewing environment for the meteor shower.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FURTHER READING</h2>



<a href="https://www.space.com/34921-geminid-meteor-shower-guide.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geminid meteor shower 2023: When, where &amp; how to see it</a>&nbsp;(Space)



<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/britneynguyen/2023/11/17/leonid-meteor-shower-peaks-tonight-heres-how-to-watch/?sh=54baa8b0195b">Leonid Meteor Shower Peaks Tonight—Here’s How To Watch</a>&nbsp;(Forbes)

Geminid Meteor Shower In China

How To Watch Geminids Meteor Shower: One Of This Year’s ‘Most Intense’ Showers Has Returned

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



Greenpeace is facing a major new legal threat in the form of a $2.1 million lawsuit from oil giant Shell,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/shell-sues-greenpeace-21-million-after-boarding-oil-vessel-2023-11-09/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multiple outlets</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/nov/09/shell-sues-greenpeace-over-fossil-fuel-protest-in-north-sea" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a>&nbsp;Thursday, after the environmental advocacy group’s protestors occupied a floating oil platform in January in what one spokesperson called an “unlawful and extremely dangerous” stunt.



Greenpeace activist Yeb Saño holds aloft a flag on a rib after attempting to board a Shell oil&nbsp;&#8230; [+]GETTY IMAGES



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">KEY FACTS</h2>



U.K.-based Shell filed a claim against Greenpeace UK and Greenpeace International in London&#8217;s High Court alleging the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jan/31/greenpeace-protesters-board-shell-platform-bound-for-shetland" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">occupation</a>&nbsp;of a floating oil production vessel by protesters earlier this year cost the company money in shipping delays and forced it to hire extra security,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/shell-sues-greenpeace-21-million-after-boarding-oil-vessel-2023-11-09/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reuters</a>&nbsp;reported.



Shell has asked the court to stop any future protests on the company’s infrastructure at sea or in port, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/nov/09/shell-sues-greenpeace-over-fossil-fuel-protest-in-north-sea" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Guardian</a>, and threatened to file further claims on behalf of contractors that could be worth as much as $8.6 million.



Greenpeace has accused Shell of trying to silence any legitimate protests of its fossil fuel operations, but Shell has said the lawsuit is focused only on protests at sea and is designed partly to protect the safety of protesters.



A spokesperson for Shell said in an email to&nbsp;Forbes&nbsp;that the protest was &#8220;unlawful and extremely dangerous.&#8221;



In a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.greenpeace.org/international/press-release/63522/shell-hits-greenpeace-with-intimidation-lawsuit-threatening-8-6m-damages-claim-and-protest-ban-to-silence-climate-demands/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">statement</a>&nbsp;posted to its website Thursday, Greenpeace called the lawsuit an attempt “to silence growing dissent over moves by Shell’s chief executive” and said Shell has offered to settle for $1.4 million if Greenpeace vows to never again stage a protest “at its infrastructure” at sea or in port.



Greenpeace said it would only comply with the request if Shell &#8220;agreed to stop wrecking the climate&#8221; and comply with a Dutch court order to reduce its emissions by 45% by 2030.



Greenpeace activists hold a billboard during a protest outside Shell headquarters amid the companies&nbsp;&#8230; [+]CHRIS J RATCLIFFE FOR GREENPEACE VIA GETTY IMAGES



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crucial-quote">CRUCIAL QUOTE</h2>



“The right to protest is fundamental and we respect it absolutely. But it must be done safely and lawfully,” Shell’s statement reads. “Shell and its contractors are entitled to recover the significant costs of responding to Greenpeace’s dangerous actions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-background">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



Climate activists used ropes to hoist themselves onto a floating production storage and offloading vessel from inflatable boats they used to chase the Shell ship. The protestors boarded the vessel just north of the Canary Islands and rode it for 13 days,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.greenpeace.org/international/press-release/63522/shell-hits-greenpeace-with-intimidation-lawsuit-threatening-8-6m-damages-claim-and-protest-ban-to-silence-climate-demands/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to Greenpeace</a>. No arrests were made. The vessel was bound for the not-yet-operational Penguins oil and gas field in the North Sea, and protestors were imploring the company to stop drilling for new oil and gas and &#8220;instead take responsibility for causing climate breakdown.” The Penguins platform is the first new northern North Sea project for Shell in 30 years and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.shell.com/about-us/major-projects/penguins.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">is expected</a>&nbsp;to yield 45,000 barrels of oil per day.



Greenpeace activists hang a banner on July 24, 2014 in front of a Shell gas station in Santiago,&nbsp;&#8230; [+]AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-number">BIG NUMBER</h2>



$39.9 billion. That&#8217;s how much money&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2023/02/02/shell-earnings-oil-giant-reports-record-annual-profits.html#:~:text=Shell%20reported%20adjusted%20earnings%20of,2021%20profit%20of%20%2419.29%20billion." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shell reported in adjusted earnings&nbsp;</a>in 2022, more than double its 2021 profit of $19.29 billion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tangent">TANGENT</h2>



This isn’t the first time Shell and Greenpeace have butted heads. The two famously faced off back in 1995 when the oil company, known at the time as Royal Dutch Shell, proposed it would get rid of its decommissioned rig called the Brent Spar <a href="https://www.greenpeace.org/international/story/47744/brent-spar-the-sea-is-not-a-dustbin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">by sinking it</a> in the North Atlantic Ocean. Greenpeace activists occupied the tanker for three weeks and organized a boycott of service stations worldwide while claiming the vessel Shell was trying to sink had 5,500 tons of oil on board. The estimate was vastly higher than what Shell claimed and what later proved to be true—Greenpeace ultimately issued an apology. Shell withdrew its plan to sink the Brent Spar. Greenpeace later successfully protested Shell&#8217;s <a href="https://www.greenpeace.org/international/story/7022/you-did-it-shell-abandons-arctic-drilling/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2006 plan</a> to drill for oil in the Arctic. Two years ago, Greenpeace was involved in a <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/shell-wins-court-case-start-seismic-surveys-offshore-south-africa-2021-12-03/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">failed attempt</a> to stop the company from looking for oil in humpback whale breeding grounds on South Africa&#8217;s coast.

Shell Posts Quarterly Profits

Shell Sues Greenpeace For $2 Million After Protest On Moving Oil Platform — The Latest Clash Between The Two

Africa has the world’s youngest population but youth unemployment has reached alarming levels. With technology changing rapidly, where does hope lie in addressing the mismatch between skillsets and job market requirements on the continent?



David Sokefun co-founded Codar Tech Africa in Lagos, Nigeria, in December 2021 realizing that tech training was inadequate in Africa’s biggest economy. With the swiftly-changing job market because of advancements in generative AI, he knew the importance and urgency of teaching tech skills that would set people apart in an AI-influenced landscape.



“An adage rings true – in the 21st century, illiteracy pertains to those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn,” Sokefun says to FORBES AFRICA. “History attests to the fate of companies that failed to adapt during the internet era, as well as those that successfully navigated the shift.”



Sokefun’s will to build a company that learns to work with AI is perfectly timed. Open AI’s ChatGPT has redefined the boundaries of what artificial intelligence (AI) can do. Whether it’s writing a complex code or a poem, generating a travel itinerary for the summer holidays, or learning a new language, the chatbot doesn’t hesitate to help you within seconds. Unsurprisingly, it attracted over one million users within five days of its launch, and OpenAI is currently valued at about $29 billion.



The staggering progress of ChatGPT has led many to fear for their jobs. Geoffrey Hinton, the godfather of AI, resigned from Google, citing concerns over the likelihood of AI to upend the job market. In an open letter, many technology leaders and researchers, including Elon Musk, urged AI labs to pause the



development of the most advanced systems, stating, “Advanced AI could represent a profound change in the history of life on Earth, and should be planned for and managed with commensurate care and resources.”



With the powerful technology supposedly eating up massive industries, there’s no denying the worldwide trend will impact African livelihoods, too, as discussed in this year’s Future of Education (FoE) summit hosted by CNBC Africa. The ninth annual summit and thought leadership discussion on July 5 saw brilliant leaders from all over the world come together to explore reasons for the high unemployment rates on the African continent and redefine the purpose of education to make it more relevant to today’s times.



In 2015, the African Development Bank reported that a third of Africa’s 420 million people between the ages of 15 and 35 were unemployed, another third were vulnerably employed, and only one in six was in wage employment. Ten million to 12 million African youth enter the workforce each year, but only 3 million formal jobs are created annually. Africa has the world’s youngest population, with a median age of 19.7 years. 



A youthful population is typically a boon for the development prospects of any region, but the escalating unemployment rate in Africa prevents the youth from realizing their potential, forcing many to migrate to the developed economies.



Dr Rakesh Wahi, the co- founder and Vice Chairman of CNBC Africa and Publisher of FORBES AFRICA, mentioned in his introductory address at FoE that limited access to reasonably- priced internet derails learning. It’s the most essential tool for education today.



“Sub-Saharan Africa today has only 22% internet access compared to a global average of 63%,” Wahi said.



Furthermore, broadband access in Africa comes at a very high cost. In terms of affordable pricing, India has the fifth lowest internet data rates in the world, with the cost of data at about 17 US cents per gigabyte. In comparison, South Africa at $2 per gigabyte is almost 12 times higher in price than India. According to a University of Chicago Law School paper published in 2020, South Africa remains the most unequal country in the world. Even more than two decades after apartheid and attaining democracy, over half the country still lives below the national poverty line, and the education system is rife with inequalities. Schools largely reserved for white students during the apartheid era remain better equipped today than schools historically available to non-white students. The digital divide in education has left some students without basic access to information.



“It is important that we leave no one behind – that we work hard to ensure that irrespective of where a person comes from, which nation a person belongs to, they have basic needs they need to function as a global citizen,” said Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, at the FoE summit, during his keynote address. “Issues of food security are very important. Issues resources, are very important.”]



While fewer jobs are being created, experts argue that young graduates don’t have the necessary skills to excel in the current job market.



“There is a huge number of graduate students who are unemployable because they lack the skills that create this wide mismatch,” Dr Marwa Haddar, Vice-President of Finance and Strategy of Blue Monsoon Capital, a financial services company, noted during a panel discussion. “They spend long years studying at universities or 12 years of curricula. And then they are with degrees that have really no market value locally or regionally or not to say at the global level.”



With rapidly changing technologies heavily influencing the job market, there is a constant need to teach students the skills required to succeed in a competitive job market. But, many universities choose to focus on old syllabi and teaching methods that aren’t actually beneficial to the youth.



“Schools were established to have people being fed into the workplace,” Joseph Gerassi, the Executive Head of Redhill School, said. “If we’re not following what the workplace needs, then those schools are a waste of time, because we’re going to have people come out of those schools and not having the skills to go into that market. This idea that a curriculum is put in and it’s got to last for the next 20 years now is just so out of the way.”



Besides lacking the technical, cognitive, and soft skills required to advance in a demanding work environment, students also don’t get a chance to develop critical thinking skills that can foster an entrepreneurial mindset.



“Business and academia need to come closer together in developing the curriculum,” Sugendhree Reddy, CEO of Access Bank, suggested. “This is not a once-off thing. This is a regular thing to understand how business is evolving. And that is missing because when the academics go and research, it’s desktop research. But when it comes to actually understanding what business requires, you have to be with business. And you have to talk to business leaders to understand that.”



If students solely rely on rote memorization of various concepts and don’t apply their learning in an actual workplace, they will be unable to gain practical experience that benefits from their academic understanding, experts at the summit reiterated.



“One of the key things I’ve seen change in higher education in the last 20 years is the number of internships,” Professor Mark Smith, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton, said. “As a recognized part of their degree, students do part of their work within the workplace. In North America, there are some very good examples of cooperative degrees, where students label the amount of time they spend in industry and the amount of time they spend within the academic institution.”



This mismatch between skillsets and job market requirements is a serious threat to Africa’s economic status. A report by The Economist highlighted that about 70% of employers feel that there is insufficient training at educational institutions, while 70% of educational institutions believe that they have prepared graduates adequately for the job market.



Better communication and collaboration between the education sector and labor market can ensure a heightened focus on problem- solving skills rather than very specific knowledge.



A lack of jobs on the African continent hasn’t, however, dampened the youth’s creative and entrepreneurial spirit. Multiple enterprises, including Chipper Cash, Andela, OPay, Wave, Flutterwave, and Interswitch, among others, are all Africa-born enterprises now being valued as unicorns. Entrepreneurs have learned to take calculated risks and launch their own businesses, which can help Africa fight its rising unemployment rates.



“I think it was Bill Gates who said if he looks for a trait when he recruits people, it’s curiosity,” Stefan Lauber, the Managing Director at iFundi, an educational institution in South Africa, said. “The modern learner needs to be curious. The modern learner also needs, therefore, to enjoy learning. The model is changing from a top-down approach, where institutions pride themselves on excluding a lot of people, institutions determining curriculum, institutions saying, ‘You need to learn that,’ to what I believe is a much more bottom-up approach of learning, where ultimately learning resides in an individual.”



Along with institutions introducing a more hands-on approach to learning, students can be open to engaging with new material that can help them start their own ventures or be productive company members.



“It is really important that we raise our children, and the schools help us with that; in developing a sense of curiosity and a growth mindset,” Dan Adkins, CEO of Transnational Academic Group, said at the FoE summit. “Because as they go forward into the future, they’re going to have to deal with very rapid change, and they’re going to have to be able to learn on their own. There will not be time for them to go back to university and spend another three years getting a degree. And universities, and less of the ones who develop the technology, are usually five to 10 years behind the leading edge anyway. So we have to develop in our young people a passion for learning and give them the skillset so they can research on their own, determine what is credible and what is not credible, and then know how to apply that.”



Speakers at the FoE summit also deliberated on the importance of upskilling to progress in a competitive marketplace. In a survey conducted by LinkedIn, 62% of CEOs said that they considered upskilling a priority. Learning about new technological innovations and AI would help a company stand out from the rest. Educating, training, and developing a workforce would not only make employees feel more valued by the company, but it would also improve their performance.



An academic degree can no longer guarantee a secure job.



It’s on students and workers to forge their own paths to navigate complicated industry conditions. With the looming threat of AI stealing jobs, it becomes even more pressing for workers to adapt and be flexible with what their careers might look like.



Just like Sokefun has adapted to the changing job landscape by building his own company, others can focus on gaining the right skills to be able to withstand the storm. Whether it’s AI or other factors influencing change, with the right training, individuals like Sokefun can put Africa on the world map by dominating the education and entrepreneurship landscape. Hopefully, there will be more like him.

Colleagues in meeting room discussing project

Developing The Future Workforce In Africa

Stephen Schmidt is Amazon’s Chief Security Officer, which means he is the person responsible for keeping the online retailing giant (last valued at over a trillion dollars) safe.



It’s a massive undertaking which is why when Schmidt did the keynote of a conference wearing a t-shirt with the slogan ‘ADHD: it’s not a disability, it’s a different ability’, the world took note.



Of course, the Virginia-based Schmidt is far from the only leader who is neurodiverse – Elon Musk has been open about the fact that he has Asperger’s Syndrome, Steven Spielberg has dyslexia and Albert Einstein was autistic. From Simone Biles to Greta Thunberg, it is estimated that around 20% of the population today is considered to be neurodivergent and those who have been diagnosed (the same study by Genius Within, Professor Nancy Doyle’s neurodivergent- led business, says that 50% of people with neurodiversity are unaware that they are not neurotypical) often find themselves gravitating towards a career in technology.



It could be the fact that people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often have above-average IQ scores or special skills in mathematics, memory, or pattern recognition. For Schmidt, it was acknowledging that what other people saw as efficiency, to him was a superpower: “The most important thing for me was the self-realization that the differences that I had in the way my brain functions were not something to be ashamed of but quite the contrary, were something that I was actually proud of,” he says. “And that really came to light during situations where I’m able to do multiple things at the same time and other people are not.”



Schmidt’s remarkable multitasking productivity levels may be a nice-to-have in some jobs, but when you look at Amazon as a business and the security associated with it, it’s a skillset the company demands.



“It’s everything from aircraft to spacecraft to boxes to goods ships to tons and tons of customer data around the world,” he explains. “It takes different attention, different decisions, different analysis and let’s face it – the security world is something that we would love to think that we control and drive, but in reality, it’s often driven by outside input. My role is playing chess, while practicing psychology at the same time, with a little bit of voodoo mixed in.”



While there is no question that those who are neurodiverse can positively impact a business’s bottom line – Schmidt says different neuro skills can mean a higher performing organization that can accomplish more in a shorter period of time for less money – this isn’t always something a company hires for or includes in their diversity strategy. It could be because the recruitment process isn’t necessarily accommodating to those who are neurodiverse but also, disclosing neurodiversity is a very personal decision – and an employer doesn’t have the right to this information. So, how can a person comfortably show up as they are?



<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-inclusive-work-culture">An inclusive work culture</h1>



“It is vital that employees on the spectrum are not asked to change what makes them unique, but that organizations instead embrace differences,” advises Genevieve Koolen, SAP Africa’s Human Resources Director. 



“As with any employee, companies should hire people based on their skills, abilities, education, experience and capabilities. Candidates on the spectrum should be encouraged to apply for any job aligned with their abilities and interests.” 



SAP is a multinational software company with an Autism at Work program that goes back to 2013 and they’ve seen incredible results by hiring for neurodiversity. Koolen shares the story of an employee named Nico Neumann who joined the finance team through the program. “He designed a tool that automates the posting of complex invoices with multiple cost allocations.



Prior to the development of this tool, accounts payable needed two to three days to manually process large credit card statements such as American Express with over 20,000 accounting lines,” she says. “Today, that processing time has reduced to 20 minutes thanks to Neumann’s innovation, which also won the Hasso Plattner Founders’ Award.”



Schmidt has noticed a difference in how Amazon hires, in that some of the most senior employees have behavior traits that are similar to himself. “It was in a discussion about how we identify people with the right kinds of skills to fill the gaps that we have in our organization,” he says, adding that it often comes down to finding someone with a particularly unique trait for a particular job. “And it is that specificity and selection that makes the difference. It’s about finding people who’ve got just an exceptional way of doing business and they can do things that nobody else can – and that takes a 



lot of different ways of thinking.” What’s interesting is that Schmidt only discovered that he had ADHD in his 40s. The diagnosis came after he had a conversation with a friend (who happened to be a doctor) who told him that he thinks in a different way: “And the thing that I appreciated the most was he didn’t say you have this problem, this affliction, this whatever. He said ‘You just have this in your brain and it works differently and by the way, have you figured out the mechanisms that help you use that effectively’? ”



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">A culture of communication</h1>



Thinking differently can mean adapting an office space so that it works with a neurodiverse brain instead of against it. One example of this highlighted by Harvard Business Review is communication – those who are neurodiverse and highly sought-after are not the norm, but the exception.



How can a business effectively bridge the communication gap between neurotypical and neurodiverse workers when actions are easily misunderstood or misinterpreted? The consequences can be devastating. “One of the things that I think is most important is that each individual has separate mechanisms that work for them to help them use the way their mind works to their best advantage,” explains Schmidt. “For example, reading my phone during a meeting is okay. It’s not only okay, it actually helps me get work done. Another trick I’ve learned over time is music. Amazon is a writing culture. We write six-page papers and it’s one of the most important things we do. I cannot write a paper like that without music. I had to figure that out… and I had to figure out 



the best music to help me.” Unfortunately, neurodiversity doesn’t come with a cheat sheet. What works for one person may not help another which is why making space for more neurodiverse employees to succeed is vital. “Neurodiverse employees may enter our organization with many barriers and hurdles they must manage and even overcome in the workplace, including time blindness, poor executive functioning, hyper-fixation and even levels of procrastination,” says Koolen. 



“It is up to the manager to ensure that he or she is adequately trained and prepared to work through these complexities and support the employee. It’s a delicate balancing act between doing what is good for the employee and what is good for the business.” “Identify your superpower,” adds Schmidt. “Figure out the mechanisms that help you maximize it. Constantly iterate on improving them. Don’t ever believe that you’ve reached your maximum goal. Figure out what are the little tweaks that you can do for yourself to help you reach even higher because you can.”

Group of People with differing personalities

Thinking Differently: Expert-Speak On The Importance Of Neurodiversity In Business

Female writing new ideas on sticky note

Accelerating Startup Growth: Nigeria’s Incubators

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline"><a href="https://policies.google.com/privacy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a>TOPLINE</h2>



A drought in Spain, record-high temperatures and a pause in Turkish exports have driven prices of Spanish olive oil to a record high of $8,900 per ton this month, and there&#8217;s no clear indication as to when they&#8217;ll fall.



Extreme hot weather and persistent drought conditions have dealt a severe blow to olive oil&nbsp;&#8230; [+]ANADOLU AGENCY VIA GETTY IMAGES



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">KEY FACTS</h2>



&#8220;Extremely dry weather in much of the Mediterranean&#8221; has been blamed for the skyrocketing prices of olive oil—up 130% from last year—by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apps.fas.usda.gov/psdonline/circulars/oilseeds.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Department of Agriculture</a>, which warns the only thing that could bring them down in the coming months would be improved growing conditions.



The Catalonia region of Spain&nbsp;<a href="https://www.euronews.com/green/2023/08/09/we-have-never-seen-it-so-low-spain-introduces-water-restrictions-as-reservoirs-run-dry#:~:text=Drought%20is%20leaving%20reservoirs%20empty&amp;text=Spain%20registered%20the%20driest%20start,Andalusia%20being%20the%20most%20affected." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">declared</a>&nbsp;a drought emergency in 24 municipalities in August after 30 months of little rain, and the drought has dried up reservoirs, parched olive groves and led to restrictions on water use across the country, per&nbsp;<a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/151366/spain-browned-by-drought" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



The lack of rain has coincided with the nation’s third-hottest summer on record: The Spanish meteorological agency&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aemet.es/en/noticias/2023/09/avance_verano_2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">says</a>&nbsp;four heat waves were recorded this summer, temperatures were 2.3°F (1.3°C) higher than normal on average and meteorologists are predicting a warmer-than-normal autumn.



Italy and Greece, which also grow a significant portion of the world’s olives, have also seen hot, dry seasons, with Italy recording&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/anafaguy/2023/08/07/extreme-heat-in-southern-italy-increased-july-death-rate-officials-say/?sh=4ab63d9c2664">temperatures</a>&nbsp;over 40°C (104°F), and Greece, where major tourist attractions&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2023/07/15/europes-dangerous-heat-wave-greece-closes-acropolis-as-warnings-issued-across-italy-spain-and-germany/?sh=7b774c7e39c0">were closed</a>&nbsp;due to the heat, notching temperatures just as high.



Spain, the world’s largest producer and exporter of olive oil, made 50% less oil in its most recent season, CNBC&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2023/09/19/olive-oil-prices-surge-over-100percent-leading-to-cooking-oil-thefts.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a>, and prices have been further impacted by Turkey&#8217;s decision&nbsp;<a href="https://apps.fas.usda.gov/psdonline/circulars/oilseeds.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">to suspend</a>&nbsp;bulk oil exports until at least November 1 in a move meant to ensure domestic supplies and alleviate price pressure.



Before this August, the previous record price for olive oil was set at $6,242 per ton in 1996, according to the USDA.



Picture shows healthy olives grown using an irrigation system developed by researchers of the&nbsp;&#8230; [+]AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-number">BIG NUMBER</h2>



610,000 tons. That&#8217;s how much olive oil Spain produced in the recent season, compared to a usual yield of 1.3 to 1.5 million tons.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-background">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



The global olive oil market was valued at $14.2 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow to $18.4 billion by 2030, Fortune Business Insights&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/olive-oil-market-101455" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predicts</a>. Spain manufactures almost half of the world&#8217;s olive oil,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.internationaloliveoil.org/the-world-of-olive-oil/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">followed by</a>&nbsp;producers in Italy, Greece, Portugal, Tunisia, Turkey and Morocco. Greeks are the largest olive oil consumer per capita,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/olive-oil-production-by-country" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to&nbsp;</a>the North American Olive Oil Association, followed by Spain and Italy. Greeks consume about 20 liters of olive oil per person each year, compared to about 1 liter per American. The size of the United States compared to other nations, however—only about 10.6 million people live in Greece compared to 331 million in the U.S.—makes the nation a major consumer: The&nbsp;<a href="https://apps.fas.usda.gov/psdonline/circulars/oilseeds.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USDA</a>&nbsp;said American imports usually make up about 30% of the global olive oil trade, and that number is expected to rise to between 35% and 37% this year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-fact">SURPRISING FACT</h2>



A theft of about 50,000 liters of extra virgin olive oil left one of the nation&#8217;s family-owned mills, Marin Serrano El Lagar, out about $450,000, local news&nbsp;<a href="https://www.elmundo.es/andalucia/2023/08/31/64f0462efc6c8312768b459c.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a>. No arrests have been made in the theft and a spokesperson for the Civil Guard told&nbsp;El Mundo&nbsp;that stealing in bulk, rather than bottles, makes tracking the oil particularly hard. Just two weeks before that, another 6,000 liters of extra virgin olive oil—$53,500 worth—<a href="https://www.elmundo.es/andalucia/2023/08/23/64e5e1bdfc6c8303668b4591.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">was stolen</a>&nbsp;from the Terraverne oil mill.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tangent">TANGENT</h2>



Olive oil isn&#8217;t the only commodity to have seen cost jumps this summer,&nbsp;Business Insider&nbsp;<a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/commodities/foodflation-cocoa-surges-12-year-high-orange-juice-hit-record-2023-7?_gl=1*1147odj*_ga*MTgyMjM0ODk0OC4xNjg2NzU2MDU1*_ga_E21CV80ZCZ*MTY5NTIxNjY5My4yNS4xLjE2OTUyMTY4OTIuMjMuMC4w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a>. Cocoa, orange juice, wheat and soybeans all surged this summer as heavy rainfall and disease impacted West Africa&#8217;s cocoa supply, a crop disease hit citrus plants in Florida and Brazil and Russia pulled out of the deal allowing the export of grain from Ukraine. Soybean prices&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/global-grains-idAFL1N38128J" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">also soared</a>&nbsp;this summer after the USDA reported much lower-than-expected soy plantings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-reading">FURTHER READING</h2>



<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2023/08/23/india-to-ban-sugar-exports-in-addition-to-rice-as-corn-soybeans-and-more-crops-falter-in-extreme-heat-and-drought/?sh=56d252986d6c">India To Ban Sugar Exports In Addition To Rice—As Corn, Soybeans And More Crops Falter In Extreme Heat And Drought</a>&nbsp;(Forbes)



<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2023/08/21/out-with-shrimp-in-with-jellyfish-seafood-industry-facing-potential-overhaul-due-to-climate-change/?sh=2c38609723bb">Out With Shrimp, In With Jellyfish? Seafood Industry Facing Potential Overhaul Due To Climate Change</a>&nbsp;(Forbes)



<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/chloesorvino/2022/06/26/heres-the-latest-data-on-climate-and-food-and-its-not-good/?sh=1229c7592e52">Here’s The Latest Data On Climate And Food And It’s Not Good</a>&nbsp;(Forbes)



<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/chloesorvino/2022/09/02/us-farmers-struggle-through-drought-to-bring-food-to-the-table-but-face-more-challenges-ahead/?sh=7119cadcfc08">U.S. Farmers Struggle Through Drought To Bring Food To The Table But Face More Challenges Ahead</a> (Forbes)

Oil pump with candle stick graph chart in the background. World Oil Industry

Olive Oil Prices Jump 50%—And Climate Change Might Be Why

Apple Store in Shanghai, China

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Kalycia Urquhart was seven when she was diagnosed with an extra vertebra. It all began when she bent over to pick up her baby brother who had just begun to crawl.



Something in her neck tweaked causing an excruciating amount of pain and she couldn’t move. “I first got put into traction in hospital by a specialist,” she says. “They put weights on a pulley system in an attempt to stretch my neck out. I was in hospital for about two weeks in this contraption and it was the worst possible thing that could have been done as they were putting weights on a bone that was fused to other bones.”



Urquhart was in pain, but the doctors didn’t understand exactly what was going on. It was only after Urquhart’s mother found a neurosurgeon, an expert in spinal osteoporosis anomalies, who x-rayed her at a specific angle and exposed an extra vertebra.



It was an extremely rare condition, she was one in the 600,000 people born with a spinal anomaly and at that point, the only person with her condition in the world.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="alignleft size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Kalycia-Urquhart-946x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-59399" style="width:375px;height:406px" width="375" height="406" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Kalycia-Urquhart-946x1024.jpg 946w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Kalycia-Urquhart-277x300.jpg 277w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Kalycia-Urquhart-768x832.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Kalycia-Urquhart-1418x1536.jpg 1418w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Kalycia-Urquhart-1891x2048.jpg 1891w" sizes="(max-width: 375px) 100vw, 375px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kalycia Urquhart. Image Supplied</figcaption></figure></div>


“It was quite an ordeal. It took us a very long time to get an actual diagnosis because no one could see what was wrong with me or find the issue,” she says. “The neurosurgeon changed my life. He explained that it would be a lifelong issue for me and that there was no potential for surgery. I also have a high chance of paralysis because I am double-jointed.” Urquhart couldn’t play sports. If she got knocked hard enough, she could be paralyzed. 



“My parents freaked out. Their response was ‘oh my God, bubblewrap her’. It was scary. There was not a lot of information or cases to reference,” she adds. Urquhart found herself in medical journals and her case is still the one referenced today.



After being on chronic, schedule five painkillers for over a decade, Urquhart had semi-kidney and liver failure at 19. Even though she was taking anti-inflammatories, painkillers and probiotics to protect her stomach lining, she developed ulcers. “My kidneys and liver were basically shutting down and my doctor said I have to get of everything, I had to detox.



It was terrifying because I didn’t know how I would cope with the level of pain – just carrying a handbag is hard, carrying a laptop bag is a challenge,” she says.



Before the age of 20, Urquhart had to reassess how she would manage pain and began looking into alternative therapies. Cannabidiol (CBD) oil wasn’t as accessible as it is now, but for Urquhart, it was a life-saver. “And it didn’t have the negative side efects of normal medication, it was a sustainable expense,” she says. “The alternative healing world is very cowboy. There’s no regulation and while you can find people who are incredible healers, some are charlatans who are milking vulnerable people for money. When you’re in a horrible state of pain and you’re trying to find help, you’re willing to pay and do anything to find relief.”



At 25, Urquhart hit a financial blocker – taking out her own medical aid as she was too old to be on the family plan. She often had to fork out cash for therapy as she couldn’t aford weekly (sometimes twice-a-week) treatments. Added to that, she was working at an advertising agency, a high-stress job where taking time of or asking to work from home was seen as a weakness.



“You just want to be normal; you want to be considered competent and capable… it becomes tough to open up and share what you’re struggling with,” she says. In order to manage her pain, she’s had to learn a lot of maintenance techniques. While she can drive an automatic car, for example, the condition of South Africa’s roads afects how she lives her life. Hitting a pothole could not only damage her car, but severely impact her condition: “If we go on holiday and I have to go into a dirt road, I know I am going to feel it for a couple of days. I pack a neck pillow, muscle spasm relaxant, heat pad – and that’s just for leisure!”



“I have a lot of medical expenses around



this as my condition is technically considered a disability,” says Urquhart, who adds that one of her biggest expenses has been physiotherapy, finding someone who can help



manage her pain without hurting her. “Physios will also push you to try other techniques, like needling, and some of it has worked, some really hurt me, and others made no diference at all but it has been a massive expense in



my life – you pay, per hour!” After starting psychotherapy at 26, Urquhart found that dealing with emotional issues impacted how she lived with chronic pain. “Pain takes you to the extreme and your mind is a most powerful tool. Intense pain can be transformative but unfortunately, when you grow up with chronic pain, you don’t always develop the mental tools to deal with it,” she adds.



Living with chronic pain, Urquhart, now 34, works for herself and from home. There’s no tell-tale sign that something is wrong with her or that she has a physical anomaly.

I need medication to get rid of this flu

Chronicling Chronic Pain: ‘I Didn’t Know How I Would Cope With The Level Of Pain – Just Carrying A Handbag Is Hard, Carrying A Laptop Bag Is A Challenge

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



A new scientific study offers the first-ever estimates of how many polar bear cubs die because of greenhouse gas emissions—something experts hope will allow the federal government to use the Endangered Species Act to regulate individual projects for their greenhouse gas emissions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">KEY FACTS</h2>



The study by researchers with Polar Bears International, published Thursday in the academic journal&nbsp;Science,&nbsp;explains that polar bears’ survival is heavily dependent on sea ice concentration, because when that sea ice melts, polar bears are forced onto land, where food is less abundant and they are forced to fast for long periods of time.



Polar bears are normally able to fast for long periods of time and survive, but the study says sea ice melting is forcing them to fast for even longer than typical.



The longer they fast, the more weight they lose—nearly a kilogram of body mass each day—and this makes mother bears less able to care for and provide milk for their cubs, which makes cubs less likely to survive into adulthood.



As less cubs survive into adulthood, the species grows closer to extinction.



This study, researchers say, was able to quantify just how much each individual greenhouse-gas emitting project contributes to that sea ice melting and thus contributes to the extinction of polar bears—though the rate at which greenhouse gas emissions contribute to polar bear extinction varies by the region in which those polar bears live, as there are 12 distinct subpopulations of polar bears, each living in a different eco-region.



For example, the study found that 24.1 gigatons of carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) emissions will decrease the amount of polar bears that survive into adulthood by 2.7% in the Chukchi Sea subpopulation and by 0.6% in the West Hudson Bay subpopulation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-background">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



In 2008, after projections showed that two thirds of the world’s polar bears could die by the middle of the 21st century, polar bears became the first animal to be listed as a protected species under the Endangered Species Act as a result of human-caused climate change. Section Seven of the Endangered Species Act establishes a process with which the Department of the Interior must ensure projects they fund or authorize do not further jeopardize the survival of listed endangered species like polar bears. However, in October 2008, then Solicitor of the Department of the Interior David Bernhardt issued a legal opinion declaring Section Seven considerations wouldn’t be required unless one could differentiate the effects of greenhouse gas emissions of specific projects from the total greenhouse gas emissions created by humans since the start of the Industrial Revolution. This made it impossible for the Department of the Interior to evaluate projects based on how their greenhouse gas emissions would contribute to the death of endangered species, because the department previously had no way to establish one specific project’s impact separate from all the other greenhouse gas-emitting projects in the world. However, the researchers at nonprofit Polar Bears International believe this study has finally discovered how to do that. This study, the researchers argue, provides the scientific basis to rescind Bernhardt’s memo and begin including consideration of greenhouse gas emissions in reviews of all new projects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tangent">TANGENT</h2>



The researchers behind this paper said that they focused on polar bears because Bernhardt’s memo was created in response to polar bears being listed under the Endangered Species Act. However, they said their findings can be extended to other endangered species. For example, they believe with more research, scientists would be able to establish a similar direct link between individual greenhouse-gas-emitting projects and the survival of marine turtles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-reading">FURTHER READING</h2>



<a href="http://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adh2280?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D92211209542915049140651591500405688068%7CMCORGID%3D242B6472541199F70A4C98A6%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1693398899" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Unlock the Endangered Species Act to address GHG emissions</a> (Nature)

A polar bear walks on the ice floe, a glacier in the background

New Study Makes First-Ever Direct Link Between Greenhouse Gases And Polar Bear Deaths

Africa’s secret weapon in the global energy race – green hydrogen. The continent has the potential to flip the script, transitioning from a fossil fuel consumer to a green energy titan.



The global energy transition has a burgeoning champion – green hydrogen. Often overshadowed by solar and wind, this renewable resource is increasingly crucial for a sustainable future.



The current global hydrogen market is over $130 billion. The World Bank predicts an annual growth of over 9%. Although the surge is likely niche until 2030, the growing demand for renewable energy means that green hydrogen could accelerate rapidly thereafter. Regions with low-cost markets and abundant renewable resources, like Africa, become attractive production markets.



The principle is straightforward. Use renewable energy sources to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The result? A fuel source that releases only water upon consumption. The applications are limitless, from powering cars to heating homes.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-green-hydrogen">What is green hydrogen?</h3>



At its core, green hydrogen is simple. It’s hydrogen, the universe’s most abundant element, produced environmentally friendly. But how do we make it, and why does it matter?



Green hydrogen is generated via electrolysis, which splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity. But for the hydrogen to be ‘green’, the electricity must come from renewable sources, like wind or solar power. The only byproduct is oxygen, a harmless gas we breathe every day.



In contrast, most hydrogen produced today is ‘grey’ or ‘blue’. It’s derived from fossil fuels, mainly natural gas, and the process releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide, a harmful greenhouse gas. Green hydrogen represents a shift away from this environmentally damaging status quo. However, green hydrogen faces challenges. Currently, it accounts for less than 1% of all hydrogen production. The main obstacle is the production cost, which is not yet competitive compared to grey or blue hydrogen. Most green hydrogen is used in energy-intensive industries like steel and chemical manufacturing.



The path to economic viability for green hydrogen lies in a combination of technological advancements, increased global development investment, and legislative commitments. These factors are expected to make green hydrogen a serious market contender in the coming decades.



Africa is fast becoming a frontrunner in the green hydrogen race.



<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="682" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/GettyImages-1240573620.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-59195 size-full" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/GettyImages-1240573620.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/GettyImages-1240573620-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/GettyImages-1240573620-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
“FROM SOLAR TO BIOGAS, FROM WIND TO BATTERY STORAGE, THESE INVESTMENTS ARE LEADING ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT GROWTH INDUSTRIES IN OUR COUNTRY.&#8221;
<cite>—South African President Cyril Ramaphosa</cite></blockquote>
</div></div>



Blessed with an abundance of sunlight and wind, Africa is ideally positioned to exploit green hydrogen’s potential. Groundbreaking projects are taking shape across the continent.



From the ambitious SA-H2 venture announced recently in South Africa to a green hydrogen initiative between Namibia and Botswana, these projects signal profound economic opportunities for job creation, growth, and sustainable development.



The Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance (AGHA), established in 2022, emphasizes Africa’s competitive edge due to low production costs. Masopha Moshoeshoe, Green Economy Specialist at the Investment and Infrastructure Office in the Presidency of South Africa, stated in a press release issued by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change on the launch of the alliance: “Green hydrogen has the potential to marry South Africa’s significant mineral endowment with its significant renewable revolutionize its energy sector. The SA-H2 fund, which aims to establish a hydrogen ecosystem in South Africa, is at the forefront of this exciting transition.



The $1-billion fund was announced in June as part of a joint effort between the Netherlands, Denmark and South Africa.



“From solar to biogas, from wind to battery storage, these investments are leading one of the most important growth industries in our country,” said South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the announcement in Pretoria.



Blended finance is a key concept underpinning this project.



Andrew Johnstone, the CEO of Climate Fund Managers, explains to FORBES AFRICA that it refers to the strategic use of public



or philanthropic funds to mobilize private sector investment in sustainable development. In the context of SA-H2, this means bringing together private and public funding to make projects economically viable.



“They (the funds) act as a “spark” to ignite and mobilize belief, technology, and other forms of capital,” says Johnstone.



“The SA-H2 project should be seen as part of a larger effort across the region to leverage blended finance for sustainable energy development.”



The project is financed by a combination of different forms of capital, each with a different return requirement. This includes donor capital, commercial capital, and guarantees. By bringing these diverse sources of funding together, the project achieves a lower average cost of capital.



Johnstone explains, “Blended finance means in this context&#8230; to bring in capital in defined proportions in pursuit of a low average cost of capital.” Notably, this blended finance model also allows



for differential risk sharing. If a project underperforms, certain investors may not receive a return, thus sharing the risk in a structured and agreed-upon manner.



Once a project is up and running, it has an obligation to repay its funders, whether those are lenders through equity or energy loans, or others through dividends. Johnstone describes this repayment as a “waterfall”, with those who took the least risk and accepted a lower return being repaid first.



It’s important to highlight the transparency and regulation of these funds. They operate similarly to companies, are regulated by appropriate bodies, and are overseen by advisory boards and investment committees populated by investors or independent representatives. This governance structure ensures a high level of oversight and accountability.



Another key aspect of the SA-H2 project is the co-existence of different funds. The development side of the project is planned with public contracts and equity funds in mind. This co-existence helps redefine what “bankable” means in the context of these projects, potentially accelerating the implementation process.



These blended finance projects aim to create scalable, replicable, and improvable markets, serving as a catalyst for broader change in the energy sector.



South Africa’s SA-H2 initiative is not alone in its ambition.



Namibia is also making significant strides in the green hydrogen sector.



Noteworthy is a project in the Tsau Khaeb National Park, near Lüderitz, with the Namibian government proactively confirming a 24% equity stake in this $10 billion project, almost equivalent to the country’s gross domestic product.



This initiative, led by Hyphen Hydrogen Energy, is gaining momentum with several key partners signing a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on the necessary infrastructure for Namibia’s green hydrogen production ambitions.



“Namibia is perfectly positioned to produce low-cost green hydrogen and ammonia for domestic and international markets,” said Frans Kalenga, Technical Advisor to the Minister of Mines and Energy of Namibia on Namibia’s joining of the AGHA, in a press statement. “[It] provides a platform for us to collaborate with neighboring countries. AGHA’s report reaffirms the potential, and provides important recommendations on how we can work together to unlock the extraordinary potential.”



This potential is estimated to generate 15,000 jobs during the direct construction of the project, and a further 3,000 created permanently when the project is fully underway.



Namibia’s Vice President Nangolo Mbumba acknowledged the global transition toward green hydrogen, as well as the country’s abundant natural resources and landscape assisting in the suitability of its development as an industry.



“We are now approaching new fields of economy. Everybody is talking about green hydrogen. Three-four years ago, even the pronunciation was not known,” he said, speaking during the Forbes Under 30 Summit Africa in Botswana in April. “People need energy, and plenty of it,” he continued, acknowledging the international collaboration, local training and investment in education to develop the skills needed for green hydrogen initiatives.



“If we succeed, we will produce enough energy for the whole region of southern Africa,” added Mbumba.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Policy and profitability</h3>



A confluence of factors is propelling the growth of green hydrogen in Africa. The continent’s abundant natural resources, particularly sunlight and wind, provide an ideal setting for green hydrogen production. Escalating global demand for clean energy is creating opportunities for African nations to emerge as green hydrogen exporters. Moreover, policymakers are increasingly recognizing green hydrogen’s potential in achieving climate goals and fostering sustainable development.



The advent of green hydrogen presents a substantial opportunity for job creation across the African continent.



With Africa positioned as a potential global exporter of green hydrogen, the sector could become a significant contributor to the continent’s GDP. Moreover, the revenues generated from green hydrogen exports could be reinvested into local communities, improving infrastructure, education, and healthcare.



An analysis by McKinsey on behalf of AGHA identified a possible increase in GDP for member countries of between $66 billion and $126 billion by 2050, as well as up to 4.2 million new jobs as a result of green hydrogen investments.



The potential offers a pathway for nations to build a more resilient future, mitigating economic risks tied to unpredictable oil and gas prices. By developing a green hydrogen industry, nations could foster local technological innovation and enhance their manufacturing capabilities.



This prospect could shift Africa’s role in the global energy landscape, transitioning from a net importer of fossil fuels to a significant exporter of clean energy.



However, the promise of green hydrogen is not solely economic. It also offers a sustainable solution that addresses the pressing issues of economic development and climate change simultaneously.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Green Hydrogen is a tool for survival</h3>



As the world stands on the brink of a pivotal moment in its fight against climate change, green hydrogen emerges as a powerful ally. As a clean, carbon-free source of energy, green hydrogen can replace fossil fuels in various sectors, leading to a dramatic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.



In Africa, where climate change threatens both people and ecosystems, investing in green hydrogen will not only enable nations to contribute to global emission reductions but also helps them build resilience against climate change impacts at home.



Even though Africa is responsible for only a fraction of global carbon emissions, the continent is actively taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint.



Green hydrogen can play a significant role in these efforts, replacing carbon-intensive fuels across the economy and leading to substantial emission reductions.



Moreover, exporting green hydrogen to other continents could further reduce global carbon emissions, enhancing Africa’s contribution to the global fight against climate change.



Renewable energy has been identified by many African countries as a key element of their climate change mitigation strategies. Incorporating green hydrogen into these strategies could hasten their progress towards achieving climate goals.



By offering a means to store and transport renewable energy, green hydrogen could solve one of the significant challenges of the energy transition: the intermittency of wind and solar power. This could facilitate a more extensive and efficient use of renewable energy, driving further emission reductions.



At the heart of the global energy transition, green hydrogen stands out as a beacon of hope. This renewable resource, making waves in the energy sector worldwide, has found a promising home in Africa. The continent, blessed with abundant wind and sunlight, is quickly gaining recognition as a potential global leader in green hydrogen production.



Pioneering projects across the continent signify Africa’s commitment to embracing green hydrogen.



Yet, the narrative of green hydrogen extends beyond economics. It is a tale of resilience and innovation in the face of climate change. Looking ahead, it’s clear that green hydrogen could reshape Africa’s energy landscape, transforming the continent from a net importer of fossil fuels to a major exporter of clean energy. Such a transformation could not only stimulate economic growth but also enhance Africa’s influence in global energy and climate policy discussions.



For Africa, the opportunity is now. It’s an opportunity that calls for further research, investment, and policy support, for the sake of the continent and the world.

Aerial view of hydrogen tank terminal at sea

The Rise Of Green Hydrogen In Africa

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



Earth’s lowest “gravity hole,” a mysterious depression in the Indian Ocean that experiences less gravity than the rest of the planet, is likely due to plumes of magma under the Earth’s crust, a recent study argues—a conclusion scientists reached using supercomputers to simulate the formation of the area over 140 million years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">KEY FACTS</h2>



There are low-density “<a href="https://www.americanoceans.org/facts/gravity-hole-at-the-bottom-of-the-indian-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravity holes</a>” all over the planet, but the Indian Ocean geoid low (IOGL) is the most profound—spanning&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/24/world/gravity-hole-geoid-low-indian-ocean-scn/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1.2 million square miles</a>&nbsp;just off India’s southern coast and causing a&nbsp;<a href="https://phys.org/news/2017-10-masswhat-geoid-indian-ocean.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">328-foot dip</a>&nbsp;in sea level.



A&nbsp;<a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2022GL102694" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a>&nbsp;conducted in May 2023 by scientists at the Indian Institute of Science and GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences suggested that mantle plumes, similar to masses in the Earth’s mantle that create volcanoes, could be the cause of the IOGL.



The researchers&nbsp;<a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2022GL102694" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ran 19 simulations</a>&nbsp;using supercomputers to recreate the seismic formation of the Earth dating back 140 million years, six of which led to the formation of the IOGL and all of which suggested magma plumes exist within the mantle.



These plumes were formed by the drifting and eventual collision of India’s subcontinent with Asia&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130206162233.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">40 million years ago</a>, according to co-author of study, Attreyee Ghosh.



The research team estimated that geoid low was formed about 20 million years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-background">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



Earth’s surface is a rough&nbsp;<a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/features/GRACE/page3.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">geoid</a>&nbsp;rather than a perfect sphere, meaning that there are places all over the planet with lower or higher gravitational pulls. Magma plumes themselves do not cause lower gravity. In the case of the IOGL, the plumes caused a depression in the geoid, which causes a lower gravity. Areas with more gravity include the Philippines, while other gravity holes include areas under Cuba and the Bahamas. Unlike other gravitational anomalies, the IOGL has gone&nbsp;<a href="https://blogs.agu.org/geospace/2017/10/16/missing-mass-causing-geoid-low-indian-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unexplained</a>&nbsp;since its discovery in 1948. Smaller anomalies can&nbsp;<a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/features/GRACE/page3.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">usually be traced</a>&nbsp;by thickening or thinning of the Earth’s crust, mantle, or both, but the IOGL has no indication of either. The study on the IOGL reinforces Ghosh’s research on mantle plumes in&nbsp;<a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/2017GL075392" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2017</a>, which first used models to establish that the density anomaly came from the movement of India’s plate. Research suggests that there are at least&nbsp;<a href="https://www-udc.ig.utexas.edu/external/becker/preprints/k21.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">18 magma plumes</a>&nbsp;in the Earth’s mantle, with some of the most&nbsp;<a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2020GC009276" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">probable locations</a>&nbsp;being under Tahiti, East Africa, and the Canary Islands.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-contra">CONTRA</h2>



Alessandro Forte, a University of Florida geology professor,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/24/world/gravity-hole-geoid-low-indian-ocean-scn/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told CNN</a>&nbsp;that there were at least two problems with the study. Forte said that Ghosh’s team failed to account for a&nbsp;<a href="https://blogs.egu.eu/divisions/gd/2019/08/07/remarkable-regions-the-reunion-hotspot/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mantle plume that erupted</a>&nbsp;65 million years ago where the Indian subcontinent would have been at the time, and also that the study’s simulated geoid is different from Earth’s real surface shape.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-to-watch-for">WHAT TO WATCH FOR</h2>



Ghosh says that the geoid may disappear or move in the next few million years,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/24/world/gravity-hole-geoid-low-indian-ocean-scn/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to CNN</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-reading">FURTHER READING</h2>



<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/24/world/gravity-hole-geoid-low-indian-ocean-scn/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">There is a ‘gravity hole’ in the Indian Ocean, and scientists now think they know why</a>&nbsp;(CNN)



<a href="https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/geoid.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">What is the geoid?</a> (National Ocean Service)

Structure of planet Earth in space, 3D rendering

Everything We Know About The Mysterious ‘Gravity Hole’ In The Indian Ocean—And How It Was Formed

Robots that harvest grapes, 3D-printed drones for crops and burgers grown from a single cell? Here’s how innovative new technology is making farming more efficient, sustainable and at the same time, revolutionizing agriculture across the continent.



In Africa, innovation in agritech is not only exciting, it’s essential. With a quarter of the economy of sub-Saharan Africa driven by agriculture – and more than 60% of the population made up of smallholder farms – technological innovation is the key to producing food that will not only meet the needs of a burgeoning population, but do it in a way that ensures the sustainability of the planet’s natural resources.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cell-to-fork</h3>



In Cape Town, there’s a foodtech company looking at agritech and sustainability through a different lens – reverse engineering. While traditional agriculture involves growing grain that can be fed to livestock until it’s time for the slaughterhouse, Mzanzi Meat are changing an age-old process by identifying the best parts of livestock and using cellular agriculture grow meat in bioreactors. These large-scale brewing vats mean that a single cell, cultivated from a cow, sheep or pig, can produce meat en masse. According to research out of Maastricht University in the Netherlands, cells from a single cow can produce 175 million hamburgers.



When you compare this to the 440,000 cows traditional farming would require for the same output, what Mzansi Meat is doing suddenly makes a lot of sense. Not only does lab-grown meat mimic the exact texture of what can be found in the shops, it is ‘farmed’ without harmful antibiotics or growth hormones. Lab-grown meat could also be the solution to cutting greenhouse gas emissions, land use and other environmental concerns.



For Brett Thompson, the founder and CEO of Mzansi Meat, innovation will happen if more companies look into agritech from a biotech angle. “While more efficient irrigation systems and the use of drones have a role to play, it’s not enough,” he says.



In a landlocked country with few natural resources, farmers in Rwanda no longer need to choose between aquaculture or agriculture. NjordFrey Flagship Farm in Kayonza has created advanced, aquaponic equipment so that fish and vegetables can be farmed at the same time. The focus is hardware, but also sustainability, and the company’s starter kit includes excavating to accommodate rearing fish, establishing soil-less beds for agriculture, piping, plumbing, establishing pumps and filtration. This is all centered around increasing fish and crop production while using 95% less water.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="alignleft size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/NIRS-1024x768.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-58869" width="543" height="407" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/NIRS-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/NIRS-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/NIRS-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/NIRS-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/NIRS-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 543px) 100vw, 543px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">NIRS device</figcaption></figure></div>


In Ghana, Fredrick Kpamber and Kingsley Safo are the founders of an ‘eco-aquaponics’ enterprise called Big Green Agro. The off-grid farm is solar-powered and contains 194,500-liter pools, one 7,000-liter pool and four of 12,000 liters. Not only do they farm a high-quality local strain of tilapia, they cultivate nutrient-rich algae which is turned into a concentrate and used as a chemical-free fertilizer. One of the things that make Big Green Agro stand out is that the plants grown aquaponically are not for human consumption, but to feed the fish, and that makes the entire operation self-sustaining.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Soil science</h3>



According to the World Bank, Africa produces 30 million metric tons of fertilizer each year – twice as much as it consumes – yet 90% of fertilizer consumed in sub-Saharan Africa is imported from outside the continent. In order to make fertilizer more accessible and affordable, technology has a role to play. 



In West Africa, smallholder farmers have started to microdose fertilizer. Headquartered in India with regional hubs in Nairobi, Kenya and Mali, microdosing fertilizer is an innovation out of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT).



It works by applying small doses of fertilizer (one-tenth of the amount of fertilizer typically used on wheat, and one-twentieth of that used on maize) in the right place and at the right time. The process – which can be done by hand, with a drip irrigation system or via GPS-guided machinery – can effectively double crop yields and the results in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Zimbabwe have garnered worldwide attention.&nbsp;



Understanding the micronutrients that make up soil – and by doing so, being able to create a better, biofertilizer – is an increasingly popular part of agritech research. Preferred by agronomists and soil scientists, biofertilizers (or bio-organic fertilizers) are cost-effective, eco-friendly and guarantee sustainable agricultural production. Unlike their chemical counterparts whose use can lead to adverse effects on the environment, biofertilizers contain living microorganisms that help soil, converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use, for example.



While the biofertilizer industry is still largely underdeveloped in Africa, Zimbabwe now boasts one of the largest biofertilizer production facilities in sub-Saharan Africa. Scientists from the Research Council of Zimbabwe and the National Commission of Science and Technology in Malawi are working together, doing innovative research to identify indigenous microbial strains with a potential of enhancing soil fertility, reverse nutrient depletion human-induced stress to soil.



In Tanzania, an agritech company named Ng’wala Inventions has developed an automated, solar-powered bio-pesticide and biofertilizer delivery machines that give smallholder farmers access with a pay-as-you-farm system. To date, Ng’wala Inventions has delivered biofertilizer to thousands of rural farmers – 70% being women and youth.



Another country focussed on its soil quality is Ethiopia and the technology they’re turning to is near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy, or NIRS. South Ethiopia, alongside its neighbors Kenya and Somalia, is experiencing the worst drought in decades and this is severely impacting soil health and as a result, the country’s agriculture sector. NIRS works by analysing the amount of light that a material absorbs, which indicates how much of a substance is within it. By using this method, soil can be judged based on the nutrients it contains without the use of environmentally harmful chemicals.



Using a NIRS device is a quick, inexpensive and (surprisingly) easy way to understand the makeup of soil and ultimately, grow better quality crops. Ethiopian lab scientists are also using NIRS to analyse fodder – both foraged and formulated – as a way to improve livestock nutrition and productivity.



Other breakthrough studies have shown that NIRS can successfully predict the oil and major fatty acid content of sesame seeds, an economically important crop in the country (next to coffee). Often referred to as Ethiopia’s white gold, sesame seeds are draught-tolerant so producing a better crop can lead to increased income and food security for smallholder farmers, improved export revenue and preservation of the country&#8217;s cultural and culinary heritage.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Rise of the machines</h3>



It&#8217;s reported that the global agricultural robots market will hit $17.8 billion by 2027. While the agricultural robot segment includes devices like drones, there are also robots that work in the fields. In South Africa’s Western Cape province, Stellenbosch is known for its rolling vineyards and wine farms and more recently, Robot X, a robot developed in South Africa by the Department of Viticulture and Oenology at Stellenbosch University and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Robot X, or Dassie, is a unique vineyard robot built with input from local farmers with the aim of making grape production easier thanks to more accurate, real-time data.



Farms are full of data. From weather information to field statistics, seed yield and more, as technology evolves, more data points come up and this only adds to the complexity of what it takes to manage a modern farm operation. This is where precision agriculture comes in – taking big (farm) data and analysing it to maximize output. One of the most accessible ways a farmer can gather large amounts of data today is by using a drone but these eye-in-the-sky tools come at a price.



In Blantyre, South Malawi, MicroMek is a startup that is building low-cost, fixed-wing autonomous drones from 3D-printed parts and recycled materials. The drones, which were originally designed to deliver medicine and medical test kits for diagnosis to remote areas of Malawi, are now also being used by local farmers to monitor land and plant health. In a country that has to deal with climate issues like cyclones and flooding, MicroMek’s innovative Ecosoar drones are built with the environment in mind, even going so far as setting flight records in the new drone corridor in Kisungu.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-farming-the-future">Farming the future </h3>



Home to 60% of the planet&#8217;s arable land, Africa holds immense potential to not only feed its own population but also the rest of the world. In order to optimize its ecosystem and mitigate a rapidly changing climate, new techniques and technologies must come into play because despite its challenges, agriculture remains an important sector that’s ripe for disruption and digital innovation is what will help deliver the future of farming.

Brett-Mzanzi

Ripe For Disruption: Africa’s Big Leap In Agritech

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



Some 56% of the world’s oceans have become greener over the last two decades, and it&#8217;s probably because of human-caused climate change, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-02262-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a new study</a>&nbsp;published Wednesday in the journal&nbsp;Nature&nbsp;that could offer clues about how climate change is impacting the ocean’s ecosystem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">KEY FACTS</h2>



The researchers in the study used satellite imagery to detect changes in color across the ocean from 2002 to 2022, and found tropical areas near the equator, mostly between the latitudes of 40º south and 40º north, have steadily become greener.



The scientists said this discovery is surprising because they previously expected they’d need over 30 years of data to spot signs of climate change in the color of the oceans, but they were able to spot it with just 20 years’ worth.



There are many reasons the ocean might change color, but the researchers said year-to-year variability in the color of the oceans alone cannot explain such drastic changes.



The researchers were unable to identify exactly why the color was changing, but theorized it might have to do with how nutrients are distributed in the ocean—as the Earth becomes warmer, the upper layers of the ocean become more stratified, making it harder for nutrients, which feed green phytoplankton, to rise to the surface.



While they were unable to say the exact cause of the change, the scientists believe climate change is the driver of the change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-background">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



The color of the ocean is vital to understanding the broader ecosystem, said B. B. Cael, the study’s lead author and an ocean and climate scientist at the National Oceanography Centre in the U.K. “The reason we care about the colour is because the colour tells us something about what’s happening in the ecosystem,” Cael told&nbsp;Nature&nbsp;in a piece accompanying the study. The authors said the ocean’s color could affect phytoplankton populations by changing how much light enters the ocean. This ultimately could impact ocean biodiversity, fisheries and the ability of the ocean to store carbon, they concluded. “Our findings therefore might be of relevance for ocean conservation and governance,” they wrote in the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-contra">CONTRA</h2>



The study’s authors caution that it&#8217;s still possible this change is the result of a big natural swing rather than climate change. They said they’ll need around 40 years of data to say conclusively that climate change is to blame.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crucial-quote">CRUCIAL QUOTE</h2>



“We are affecting the ecosystem in a way that we haven’t seen before,” Cael, said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-to-watch-for">WHAT TO WATCH FOR</h2>



The next big satellite mission to observe ocean color. The authors of the study said one of the challenges was that they had to use multiple different satellites that all measured ocean color in different ways. But an upcoming NASA satellite mission will offer more uniform measurement, helping researchers understand how climate change is impacting the oceans. Set to launch in January 2024, this new satellite will use “hyperspectral” imaging to observe ocean color, which will allow it to see more wavelengths than any previous satellite.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-reading">FURTHER READING</h2>



<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06321-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global climate-change trends detected in indicators of ocean ecology</a>&nbsp;(Nature)



<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2023/06/13/montana-youth-sue-state-over-climate-change-policies/?sh=6b88471a7d7c">Montana Youth Sue State Over Climate Change Policies</a>&nbsp;(Forbes)



<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/willskipworth/2023/07/04/july-3-earth-experiences-hottest-day-on-record/?sh=3b933a0c2d96">July 3: Earth Experiences Hottest Day On Record</a>&nbsp;(Forbes)



<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2023/07/05/july-4-was-earths-hottest-day-in-over-100000-years-breaking-record-for-2nd-day-in-a-row/?sh=103ce7667dd9">July 4 Was Earth’s Hottest Day In Over 100,000 Years—Breaking Record For 2nd Day In A Row</a>&nbsp;(Forbes)



<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2023/06/26/why-sriracha-prices-are-surging-and-why-climate-change-might-have-something-to-do-with-it/?sh=cf645447ab12">Why Sriracha Prices Are Surging, And Why Climate Change Might Have Something To Do With It </a>(Forbes)

Aerial View of the sunrise colors reflecting on the blue ocean with a single surfer

Climate Change Is Likely Changing Color Of Oceans, Scientists Say—Here’s Why It Matters

<h4 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center" id="h-nomhle-mliswafounder-and-ceo-summerhill-farmzimbabwe">Nomhle Mliswa Founder and CEO, Summerhill Farm Zimbabwe</h4>



Farming is not for the fainthearted,” Nomhle Mliswa says to FORBES AFRICA in the middle of her harvesting season. Mliswa founded Summerhill Farm in 2007, a 345-hectare farm located in Doma, Mhangura, in the Mashonaland West Province of Zimbabwe. She employs 350 people, two-thirds of which are women. She offers one of the few tillage services in Zimbabwe providing tilling for other farmers.



The mixed farming includes small grain crops, maize, soya beans, potatoes, wheat, cattle, chicken, and goats. Mliswa uses smart agriculture practices: precision farming, a zero-waste policy based on a Just in Time strategy that ensures the swift delivery of goods and land profiling to ensure mitigation and adaption, water harvesting, storage and drilled boreholes.



Summerhill Farm adheres to Sustainable Development Goals, namely SDG 13 on Climate Action, Environmental Management and Conservation, as well as employment structure informed by SDG 5 on gender equality, offering equitable practices for both male and female employees.



Employees also get sanitation and decent housing, informed by SDG 6.



Mliswa has established a local school for young children and a clinic within Summerhill Farm, in line with SDGs 3 and 4. This allows the women to work and maintain their families. The farm also has a shop for employees, sponsored ball games for the community, and employees are given potato and chicken rations, in line with SDG 1 and 3.



There is a Climate Desk, assisting local farmers with critical weather information. And Mliswa does not shy away from further CSR–the farm assists with repairing local road networks and bridges.



Summerhill Farm is run by a single mother with a spinal injury–but neither of these things has held Mliswa back in creating a successful diversified farm using smart agriculture. She wants to do more for preserving the environment, implementing mitigation measures, creating awareness with women on global warming, and hosting more educational tours for schoolchildren.

Nomhle Mliswa

‘Not For The Fainthearted’: A Zimbabwean Agriculturalist’s Journey

We all live and we all die, what makes us different are the things we do and the impact of our actions on the world. When it comes to the human mindset, we only think in terms of human-dominated ecosystems. However, with the climate crisis now upon us, the environment is everybody’s business, especially for those in business.



For entrepreneurs and industrialists, the time has come to not just reflect but to put into meaningful action the values that drive work. It is time to think about impact not just on our species but the world in its entirety, to create entrepreneurship beyond the terminology of just buying and selling, and to truly understand that profit is an output, not a purpose.



Research suggests that companies that struggle to answer the purpose question, or that answer it only in terms of the hard metrics of profit, market share and shareholder returns are most likely to encounter lower employee engagement, higher turnover, an uninspiring work culture, and lack of respect for the environment and communities they operate in. This is irrespective of whether the company has prestige, market dominance or great potential for growth.



As per the Climate Risk Country Profiles developed by the World Bank Group, Nepal, where I live, and South Africa, both share climate vulnerabilities.



Nepal is experiencing changes in temperature and precipitation at a faster rate than the global average. From the loss of lives to the loss of livelihoods, natural hazards in different parts of the country put people and ecosystems in distress year after year.



What does climate risk really mean and how does it affect us? Climate risk is commonly defined as extreme changes in weather, floods, disasters, rising sea levels, erosion, biodiversity loss etc. Why does it matter is simple–because people suffer due to these risks, it changes how we live, it changes our health, our livelihoods, our environment.



And where do businesses factor in? The opening statement of a PricewaterhouseCoopers article reads: “The race for net zero has captured the imagination of countries and companies alike. And not a moment too soon: the latest report from the United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change finds that greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) must peak no later than 2025 to avoid the most dangerous and irreversible effects of climate change.”



It goes on to state that companies are not paying enough attention to their decarbonization commitments. Citing what businesses can lose, the report gives the example of how extreme weather events can cost a business conglomerate several hundred million dollars as soon as 2030 due to supply chain disruption. The examples are many and eye-opening. Businesses are forced to give due consideration to reports and articles such as these not just for the financial implications on their operations but also because governments around the world are aligned to the Net Zero Commitment including the top polluters– the US, China, EU and India.



The private sector does have a crucial role in fighting climate change. From reducing the carbon footprint of their product to cultivating climateconscious practices at work, businesses need to tackle their climate and social impact.



Consumers must commit to eating, traveling, living and shopping more mindfully. 



Governments must pledge to tangible actions that go beyond policy discourse and debates. Even as the world feels increasingly complex and unpredictable, meaningful action is needed to maintain a natural balance in how we use our resources and treat the world we inhabit. 



Climate change then is not just an ecological, environmental, social or economic issue, it is really about our personal ethics and the choices we make from moment to moment.



We do not have another planet to move to, what then do we choose for our children and the generations to come?



The writer-photographer from Nepal who keeps the values of freedom and compassion at the core of her work

Businesswoman giving presentation in board room

‘The Environment Is Everybody’s Business, Especially For Those In Business’

There are 600 million smallholder farmers around the world working on less than two hectares of land. These farmers are estimated to produce 28%-31% of total crop production and 30%-34% of food supply on 24% of gross agricultural area.



The most-funded sector on the continent, according to TechCrunch, is fintech. Unfortunately, reports, experts and our profiles tell us a story of how difficult it is to source venture capital funding on the continent for agriculture.



“The answer to that is quite straightforward,” says Dr Mandla Mpofu, the Managing Director of Omnia’s Agriculture Division. “It’s the risk of the business.” 



The pressure on Africa’s food supply will require substantial investment to guarantee food security, as Africa remains the only region yet to experience a Green Revolution. Most of this will come from private investment.



Venture capital firm AgFunder attested that African farming stands out for drawing in a low volume of venture capital investment.



At the moment, the continent is experiencing the fastest rate of population growth in the world.



Consequently, food demand is growing rapidly as well.



However, as the continent with the youngest population in the world, the 2022 Africa AgriFoodTech Investment Report says it attracted less than 1% of all venture capital spending onagriculture—just $482 million compared to the nearly $52 billion raised globally.



The figure for the entire continent is about the same as the public sector agricultural research budget of Nigeria or South Africa. Far too many potential food and agriculture investors still overlook opportunities in Africa.



“There are more and more funding opportunities coming up,” says Bosire, who bootstrapped his business. “But what I really think we need to focus on at the moment is look into Africa as a place of opportunity for investment.



Because agritech in other developed markets is really receiving a lot of funding but it&#8217;s not the case in Africa. So, I believe that with more sensitization of global investors to see Africa as an opportunity to also invest in agritech is really going to help us.”



Investment volumes were negligible just a decade ago, according to reports, but thankfully have grown as investments more than doubled from 2020 to 2021.



They seem set to nearly double again.



“Investing in 2022 got off to a roaring start, with startups raising roughly $400 million in the first half of the year—more than 80% of what was raised in all of 2021,” the AgriFoodTech Investment Report reads.



While 40% of the agricultural workforce (some 440 million workers) is in waged employment; the other 60% are self-employed as farmers, mainly as small scale farmers (Fyfe 2002). 



But why is the uptake slow?



“You have heard the jokes such as if you&#8217;re going to get broke very fast, you either start a farm or buy an airline,” Mpofu laughs. “And everything&#8217;s going to go south. But that&#8217;s exactly why you need more predictive tools in the business, which is why you would need agtech so that you&#8217;re bankable in the industry.”



But there are also reports that interest in funding African farming by venture capital groups spiked last year and is on track to continue expanding aggressively this year.



“I almost feel like this agtech space was made for agriculture,” Dr Agnes Kalibata says. “I was looking at how much money has been invested in this space. About two to three years ago, this was about a $17 billion industry, you know, and growing very fast. Now, actually it is projected that by 2025 to be a trillion dollar industry… There is no reason why most of it should not becoming to Africa.”

Shot of an unrecognisable woman using a digital tablet while working on a farm

Money Does Not Grow On Trees: African Farming Draws Low Volume Of Venture Capital Investments

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



A new study published Wednesday is calling into question one of the oldest stereotypes about the roles of men and women, finding that female members of many of the world&#8217;s remaining foraging societies are just as involved in hunting as men, despite long-held perceptions that men hunted and women gathered.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">KEY FACTS</h2>



The authors of the study—published by the Public Library of Science—looked into data from previous researchers on 63 living societies across the world that still practice hunting and gathering, then investigated how women participated in the hunting in various societies, what they hunted and what tools they used.



Women were found to have hunted game of all sizes, but most often large animals in a majority of societies, according to the study, spearheaded by Abigail Anderson of Seattle Pacific University’s biology department.



The study found women were actively involved in teaching hunting practices, used a larger variety of weapons than men and were instrumental in bringing home animals for their families to eat, regardless of whether or not they were mothers.



Many hunter-gatherer cultures have disappeared over the millennia, but some of the societies mentioned in the paper include the Tiwi people of Australia, the Hadza of northern Tanzania, the Ganij of New Guinea and the 3,200 indigenous Matsés people of the Brazilian Amazon, who still rely on hunting and gathering for most of their sustenance but have interacted with missionaries, the Peruvian government and researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-number">BIG NUMBER</h2>



79%. That&#8217;s how many living foraging societies demonstrated female hunting, according to Wednesday’s paper.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-fact">SURPRISING FACT</h2>



The study painted the long-held perception of men as hunters and women as gatherers as the building block for more modern stereotypes, like men being less emotional and more aggressive while women are more nurturing and focused on children.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-background">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



The study, titled&nbsp;The Myth of Man the Hunter, confronts why the hunter/gatherer division has prevailed despite evidence to the contrary. Anderson and her colleagues said researchers typically presume that stone projectiles buried alongside males are hunting tools, but are less persuaded when projectiles are associated with females, and pointed to a 2017 incident in Sweden where a person found buried with weapons and equipment linked to high-ranking Viking warriors was assumed to be male, but later was genetically identified as a woman. The inherent bias of researchers can be blamed for the lack of &#8220;recognition of contributions by women to hunting”, the authors said, adding it &#8220;behooves each generation of scientists to ensure that paradigms fit the existing data.&#8221;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-reading">FURTHER READING</h2>



<a href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0287101" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Myth of Man the Hunter: Women’s contribution to the hunt across ethnographic contexts </a>(PLOS One)

Female ginger hair archer shooting targets with her bow and arrow. Concentration, target, success concept

Women Hunt As Often As Men In Many Hunter-Gatherer Societies—Despite Age-Old Stereotypes, Study Finds

South Africa, Denmark, and the Netherlands have launched SA-H2, a $1 billion fund to bolster green hydrogen projects in South Africa. The fund, backed by major financiers, signifies a shared commitment to sustainable energy and a belief in green hydrogen&#8217;s critical role in a future low-carbon economy.



In an unprecedented alliance, South Africa, the Netherlands, and Denmark have unveiled a joint fund – the SA-H2 – dedicated to bolstering green hydrogen initiatives in South Africa, tapping into its abundant wind and solar resources. The fund, totaling $1 billion, was launched in Pretoria, South Africa yesterday, with an initial seeding of $50 million from the Dutch investment body, Invest International.



The remainder of the fund is set to be raised over the subsequent two years, with numerous stakeholders including the Development Bank of Southern Africa, Industrial Development Corporation, and insurance firm Sanlam stepping up to support the cause. The fund will be expertly managed by the Dutch Climate Fund Managers.



In his address, delivered beside the Prime Ministers of the Netherlands and Denmark, Mark Rutte and Mette Frederiksen respectively, President Ramaphosa acknowledged the urgent need to tackle South Africa&#8217;s electricity crisis and stressed the critical role of renewable energy in achieving long-term energy security. While acknowledging that the current loadshedding crisis in the country necessitates reliance on its current coal fleet, the fund is nevertheless a move toward more sustainable source of energy.



“From solar to biogas, from wind to battery storage, these investments are leading one of the most important growth industries in our country” said Ramaphosa.



The fund is expected to stimulate significant advancements in the green hydrogen sector, offering early investment opportunities in a technology set to play a transformative role in achieving global emission reduction targets. These investments are likely to be lucrative, given that South Africa’s COP27 presentation revealed the country is targeting $250 billion in green hydrogen investment by the year 2050.



Emphasizing the spirit of collaboration underpinning the fund, Ramaphosa highlighted the diversity of the SA-H2&#8217;s support base, extending beyond state entities and private sector players to include organized labor and NGOs, with all parties hoping for productive social and economic gains, alongside the environmental benefits.



“… that is the true architecture of our cooperation in our country” continued Ramaphosa, “… and it reinforces our view that these developments need to be inclusive, and needs to benefit all within society.”



While the Netherlands and Denmark are not presently part of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), they have indicated a supportive stance toward its objectives, and discussions to join the alliance are underway.



The launch also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on green hydrogen between South Africa and the Netherlands. Additionally, an agreement was inked to expand an existing energy partnership between Denmark and South Africa. A finance package for water-related public infrastructure, announced by Invest International, rounded off the day&#8217;s commitments.



These collaborative efforts signify a collective commitment to combating climate change and a shared belief in green hydrogen&#8217;s potential to revolutionize the future energy landscape, with the launch of the SA-H2 fund represents a significant leap toward a sustainable energy future for South Africa.

Category: Focus