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Study Shows Climate Misinformation in Media is Declining

Nairobi, Kenya – September 5, 2023: In a groundbreaking study, the Alliance for Science has unveiled a remarkable shift in climate-related media coverage, signaling the virtual eradication of climate misinformation in mainstream print and online media outlets worldwide. Lead author of the study, Mark Lynas, who is also a renowned author on climate issues and head of research at the Alliance for Science, declared, “Climate denialism is dead as a news media phenomenon.” This announcement was made at a media event during the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, Kenya. Mark Lynas Lead author of the study speaking at the unveiling function at Radisson Blu, Nairobi Kenya. | IMAGE COURTESY The study analyzed more than 300,000 climate-related news stories over a six-month period, revealing that an astounding 99.98 percent of media coverage now aligns with the scientific consensus on the reality and severity of human-caused climate change. This figure closely mirrors the 99.6 percent consensus found in a recent comprehensive study of peer-reviewed climate literature, also led by Lynas. “The consensus is well over 99 percent in both the scientific literature and the world’s media,” Lynas stated emphatically, adding, “The debate about whether climate change is real is well and truly over, and is now almost entirely relegated to the lunatic fringe and, of course, social media. The era of false balance, where you used to have a scientist always balanced with a climate denier in news stories, is definitively over.” To gauge the prevalence of climate misinformation, the study analyzed six false climate-skeptic themes that had emerged on social media. It found that only 59 articles, out of a staggering 321,553 climate-related articles, contained unchallenged misinformation on these themes, resulting in a misinformation rate of just 0.02 percent. Despite its small proportion, this misinformation was estimated to reach a staggering 4.4 billion people due to the sheer volume of climate-related media coverage. Much of this misinformation was disseminated through mainstream outlets like Yahoo! and MSN via PR distribution networks, as well as right-wing and conspiracist media platforms like Epoch Times. Only two of the six misinformation themes gained significant traction in mainstream news. The first revolved around a purported ‘World Climate Declaration,’ signed by supposed 1,500 scientists, challenging the consensus by claiming natural factors played a significant role in warming and casting doubt on climate models and CO2’s status as a pollutant. These claims have since been debunked. The second prominent misinformation theme argued that the ongoing climate crisis is “fake” because the current warming has been deemed “mild,” and CO2 levels were much higher in the past. This narrative has been promoted by pro-fossil fuels advocates. The remaining four themes, including claims about Greenland ice and wind turbines, received minimal coverage. Dr. Sheila Ochugboju, director of the Alliance for Science, commented on the findings, stating, “Our findings are good news for the world leaders currently attending the Africa Climate Summit here in Nairobi. We show that the media conversation on climate change has now clearly moved on from denialist talking points.” However, Dr. Ochugboju also emphasized the need for continued vigilance, saying, “This is only the beginning. Overt climate misinformation may be relegated to the margins, but the power of the fossil fuels lobby means that things have shifted from denial to delay. We need rapid action to rescue the 1.5-degree Paris target and to ensure sufficient funding for climate resilience and growth in vulnerable regions like sub-Saharan Africa.” At the Nairobi climate summit, the Alliance for Science is hosting several parallel events in a Climate Action Zone, focusing on food security, climate resilience, and combating anti-science misinformation, reaffirming their commitment to addressing the pressing climate challenges of our time

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The Nairobi Declaration: Africa Climate Summit 2023

First African Climate Summit Sparks Hope Amid Global North Interference The inaugural African Climate Summit recently concluded, leaving a trail of mixed emotions among participants. While African nations remain steadfast in their commitment to phasing out fossil fuels, concerns persist over the interference of Global North powers in shaping Africa’s climate policy. Solar-Powered Dreams Despite the challenges, the summit illuminated a path forward for Africa, focusing on harnessing the continent’s abundant renewable energy potential. Solar-powered desalination plants and similar innovations are gaining momentum, offering sustainable solutions to the ongoing water scarcity crisis. Disappointment Lingers However, the summit’s official declaration fell short of expectations, mirroring the disappointments of past climate gatherings. Some critics argue that it fails to address the structural disadvantages that Africa faces in the global economy and instead perpetuates the dominance of external interests. Global North’s Influence One of the key issues raised during the summit was the role of Global North powers in shaping the agenda. Critics pointed to the presence of figures like US climate envoy John Kerry, raising questions about their involvement in discussions that were not part of the UNFCCC negotiations. Carbon Markets Controversy A major point of contention was the push for carbon markets in Africa. While some rich nations pledged funds to support these markets, concerns lingered about their effectiveness and the potential for polluting companies to benefit while local communities lose land. People’s Power Awakens Despite these challenges, the summit has had a positive impact on African climate movements. It has awakened a sense of people’s power and mobilization, marking a shift in African consciousness regarding climate change. This new awareness emphasizes the importance of prioritizing Africa’s unique renewable energy potential over carbon markets. The Fight Continues The disappointment stemming from the summit’s official declaration has only galvanized the African grassroots and people’s movements. The People’s Declaration, drafted in response to the summit’s shortcomings, outlines a vision that prioritizes structural change, community ownership, and a cleaner energy transition for Africa. Strategic Resource Battle As Africa’s critical minerals gain prominence, concerns are mounting over elite interests seeking to exploit these resources without considering environmental and social safeguards. A critical minerals plan, encompassing community ownership and Pan-African industrial planning, is seen as crucial to ensuring Africa’s strategic resources are used for domestic renewable energy production. A Glimmer of Hope Amidst the disappointment and challenges, there remains a glimmer of hope. Africa’s commitment to renewable energy, combined with the resilience of its people’s movements, paints a picture of a continent determined to rise above external interference and shape its sustainable future. The fight for climate justice in Africa continues, with the summit serving as a catalyst for change.

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Nairobi Governor Unveils El Nino Plan for Unsafe Buildings

At least 600 residential houses in Nairobi County are unfit and risky for human habitation ~ John Sakaja, Nairobi Governor By Bernard Gitau Speaking during the launch of Nairobi’s El Nino Marshall plan, Governor Johnson Sakaja revealed most of the buildings are in Huruma, Mathare, and Embakasi East and now pose great danger to the occupants. “The report on unsafe buildings done by the Ministry of Lands and Housing will be released by the National Building Inspectorate (NBI) and has revealed about 600 of such buildings,” Said Sakaja. Due to the upcoming heavy rains caused by El Nino, Sakaja has announced that some buildings will be repaired for safety, while others will be demolished and occupants will be evacuated. “We are going to issue notices because people’s lives are more important than the buildings. We are calling upon the developers to stop using shortcuts. Stop using less cement, substandard metals,” he said. Sakaja has added that those who oversee the construction of unsafe buildings be charged with murder. In 2019, Nairobi accounted for the highest number of collapsed buildings at 33 followed by Kiambu County at 14. Between 2009 and 2019, a total of 86 buildings valued at over Sh 2.4 billion collapsed. According to the National Construction Authority (NCA) report of 2019, the highest number of collapsed buildings was in 2015 when 21 buildings collapsed. An estimated 200 people lost their lives in these incidents. Most non-compliance issues in the sector include using inappropriate construction material, poor workmanship attributed to inadequate skills, and unprofessional and ethical conduct of contractors. The NCA (2019) report shows that poor workmanship contributes to the highest percentage of collapsed buildings at 35 percent, while the use of substandard construction materials stood at 28 percent and unprofessional and unethical conduct of contractors at 34 percent. Apart from evacuating people and demolishing structural defect buildings, Governor Sakaja has issued demolition notices to those who have erected structures on riparian and drainage systems. “I am giving instructions today to the Sub County, ward administrators, and Inspectorate department to remove all illegal structures on drainage systems and riparian land,” he said. During the ceremony, Governor Sakaja outlined the challenges facing Nairobi with an influx of population topping the list. “That means we haven’t had time to plan a new building as well as we should have. So, we find not just that there are buildings even in places where flooding is quite predictable, but that even in places where flooding is not expected, buildings still collapse because they’re not up to standard,” he said. The second challenge was inadequate and ill-maintained drainage, clear encroachment on river reserves, the weakness of our planning and enforcement, and finally unpredictability of weather due to climate change. To unclog the drainage system, the county has recruited 3,500 young men and women as environmental officers to begin work on this and other environmental maintenance immediately.

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