Category: Climate

Donald Trump’s return to office in January 2025 has triggered a dramatic shift in U.S. climate policy. His administration immediately froze federal climate funding and purged key agencies like the EPA and DOE, echoing his past skepticism of climate initiatives.

A January 20 executive order halted billions in clean energy investments from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), stalling $21.6 billion in DOE loans and disrupting solar and EV projects. Despite the IRA creating 300,000 clean energy jobs, 85% in Republican-led districts, Trump’s rollback puts these gains at risk. Funding for low-income solar programs and renewable energy projects on contaminated lands has also been suspended, leaving communities in limbo.

The DOE and EPA have suffered significant staffing cuts, with the DOE’s Loan Programs Office losing 25% of its workforce and the EPA shrinking by 10%. These reductions weaken oversight of emissions regulations and clean energy research, potentially stalling efforts to curb pollution. Analysts warn that without federal support, U.S. clean energy R&D spending, already lagging behind other developed nations, could drop 30%, ceding ground to global competitors like China.

Trump’s push for fossil fuels includes slashing permitting times for oil and gas projects by 50%, opening up more federal land for drilling, and halting renewable projects like offshore wind farms. Rolling back climate policies could increase U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 24-36% by 2035, reversing the progress made in recent years. Renewable energy expansion is also at stake, solar deployment may fall 25%, and EV sales could drop 35% by 2030, weakening the industry’s growth trajectory.

Despite federal rollbacks, some states are fighting back. California and New York, representing 20% of U.S. GDP, are doubling down on climate commitments, investing billions into clean energy initiatives. Private investment in renewables remains strong, with $188 billion flowing into U.S. clean tech in 2024 alone. However, without federal coordination, the nation risks falling short of its 2035 emissions reduction targets.

Trump’s policies may provide short-term gains for the fossil fuel industry, but the long-term consequences could be severe. Energy costs for households could rise by an estimated $489 annually by 2035 as renewable incentives disappear. Meanwhile, the U.S. risks losing its competitive edge in the $1.7 trillion clean energy market, allowing China and the EU to dominate. For a country that once led in climate technology, this shift could mark a costly step backward.

In Nasarawa State, the village of Gidan Kwano has suddenly found itself in the spotlight, not for oil or gold, but for lithium. This mineral, essential for powering electric vehicles and renewable energy storage, has sparked a modern-day rush. For many, it’s a symbol of hope and economic transformation. For others, it’s a ticking time bomb for the environment.

For those in Gidan Kwano, lithium mining offers a chance at a better life. Miners can earn in a day what some make in a month, creating new opportunities for families to thrive. The discovery could help Nigeria break free from its dependence on oil, opening doors to a more diverse economy. Jobs are already being created, businesses are springing up, and global demand for lithium keeps rising. If managed well, Nigeria could become a key player in the world’s clean energy future.

The Cost We Can’t Ignore But wealth comes with a price. Lithium mining isn’t just about digging up valuable minerals, it disrupts the land, contaminates water sources, and threatens local ecosystems. Without strict regulations, chemicals from the extraction process could seep into rivers and farmlands, affecting the people who depend on them. The scars left on the land, erosion, deforestation, and abandoned pits, could last for generations. Then there’s the human side: Will the people of Gidan Kwano truly benefit, or will history repeat itself, with big corporations walking away richer while local communities bear the burden?

Another question is will Nigeria follow the path of responsible mining, ensuring that both people and the environment are protected? Or will it allow another resource boom to turn into an ecological disaster? The government must put strong policies in place, holding mining companies accountable for their impact. Investment shouldn’t just be in extraction but also in sustainability, developing better technologies, and rehabilitating damaged lands. Most importantly, the voices of local communities must be heard, not silenced.

The challenge now is to strike a balance, harnessing this newfound wealth while protecting the environment for future generations. The decisions made today will shape Nigeria’s future, and everyone has a role to play in ensuring that the rush for lithium doesn’t come at the expense of people and the planet.

Join the conversation. Attend local meetings or online discussions about mining and sustainability. Support Eco Diversified International, Stay informed, and raise awareness, because the future of Nigeria depends on the choices we make today.

Written by Aroworade Michael.

When we talk about clean energy, it’s easy to picture a brighter, greener future, one where solar panels glisten under the sun, wind turbines spin gracefully on the horizon, and electric cars glide silently down the road. It’s a future we all want to be part of. But there’s a side to this story that doesn’t always make it into the headlines. The minerals that power these technologies, lithium, cobalt, and copper, are often dug from the earth at a steep human cost.  

In mining communities worldwide, especially in developing countries, the reality is far from glamorous. Children as young as six work in dangerous conditions, families are displaced, and the land that once sustained them is left barren and polluted. As we race toward a cleaner future, we can’t afford to leave these communities behind.  

The Faces Behind the Minerals.  

Let’s start with cobalt, a key ingredient in the batteries that power our phones, laptops, and electric vehicles. Over 70% of the world’s cobalt comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where mining is often the only source of income for families. But the work is brutal. In small, unregulated mines, children and adults dig for ore with little more than their hands, exposed to toxic dust and the constant risk of cave-ins.  

Then there’s lithium, the “white gold” of the clean energy revolution. In South America’s “lithium triangle,” which spans Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile, vast salt flats are mined to extract this precious metal. However, the process requires enormous amounts of water, draining local supplies and leaving farmers and indigenous communities struggling to survive.  

And let’s not forget copper, the backbone of electrical infrastructure. Mines in places like Zambia and Peru have displaced entire villages, leaving families without homes or livelihoods.  

These stories aren’t just statistics, they’re about real people. People like 12-year-old Amara (name changed), who spends her days hauling bags of cobalt ore in the DRC instead of going to school. Or Maria, a farmer in Chile, who watches her land dry up as lithium mines consume the water her family depends on.  

The Environmental Toll.

The human cost of mining is deeply tied to its environmental impact. In many mining regions, forests are cleared, rivers are poisoned, and the soil is stripped of its fertility. Toxic waste from mining operations often seeps into waterways, contaminating drinking water and destroying ecosystems.  

For communities that rely on the land for farming, fishing, or simply living, this devastation is catastrophic. It’s not just about losing resources, it’s about losing a way of life that has sustained them for generations.  

A Growing Call for Change.  

Thankfully, there’s a growing movement to address these issues. Organizations and activists are pushing for ethical sourcing, demanding that companies take responsibility for their supply chains. Initiatives like the Fair Cobalt Alliance are working to eliminate child labor and improve working conditions in the DRC. Certifications like IRMA (Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance) are helping consumers identify products made with responsibly sourced minerals.  

But change is slow, and the challenges are immense. Global supply chains are complex, and tracing a mineral from the ground to your smartphone is no easy task. Many companies are still prioritizing profit over people, and governments often lack the resources or will to enforce regulations.  

What Can We Do?  

As consumers, we have more power than we realize. By supporting companies that prioritize ethical sourcing and sustainability, we can send a clear message: clean energy shouldn’t come at the cost of human suffering.  

We can also advocate for stronger regulations and transparency in the mining industry. Governments and corporations need to work together to ensure that mining practices are safe, fair, and environmentally responsible.  

But perhaps most importantly, we need to remember the people behind the minerals. When we talk about clean energy, we can’t just focus on the technology, we have to think about the lives it touches along the way.  

Building a Just Future.

The transition to clean energy is one of the most important challenges of our time. But it’s also an opportunity, to build a future that’s not only sustainable but also just. A future where the benefits of clean energy are shared by everyone, not just those who can afford it.  

So, as we celebrate the promise of solar panels and electric cars, let’s also remember the people who make it all possible. Let’s demand better for them, for the planet, and for the future we all share.

Women in rural areas face significant challenges due to limited access to resources such as land, technology, and financial support, which hinders their ability to adapt to the impacts of climate change. As climate-related disasters become more frequent, women bear additional caregiving responsibilities, often taking charge of family care and recovery. Social and cultural norms further restrict women’s participation in decision-making processes related to climate adaptation and resilience-building efforts.

Climate crises also heighten the risk of gender-based violence, especially in situations of displacement and social instability. Overcrowded shelters and temporary housing often lack adequate security, leaving women and girls particularly vulnerable. Limited access to healthcare and mental health support in these environments further exacerbates their struggles. Targeted policies are needed to empower women through education, financial inclusion, and sustainable livelihood opportunities to enhance resilience against climate shocks.

Indigenous peoples face profound challenges due to climate change and resource exploitation. The loss of ancestral lands from environmental degradation and extractive activities, such as mining and logging, threatens their physical survival, cultural identity, and traditional ways of life. Indigenous knowledge systems, vital for sustainable environmental management, are under threat, leading to biodiversity loss and ecosystem disruption.

Many indigenous communities are forced to migrate, losing not only their land but also their autonomy. Exclusion from decision-making processes related to climate policy and resource management increases their marginalization. Although the United Nations recognizes Indigenous rights, enforcement at national and local levels remains weak, and Indigenous voices are often overlooked. Inclusive climate governance that incorporates Indigenous knowledge and respects their rights is essential for effective climate adaptation.

Displaced populations, or climate refugees, experience the devastating loss of homes, livelihoods, and communities due to floods, droughts, and storms. The lack of legal frameworks for climate refugees leaves them vulnerable to exploitation, poor living conditions, and legal uncertainty. Current international refugee conventions do not recognize climate displacement, depriving millions of access to basic rights such as work permits, healthcare, and education. Women and children in these communities are particularly at risk of human trafficking and exploitation. Comprehensive policies that address the unique needs of climate refugees and ensure their protection and integration are urgently needed.

Resource exploitation exacerbates the challenges faced by vulnerable communities. Overexploitation of forests, water, and minerals leads to environmental degradation, which intensifies the impacts of climate change. Communities dependent on these resources for their livelihoods are disproportionately affected, facing displacement, food insecurity, and health risks. Corporations and governments often prioritize economic interests over environmental and social well-being, offering little compensation to affected communities.

Stronger regulatory frameworks, transparent governance, and community engagement are crucial to ensuring sustainable and equitable resource use. Supporting local initiatives and investing in sustainable alternatives can mitigate the negative effects of resource exploitation and promote environmental justice.

Addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable communities requires a multi-faceted approach that combines policy reform, community empowerment, and international cooperation. By amplifying the voices of women, Indigenous peoples, and displaced populations, and ensuring their inclusion in climate action, the global community can work towards a just and sustainable future for all.

Climate change is more than a looming global threat, it’s a stark reality, and some of its most profound impacts are being felt by those least equipped to endure them—CHILDREN. As the youngest victims of climate disasters, children face unique vulnerabilities that extend far beyond their physical health. These impacts ripple across their education, safety, and overall development, shaping the trajectory of their lives. This exploration dives into how climate change uniquely impacts children, focusing on health, education, and psychological effects.

Health: Small Bodies, Big Risks

Children aren’t just miniature adults; their developing bodies are more vulnerable to the harsh realities of climate change. Poor air quality from wildfires and industrial pollution hits kids harder, leading to a surge in respiratory ailments. With rising temperatures, children are at a higher risk for heatstroke and dehydration. Climate change disrupts water supplies, exposing kids to diseases like cholera and diarrhoea. Food scarcity due to climate disruptions can stunt growth and cognitive development, leaving children hungry for hope.

Education: When Nature Calls Class Off

Climate change isn’t just about the environment; it’s about disrupting the future of education. Extreme weather events mean schools shut down, leaving learning in limbo. Schools in disaster-prone areas often lack the resilience to withstand nature’s fury, impacting education long-term. Climate refugees, including children, face educational gaps as they adapt to new environments. The stress of climate disasters can sap a child’s ability to focus and learn, leaving learning in limbo.

Psychological Impact: The Silent Storm

The mental health of our children is silently eroding under the weight of climate change. The fear of unpredictable weather can lead to anxiety, depression, and PTSD among the young. Losing one’s home or community to climate events can deeply scar a child’s psyche. Children today are mourning not just for what’s lost but for what might never be, grieving for a future. While some kids show incredible resilience, many struggle without proper support, caught between resilience or retreat.

What Can We Do? Action Over Anxiety

Empowering children through education about climate change can turn them into future guardians of the planet. We must invest in schools that can withstand nature’s tantrums, ensuring the continuity of education. Mental health support should be readily available for those weathering the storm. Fostering local resilience and pushing for global policies that prioritize children in climate action can make a significant difference.

In wrapping up, children are the early warning system for the climate crisis, bearing the brunt of its force. Safeguarding them isn’t just about preserving their futures but about ensuring our own. As we tackle climate change, let’s keep our youngest in focus, striving for a world where they can not only survive but thrive.

In April, We had a campaign and brought 3 Universities Together all From the Faculty of Sciences only 1 in 330 science students had an understanding of what Climate Change means

It will shock you that Sustainable Development Goals are not a part of the education curriculum in Nigeria from Primary, Secondary and Tertiary education.
Eco diversified international in partnership with SR Nigeria, Green Team Academy, African climate change movement is carrying out the most extensive campaign on Climate Change Education in West Africa to educate 40,000 youths in Nigeria through a Climate Change tour

Through this project, we will be able to

• Visit different tertiary institutions in Nigerian States most affected by climate change
• Plant 1000 trees
• Promoting a plant-based diet
• Teach-in climate change by scientists for youths to have a full grasp of the climate change crisis
• Teach in on Sustainable Development Goals
• Teach in on Activism and how students can use their platform to speak on issues.
• Create over 4000 sustainability ambassadors who will be trained on project implementation by Green Team Academy USA for three months.

We Need Your Help
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Reach out to
Email:info@ecodiversifiednetwork.org or africanclimatechangemovement@gmail.com