African Centre for Climate Actions and Rural Development Initiative

WE NEED HEALTHY FOOD, NOT CHEMICALS

No doubt, food is essential for our survival and to perform our daily activities. They contain nutrients for our health living, and most times contains chemicals that can increase the risk of diseases – a trigger.

Chemicals in food comes from various sources -- natural occurrences, environmental pollution, food additive, industrial processing, and packaging materials.

With the global rise in processed and ultra‐processed food intake – the consumption of food additive has also increased drastically. The market drivers of food additives both in developed and developing nations include convenience, urbanization, increased disposable income, experimentation of new dishes, growth of middle class, and more. Consequently, people with busy lifestyle(s) prefers -- ready-to-eat food, ready-to-drink, snacking, and frozen dinners.

A variety of synthetic chemicals additives are from flavor enhancers, preservatives, antioxidants, colouring agents, and emulsifiers, constitute integral components of the food industry. These additives play a pivotal role in maintaining microbial and chemical stability, minimizing food rancidity, and enhancing sensory properties, for example taste, smell, texture, and appearance.

The food industry stands to lose production if the food has a shorter shelf life and sometimes introduce them to curb the effect of food spoilage and increase profit. The US FDA is a key player in ensuring the safety of food supply in the US. However, despite its proactive regulatory responsibilities, an approximately 10,000 chemicals are currently used in food production, processing, and packaging.

Many classified as safe under the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) rule (FDA, 2020) and allowed chemicals in food products, in many other countries like Canada and those in the EU are either banned or restricted for their potential health risks.

Studies have linked certain food additives, preservatives, and chemicals to serious health issues, including as the cause of cancer, obesity, behavioral problems in children, metabolic disorders and other health concerns.

Ingredients such as carrageenan, sodium benzoate, and artificial sweeteners for example, can be found in products marketed as healthy, including plant-based milk alternatives, protein bars, and low-calorie snacks.

Even when they are present in lower quantities or found in foods marketed with health claims, these chemicals can still pose serious health risks, particularly from their long-term consumption. This underscores the need for consumers to be vigilant and be informed about their food choices. The need for consumers to well-understand the products, labelling as "natural" or "healthy" does not always guarantee that a product is free from questionable ingredients.

The disclosure of ingredients in processed foods and other products is increasingly important in our today’s world.

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African Centre for Climate Actions and Rural Development Initiative (ACCARD) from March 17 -20, 2025 led the successful hosting of the first UNCCRD Delta Summit in AIT School of Engineering and Technology in Thailand. It is bi-annual international gathering of leading delta organisations, institutions, local communities and government.

As we prepare for the second edition next year and request the United Nations operationalisation of a United Nations Convention on River Deltas (UNCRD). Enjoy the read from the Bangkok Post.

UN Climate Change UN Environment Programme United Nations Development Programme - UNDP United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) Centre for Environment and Sustainable Livelihood Projects - ceslp Oluowo Elohor Freeman UN Women

AIT Hosts Landmark Delta Summit with Global Impact The First UNCCRD Delta Summit 2025, held at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand from 17-20 March 2025, brought together over 140 global leaders, experts, and community representatives from 24 countries to accelerate action for the sustainable governance of river deltas. This first-of-a...

Plastics particularly single-used plastics continue remains a serious environmental threat

Plastic pollution poses serious environmental issue threat and are of global concern as it affects the planet in many ways including the ecosystem, ocean, air and presence in the food chain.
They are non- biodegradable substances, and few take many years to degrade, the composed of toxic chemicals which accumulate in the environment instead of breaking down like organic materials – is a huge concern. Because they are synthetic and durable, their persistence in the environment takes centuries reaching over 400years, before fragmenting into micro- and – nano plastics.
When not properly discarded plastic particularly single use bottles including thin films/bags (LDPE), food wrappers, styrofoam (polystyrene), PET bottles, and cigarette butts, often contaminate and end up in the environment, water bodies rivers and in the air.

Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste is generated across the globe. Over 11 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean annually, with less than 10% of total plastic waste recycled, resulting in severe ecosystem damage and long-term environmental persistence.

Scientists are estimating that by 2050, oceans will contain more plastic by weight than fish, and worse as ocean water flows, moves, are transboundary and interconnected including with global water aquifers.

Plastic waste doesn't decompose. It blocks drainages, worsens urban flooding, pollutes the air and contaminates soil and water. Also, it can cause harm to wildlife and slowly damages the environment we all depend on for livelihood or survival.

One major cause of plastic pollution is the lack of effective waste management especially their disposal.
If plastic wastes threaten environmental and human security this much, the response must go beyond reporting, discussion and insights. It must include the development and use of technology that are affordable and/or cheap to remove the waste where it accumulates.
But then, how do we remove them from human when they are consumed – the cause diseases and even death. Hence, the awareness should be managing it from the source, production, and plastic reuse.
A bottle thrown carelessly today can become tomorrow's environmental crisis.
- Reduce single use plastic
- Reuse what you can
- Recycle what remains
- Educate others

Let's say no to plastic pollution, generate wealth from plastic waste.

For more learning and partnership for the good of the environment good, reach out to us on [email protected]

UN Environment Programme United Nations UN Climate Change Centre for Environment and Sustainable Livelihood Projects - ceslp Oluowo Elohor Freeman Onome Destiny Adhekegba Eka Diana United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA)

Current Heat waves, could this be a sign of Climate Change?

The complaints are everywhere, the heat is felt in the most discomforting way, it hurts but unfortunately, most people are not aware of what it means, and what could probably be responsible for it, but you hear people on the streets and road complaining daily about the hotness (heat) of the weather.

We are currently experiencing what we call heatwaves -- this is apparently pointing to and it real just to remind denials. Nigeria and other tropical climates are at a period of abnormal rise in temperature that could last for weeks or months where the temperatures are usually high.

With mostly dry season temperatures ranging between 25° and 30°c when the sun is at its peak but now we can get higher temperature readings up to 31°c 32°c in the morning between the hours of 9pm-11pm & 40°c -50°c+ when the sun is at its peak, and this has negative impact on human health in the most dangerous ways least expected, including ecosystems.

It is therefore pertinent that we should be aware of and let others know that climate change is real and the cause of the uncomfortable feelings, and unusually heat condition during the day, and even at night most of the time -- and we must find better, affordable and innovative ways to keep themselves cool.
We at African Centre for Climate Actions and Rural Development Initiative (ACCARD) have decided to share a few tips on how to keep yourself cool.
• You can buy a small mobile solar fan that helps cool you
during the day
• Value and plant trees around your vicinity which can help to
mitigate the effect of the sun
• Reschedule meetings for early mornings and evenings when
the heat is milder
• You can also carry a recyclable water bottle with you to keep
you hydrated
• Stay indoors where necessary, ventilate your homes, or stay in
spacious homes that meet the number of households.
• Importantly, new buildings (home / office) structures should
pursue green and cooler designs.

Some tips to adopt to keep stay cool as you find other innovative ways for keeping your environment cooler, to avoid the severe human health impacts from extreme heat conditions

CCentre for Environment and Sustainable Livelihood Projects - ceslpUUnited Nations Global CompactUUnited Nations Development Programme - UNDPUUnited Nations@ Climate ChangeOOluowo Elohor FreemanUUN Youth AffairsWWorld Health Organization (WHO)UUN WomenUUNESCO

Climate Change is real and the evidence are everywhere – we need to take both individual and corporate actions for the future

Alarming Heat wave

Have you noticed recent temperature rise? and the abnormal hot weather experienced in most parts of Nigerian and elsewhere with similar climate? It just occurs to me that for the past days the recent hot weather condition causing heat stress is not just normal but undeniable attributes of climate change.
The persistent increases in temperature and the resulting uncontrollable heat condition that even car and house air conditioners including home fans -- are not helping to mitigate. This heat condition mostly happens when there is excessive greenhouse gases trapped in the atmosphere and natural processes are altered as a result.

Heat stress occurs when the body mechanism that regulates internal body temperature gradually starts to fail, or when the body's natural cooling systems are overwhelmed due to high temperatures, humidity, inadequate water in the body system or poor ventilation can lead to serious health condition and even death if not well managed.
Heat stress can be dangerous when it persists can develop into heat exhaustion or heat stroke resulting from severe heat. Not well managed can led to the death of several thousands of people yearly worldwide from heat stress, not forgetting the triggered human and environmental health diseases– can be blamed wrongly on other occurrences.
Inside Climate News Public health reporter, Bob Berwyn on September 17, 2025, reported 835 heat stress / stroke mortalities of 835 in Rome, 630 in Athens, 409 in Paris. Also, 387 in Bucharest, 315 in London and 140 in Berlin. This is devastating and a troubling large number of deaths for that period with some unaccounted.
Symptoms of Heat Wave
• Sweating heavily
• Dehydration
• Feeling of fainting
• Headache
• Fatigue, weakness and restlessness
• Anxiety
• Cramp and dizziness
• Confusion
• Nausea and vomiting
• Raise in temperature
How to prevent it largely for old and young
• Stay hydrated by drinking water frequently.
• Avoid direct sun exposure during warmest hours.
• keep air cool indoors.
• Wear light and breathable clothing.
• Never leave children, elderly persons or pets in the car with windows locked.
• Avoid drinks too much of caffeine or alcohol.
• Seek medical care if you are feeling unwell.

Importantly try to recognize heat stress early and know what actions to take to protect yourself. Let’s Act Now to save our Planet – behavioural change in the business of the environment, plant a tree too in neighbourhood.

United Nations United Nations Global Compact UN Climate Change UN Women UN Environment Programme UNIDO - United Nations Industrial Development Organization United Nations Development Programme - UNDP Centre for Environment and Sustainable Livelihood Projects - ceslp Oluowo Elohor Freeman United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification

Well articulated: Onome Destiny Adhekegba

It is becoming truer and more evident that the sustainable economic, human and environmental prosperity of any nations as well as development are becoming impossible without women – their efforts and contributions are increasingly remarkable in notable progress. We have a lot of women that have proven their leadership skills, financial trust and contributions to country’s posterity in government or in their private capacities including in Nigeria.

Undoubtedly, countries and consequently the world can't continue to exist without women, they are truly a pivotal, access and an indispensable vessel that houses every human life that passes through this planet or would exist for thousands of years to come.

It is for this reason and more evident, African Centre for Climate Actions and Rural Development (ACCARD) has decided to celebrate women globally at the 2026 Women’s Day, to importantly acknowledge your special role in nation building, community development, energy transition and sustainable green development -- we will continue to celebrate everyone including those working to contribute to the impact work of ACCARD throughout this week and to next year’s celebration. We thank the United Nations (UN) for setting outside a day for the women. Happy International Women’s Day Centre for Environment and Sustainable Livelihood Projects - ceslp UN Climate Change Onome Destiny Adhekegba United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) United Nations Development Programme - UNDP UN Women UNIDO - United Nations Industrial Development Organization Eka Diana Oluowo Elohor Freeman

Picture credit: one of ACCARD's community engagement in Delta State and partners work aimed at assessing the impact of on community livelihood and locally-led initiatives for Adaptation and Mitigation in the Nigeria Niger Delta

. We celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women everywhere. There is no nation that achieves absolute greatness unless its women are educated and seen working side by side with the men.
Arguably, we still live in a society, where the voices of women have been ignored, silent and sub-pressed in policies and decisions making both in government and at the family level.
Today, we celebrate every woman who believes in their strength, voice and dreams, not backing out and underestimates her to become an inspiration to other women both young and old -- those whose light has paved the way for other women to shine.
As we commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day, let's support, respect, and empower more women and young girls to reach their full potential(s). When women rise, families, communities, and nations rise with them.
Together, let us promote equality, opportunity, and a world where every woman’s voice is heard and valued. UN Women United Nations United Nations Development Programme - UNDP UN Climate Change UNIDO - United Nations Industrial Development Organization United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) Oluowo Elohor Freeman Centre for Environment and Sustainable Livelihood Projects - ceslp

Post credit to Onome Destiny Adhekegba, Gender and Stakeholders Specialist at ACCARD
Picture: one of ACCARD's Capacity building workshop for Women

Ambassador Oluowo Elohor Freeman, Founder and Centre Coordinator of the African Centre for Climate Actions and Rural Development (ACCARD) led a high-level delegation from ACCARD and African Climate Foundation (ACF) to the Nigeria's Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security and his team. We discussed pressing current and emerging national food systems as well as agricultural production issues in Nigeria and suggested some way forward.

Also, the growing impact of climate change on food security, the human and environmental risks of agrochemical use and their consumption, sustainable land use, and ways to promote agroecologically practices among farmers in Nigeria. The meeting suggested better coordination among state-and non-state-actors in the food systems, fostered a partnership to explore local-to-global financing options to develop people-friendly and locally adaptive solutions to climate change aiming at building a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector in Nigeria.

This collaboration aligns with global efforts to promote climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable food systems, ultimately helping Nigerian farmers adapt to climate change and ensure food security. United Nations UNIDO - United Nations Industrial Development Organization United Nations Development Programme - UNDP UN Climate Change Centre for Environment and Sustainable Livelihood Projects - ceslp

On July 8, 2025, Ambassador Oluowo Elohor Freeman led a delegation from African Centre for Climate Actions and Rural Development Initiative (ACCARD) and the African Climate Foundation (ACF) to the National REDD+ Office in Abuja, Nigeria. Amongst others, we discussed climate change, nature-based solutions, and agroecology focusing on smart, resilient and safe food production. A partnership was agreed between both organisations to promote sustainable green development, safe food production, agroecology as well as in-country climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. A high-level convening was held on July 10, 2025 at Reiz Continental Hotel Abuja to engage relevant stakeholders included office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of National Budget and Planning, World Bank, local farmers and Civil society organisations -- to develop people-centered solutions, coordination among the different stakeholders and policy (-ies) recommendations to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

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June 5, World Environment Day, and Final Debate and Quiz of the ACCARD-led Environmental Campaign to curb the proliferation of agrochemicals in our food systems under the disguise of climate change and human population growth rate. Congratulations to the winners and looking forward to raising young environmental champions. Global Environment Facility United Nations Development Programme - UNDP UN Youth Affairs United Nations Centre for Environment and Sustainable Livelihood Projects - ceslp UN Environment Programme Global Goals for Sustainable Development @

Scan me to join the important Summit that is advancing a bottom-up United Nations Convention for Conserving River Deltas (UNCCRD). An equitable international and intended UN platform for stakeholders concerned about the protection, sustainable resource utilization and human population living in deltas across the globe.

Our ideas is to find inclusive and sustainable solutions to ocean facing river deltas and their communities known to house over half a billion people globally. Increasingly challenged by climate change-induced food insecurity, biodiversity and livelihood losses. Inarguably, this is worsening the hunger, poverty, forced migration challenges and their associated conflicts across the globe

This Summit is different from conventional gathering of diverse stakeholders or academia. It is an inclusive convening that will co-create solutions to previously known, emerging, and future concerns in our deltas, draft the white paper to make operational. Give a voice to communities and people living and depending on deltas resources for survival, to decision making and governance.

https://internationaldeltasummit.ait.asia/

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