Threats to Niger-Delta Wetlands: A Case Study of Apoi Creek Forest

Wetlands are essential subsystem of the general ecosystem with so many functions;like purification and sustenance of ground and surface water resources on earth, and its numerous services that it offers to animal, plant, human (local communities) and the nation’s economy at large. The issue of wetland degradation and wetland loss started when the world was seeing wetlands as unproductive, unhealthy land full of snakes and crocodiles. Niger Delta wetland ecosystem is a very rich and important ecosystem in Nigeria, it harbours some endemic spices both flora and fauna, a hotspot for biodiversity and it is of high economic value for the local communities. This paper reviews that changes have occurred in the study area and the Niger Delta wetlands. The changes were identified to be as a result of human activities (anthropogenic activities) and the ongoing environmental pressure resulting from the large scale oil exploration and exploitation, pipeline installation, urban expansion and agriculture. These were identified as some of the major threats to Apoi creek forest wetland. These findings were obtained after analysing the data obtained which helped to raise awareness that can assist to effectively monitor, protect and conserve the wetland ecosystem.

Moving past the rhetoric： Policy considerations that can make Sino-African relations to improve Africa＇s climate change resilience and the attainment of the sustainable development goals

Climate change is a threat to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) in sub-Saharan Africa as its impacts can lead to increased incidences of poverty and inequality which can subsequently lead to a 12% decline in the Human Development Index(HDI) for subSaharan Africa. Emerging countries such as China have the potential to support Africa to achieve the SDGs by pioneering Southe South Climate Finance(SSCF) modalities. In order to increase knowledge on climate informed development and the role of China in global climate governance, the paper examined various research articles, case studies, policy briefs and project reports. Sino-African aid, investments and trade were noted as essential in mitigating Africa's climate change vulnerabilities which induce poverty traps and inequality. Some African countries were noted to have a comparative advantage in environmental standards over China but lacked the initiative to use this comparative advantage to enhance the Forum on Chinae Africa Cooperation(FOCAC) and assist China to have a sustainable growth trajectory. The paper concludes that SSCF modalities can enhance climate risk management in Africa if they focus on improving financial inclusion and improving climate finance flows towards climate change adaptation activities in Africa. Additionally, to increase the effectiveness and impact of Chinese climate finance support to Africa, African policymakers should not allow political and market forces to decide how climate related support from China should be allocated as decisions based on political and market forces could potentially promote an inequitable distribution of funds and ignore the most vulnerable countries and regions.

The governance framework for renewable energy and the building sector in China

Renewable energy and building in the People's Republic of China are (besides the transport sector) two of the most challenging areas when it comes to sustainable development yet among the strongest prospects of establishing synergies in total green house gas emission reduction.However any kind of development or advancement in those sectors can only take place within the political and legal governance framework of the People's Republic of China.Any such governance framework naturally does offer incentives and also poses challenges to local and national initiatives and sustainability as a sum of all industrious activities.Undoubtedly it is the Government's goal to develop a world-class renewable energy industry.Likewise building and construction may well serve as tools for promoting and mainstreaming sustainability and sustainable use of energy.However in China governance is understood strictly in a top down manner.It is time to empower the energy and building sectors and normal citizens alike to take the lead in preserving and creating a healthy living environment in the People's Republic of China.For sustainable housing and renewable energy integration,decisive strategic policy support from the central and local governments is essential.