Chris Infotainment

A Major Cleanup Effort on St Martin’s Island On December 7, volunteers from across Bangladesh joined forces to remove nearly two tonnes of waste from the beaches of St Martin's Island. This initiative, led by Unilever Bangladesh and Kewkradong Bangladesh, was part of the International Coastal Cleanup 2025. The event took place on the ecologically sensitive island, drawing in hundreds of youth and local residents to help protect its fragile coastline. A total of 500 volunteers, including students from universities and members of local communities, participated in the cleanup. Over the course of the event, they collected 1,850 kilograms of waste, which is approximately two tonnes. The waste included a wide range of items such as food wrappers, plastic beverage bottles, bottle caps, plastic bags, utensils, lids, and even abandoned fishing nets. The collected waste was transported to the mainland for safe disposal, according to a press release issued on Sunday. This effort not only ...

The National Agency for the Great Green Wall Seeks Federal Support The National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) has recently sought support from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, in its efforts to combat desertification and restore degraded land. This comes as part of a broader initiative to implement the 50-million-date-palm project across 11 frontline states in northern Nigeria. During a courtesy visit to the SGF in Abuja, the Director General/CEO of NAGGW, Saleh Abubakar, highlighted the agency’s recent achievements and future goals. He mentioned that the initiative was launched during the agency's 10th-anniversary ceremony in August 2025. The project is designed to curb desert encroachment and restore degraded lands in the affected states. According to Abubakar, NAGGW has already distributed over five million date palms across the 11 frontline states. The goal is to scale this up to 50 million by 2030, marking a significan...

Yantai's Green Development Model: A Blueprint for Sustainable Bay Area Growth Yantai, China – On December 4, the 2025 Shandong Green Low-carbon High-quality Development Conference took place in Yantai, Shandong province. This event coincided with the fifth anniversary of China’s “dual carbon” goals, which aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 and peak carbon emissions by 2030. Yantai, as one of the country’s first pilot cities for carbon peaking and for realizing the value of ecological products, has demonstrated achievements that go beyond local practice. These accomplishments serve as a significant example in the global discourse on sustainable development pathways for bay areas. Bay areas have emerged as critical geographic units driving economic and technological change worldwide. From the precision manufacturing of Tokyo Bay to the financial innovation of New York Bay and the deep integration of the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area, these regions are shaping th...

Enforcement Actions Target Illegal Recycling Practices The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has taken decisive action against illegal recycling operations in the Ogijo community of Ogun State. In collaboration with the Ogun State Ministry of Environment, NESREA sealed six recycling facilities on Thursday due to non-compliance with the National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations 2024 and a protocol designed to ensure the environmentally sound management of used lead-acid batteries. The enforcement action highlights growing concerns over unsafe recycling practices that release toxic lead and other heavy metals into the environment. These practices pose significant risks to both residents and the surrounding ecosystem. The Ogijo area, known as a key hub for battery recycling, has long been associated with complaints of lead contamination, soil degradation, and air pollution caused by improper waste handling. Compliance Measures and S...

NESREA Seals Six Recycling Facilities in Ogun State The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has taken decisive action against non-compliant recycling facilities in the Ogijo community of Ogun State. On Thursday, six recycling facilities were sealed due to their failure to adhere to the National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations 2024 and a protocol developed by NESREA to ensure the environmentally sound management of used lead-acid batteries (ULABs). This enforcement action underscores growing concerns about unsafe recycling practices that can release toxic lead and heavy metals into the environment. These substances pose serious risks to public health and ecological integrity. Compliance and Safety Measures According to Nwamaka Ejiofor, Assistant Director (Press) at NESREA, the sealing of the six facilities was part of an ongoing effort to hold operators accountable for their environmental responsibilities. The agency has plans to ...

A New Vision for Korangi: Harnessing Solar Power in a Polluted Urban Area Korangi, a district in Karachi, is often overlooked when it comes to discussions about sustainable development. It is more commonly associated with industrial zones, heavy traffic, and air pollution rather than being seen as a hub for climate-smart innovation. However, this very area may hold the key to one of Karachi's most promising clean-energy opportunities. Our recent research on Korangi aimed to answer a critical question: can a district known for its pollution and high energy consumption become a model for solar-powered resilience? The answer lies in the abundant sunlight that the region receives throughout the year. Karachi, located in a high-irradiance zone, benefits from consistent solar radiation, with Korangi being no exception. Pakistan as a whole enjoys between 5 to 7 kWh/m²/day of solar radiation, making it an ideal location for large-scale solar energy deployment. The real challenge is not t...

Innovating Thailand's Circular Economy with Sustainable Packaging Thailand is making significant strides in its transition toward a circular economy, driven by innovative partnerships between global and local companies. One such collaboration involves Dow (NYSE: DOW), Copeland, and MMP Corporation, which have introduced a groundbreaking pallet-wrapping film made with 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content. This initiative marks a major step forward in sustainable packaging solutions and highlights the potential of circular materials in industrial applications. The new stretch-film is produced using REVOLOOPS Recycled Plastics Resins developed by Dow Thailand. These resins are designed to deliver high performance while significantly reducing environmental impact. According to a product carbon footprint study, the film has 52.5% lower cradle-to-gate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to the global average for virgin linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) production. This ac...

The Push for Sustainable Cocoa in West Africa The European Union and its French development partners are urging Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire to speed up reforms within the cocoa sector. According to new research, the industry must adopt stricter sustainability standards to stay competitive and protect the livelihoods of farmers. At a two-day feedback workshop in Accra this week, researchers shared findings from the EU and AFD-funded Cocoa4Future project. This initiative ran in both Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire and explored agroforestry models, disease control, and the socioeconomic dynamics of cocoa farming. Organizers highlighted that the work offers practical pathways for scaling sustainable practices that could help producers meet tightening European market requirements on deforestation, traceability, and labor standards. “The cocoa sector is the backbone of Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire,” said Professor Félix Asante, the University of Ghana’s pro-vice-chancellor for research, innovation, and de...

A New Era of Creativity and Sustainability in Nigeria Nigeria is preparing to host Africa’s first recycling festival, the Artistic Pulse Festival (APF), which promises to be a vibrant celebration of creativity, culture, and commerce. This event aims to promote environmental responsibility through recycling and sustainability, making it a unique platform for innovation and community engagement. The five-day festival, scheduled from December 3 to 7 at the Remembrance Arcade in Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, will feature a wide array of activities. Attendees can expect showcases of art, music, fashion, food, film, and technology. Additionally, the event will include symposiums, debates, creative workshops, a children's art gallery and play zone, and performances by both local and international artists. With the theme "Footprints of Interconnectivity, Growth and Expansion: Creativity, Culture, Commerce and Innovation," the festival seeks to connect creativity with sustainabi...

CropLife International Embraces Biopesticides in Sustainable Agriculture For decades, CropLife International has been known as the global association representing manufacturers of chemical crop protection products. However, as the agricultural landscape evolves and the demand for sustainable farming intensifies, the organization is now undergoing a transformative shift by embracing biopesticides as part of a balanced, nature-friendly approach to crop protection. “Even if we have been developing chemical pesticides for many years, we always advocate that chemicals should be used as a last solution, only when other pest management approaches have failed,” says Margaux Rundstadler, Director of Public Affairs and Communication at CropLife Africa Middle East. She made these remarks during the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) 2025 Congress organized by Media for Environment, Science, Health and Agriculture (MESHA) in Nairobi, Kenya. According to Rundstadler, the...

A Global Gathering in Kigali The Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village has been buzzing with energy. For the first time on African soil, the World Congress on Agroforestry (WCA 2025) has taken place in Rwanda, drawing more than 700 participants from across the globe. From October 20-24, researchers, farmers, policymakers, and development partners exchanged ideas, showcased innovations, and witnessed firsthand how trees can transform landscapes, communities, and lives. This historic Congress isn’t just a meeting of experts; it’s a celebration of solutions, partnerships, and the role Africa plays at the heart of global climate action. What the Congress Means for Rwanda Hosting WCA 2025 is a milestone for Rwanda. It demonstrates the country’s commitment to environmental leadership, sustainable development, and restoring degraded landscapes. Through initiatives like AFR100, Rwanda aims to restore two million hectares of land, positioning agroforestry at the heart of climate-smart sol...

A New Era of Environmental Stewardship in Kenya As the global community shifts its focus towards green jobs, the circular economy, and climate resilience, Kenya is taking significant steps to ensure that environmental conservation remains at the forefront of national priorities. This year’s Mazingira Day, scheduled for 10th October 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the country’s efforts to promote sustainable practices and foster a culture of environmental responsibility. Mazingira Day is an annual event dedicated to celebrating environmental conservation and promoting sustainable practices across the country. It aligns with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) plan, which aims to nurture a generation of environmentally conscious citizens by instilling sustainable values from an early age. The origins of Mazingira Day can be traced back to the time of Kenya’s second president, Daniel arap Moi, when it was known as Moi Day. Over the years, the event has evol...

Japan's Innovative Approach to Recycling Used Adult Diapers Japan is facing a growing challenge with the increasing volume of used adult diapers, prompting manufacturers to explore innovative recycling methods. These efforts aim to convert waste into valuable resources, reducing reliance on incineration and lowering carbon emissions. The Environment Ministry introduced guidelines in 2020 that encourage the recycling of used diapers, urging private companies and local governments to develop sustainable solutions. This initiative comes as the demand for adult diapers continues to rise, despite a decline in the production of children’s diapers due to Japan's shrinking birthrate. According to the ministry, the share of used diapers in general waste is expected to increase from around 5 percent in fiscal 2020 to about 7 percent by fiscal 2030. This trend highlights the need for effective waste management strategies. Challenges with Incineration Used diapers are typically incin...

Expansion of Green Building Standards The Hong Kong Green Building Council has taken a significant step by issuing its first BEAM Plus global certificate to a complex in Djibouti, an East African country. This move marks the council's expansion into international markets, aiming to support sustainable development and enhance Hong Kong's position as a regional green finance hub. The council, a non-profit organization focused on promoting eco-friendly structures, has extended its Building Environmental Assessment Method (BEAM) Plus certification programme to foreign markets. This initiative is expected to attract more international developers, particularly those involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, to secure funding in Hong Kong for their projects. Importance of the First Global Certificate In June, the council issued its first BEAM Plus global version certificate to a complex in Djibouti, while another structure in Macau is anticipated to receive the same certification ...

The Challenges of Coal in Steel Production Burning coal to generate power has become increasingly uneconomical, prompting the previous administration to implement measures to keep the industry afloat. However, despite its decline in energy production, coal still holds a significant place in the steelmaking process. This is because the production of primary iron for steel accounts for over 10% of global greenhouse-gas emissions. Most of these emissions come from blast furnaces, where coal is used to remove oxygen from iron ore, resulting in both iron and carbon dioxide as byproducts. Alternatives to Traditional Steelmaking There are more sustainable ways to produce steel. One approach is to reduce the need for new iron altogether. Since steel is 100% recyclable, over one-fifth of the global supply already comes from recycled scrap. Recycling requires only electricity, making it possible to envision a circular economy where renewable energy sources like wind turbines power the recycli...

Recognition of Leadership in Sustainability Energy Absolute Public Company Limited (EA) has once again demonstrated its commitment to sustainability by receiving two prestigious awards at the T-VER Awards: A Decade of Commitment to Greenhouse Gas Reduction. These accolades highlight EA's ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote environmental responsibility both within Thailand and on a global scale. The T-VER Awards, organized by the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (Public Organization) - TGO, celebrate outstanding contributions to environmental sustainability. EA was honored with the Outstanding Continuous Certification Project Award and the Carbon Credit Recognition Project Award 2025. These awards not only reflect the company’s adherence to ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles but also emphasize its vital role in supporting Thailand’s transition toward a sustainable, low-carbon society. The Carbon Credit Recognition Project Award 20...

Introduction to a Sustainable Innovation Tonmatpan, a leading manufacturer under the Tonmat Group, has made a significant breakthrough in the construction materials industry. The company has successfully developed and produced polyisocyanurate (PIR) panels using hydrofluoroolefin (HFO), a material that stands out for its environmental benefits, safety, and superior thermal insulation properties. This innovation marks a milestone for Vietnam's construction sector, offering a new standard in sustainable building solutions. Key Features of HFO-Based PIR Panels One of the most notable aspects of HFO is its low global warming potential (GWP) and zero ozone-depletion potential. These characteristics make it an environmentally friendly choice, reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional insulation materials. Additionally, HFO enhances safety during both production and application. It is non-flammable, non-toxic, and poses no health risks to workers or end-users, making it...

Introduction to Spatial Emanators in Malaria Prevention The World Health Organisation (WHO) has taken a significant step in the fight against malaria by recommending the use of spatial emanators as an additional tool to prevent the disease. This recommendation highlights the potential of these devices to reduce mosquito bites and complement existing strategies such as insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying. Spatial emanators, also known as spatial repellents, operate by releasing chemicals into the air that make humans less attractive to mosquitoes. This mechanism helps to lower the chances of malaria transmission, making them a valuable addition to current prevention methods. The Role of Research and Local Evidence Dr. Jane Achan, Principal Advisor at Malaria Consortium, emphasizes the importance of generating and sharing local evidence when it comes to adopting new tools like spatial emanators. She notes that while WHO's recommendation is a positive development...

The Growing Importance of Desalination in Water Supply Water scarcity is a pressing global issue, and as populations grow and climate change intensifies, the need for alternative water sources becomes increasingly urgent. One of the most promising solutions is desalination — the process of converting seawater into potable water. While this technology has been around for centuries, modern advancements have made it more efficient and widespread than ever before. Desalination has evolved from ancient methods like boiling seawater to more sophisticated techniques such as reverse osmosis, which uses high-pressure membranes to filter out salt. Today, there are over 16,000 desalination plants operating worldwide, producing an estimated 56 billion liters of fresh water daily. This equates to about 7 liters per person on the planet, highlighting the scale of this industry. However, the environmental impact of desalination cannot be ignored. The process generates a significant amount of brine...