Nature not for Sale: Environmentalists Respond to Shettima
Countries are stepping up their game when it comes to safety from natural disasters. The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recently reported that 119 countries now have multi-hazard early warning systems. This is an increase of over 100% in the last decade!
The report, released at the COP30 Climate Summit in Brazil, highlighted that these systems have improved by 45% since 2015. However, there are still critical gaps to address. For example, only 43% of Small Island Developing States have early warning systems in place. This shows a clear need for more investment and community involvement to reach universal coverage by 2027, as outlined in the UN’s Early Warnings for All initiative.
Right in the midst of the summit, Vice President Kashim Shettima sparked controversy. He proposed creating financial systems to monetize natural resources. Environmental rights groups like Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) and the Health of Mother Earth Foundation quickly condemned this idea. They argue that putting a price on nature undermines genuine climate justice and could harm vulnerable communities.
Meanwhile, at COP30, countries adopted the Declaration on Information Integrity on Climate Change. This new commitment aims to fight climate misinformation and promote reliable reporting on climate issues. So far, countries like Brazil, Canada, and Germany have endorsed it. The initiative has received 447 proposals from nearly 100 countries since its launch in June 2025, showing widespread interest in tackling this vital issue.
Research shows that accurate information is crucial during climate crises. A study from the Pew Research Center found that 67% of people believe misinformation about climate change is a significant problem. As nations work to combat this issue, the integrity of climate-related information will play a key role in fostering public trust and ensuring effective action.
As countries continue to confront climate change, they must balance financial incentives with the well-being of our planet. The stakes are high, and the world is watching closely.
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CAPPA,Kashim Shettima,UNDRR
