Fossil fuels driving global cost crisis, undermining sovereignty and security
via The Namibian6 min read
Simon Stiell, chief at UN Climate, states that fossil fuel dependency is causing a global cost crisis, eroding purchasing power, and straining economies. Geopolitical instability, such as the war in the Middle East, has exposed how reliance on fossil fuels makes economies vulnerable to shocks, leading to increased prices for fuel, food, and basic goods. The International Energy Agency has identified the latest conflict as the greatest global energy security threat in history, driving up oil and gas prices and causing inflation. African countries, including Namibia, are experiencing rising food and fuel prices, which strain household budgets and social safety nets, potentially pushing global hunger to record levels. Stiell argues that slowing the shift to renewable energy in response to the crisis is illogical, as continued fossil fuel dependence will lead to recurring price shocks and accelerate global warming, intensifying climate-related disasters. He highlights that these impacts are already disrupting agriculture and infrastructure in Africa, diverting resources from development to emergency response. Despite substantial global subsidies for fossil fuels, renewable energy offers a clear solution. Accelerating the transition to clean energy systems, supported by modern grids and storage, can address both the climate crisis and cost pressures. Renewable power is now among the most affordable energy sources, offering energy security, job creation, pollution reduction, and im
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Nineteen-year-old Namibian musician Precious Andre, known as Precchie, is pursuing both a cybersecurity degree and a career in African pop music. The Walvis Bay native aims to create a "global sound" by mixing genres like amapiano, Afro-pop, and Afrobeats, and incorporating Oshiwambo, Spanish, Portuguese, and English into her tracks. Precchie, a former Miss Teen Walvis Bay 2023 and Miss Teen Universe Namibia 2024, views her music as her primary goal. She sees the global success of other southern African artists as an inspiration, not a pressure. Precchie emphasizes her heritage, noting the emotional impact of Oshiwambo in her music, and considers the visual aspect of her songs, often writing with choreography in mind. Her track 'Papatele' marked a turning point in her career, and she hopes to collaborate with artists like Rema and Bad Bunny to introduce Namibian identity to the global pop scene. Precchie is focused on building a genuine community around her music.
The inauguration of Swapo's national headquarters in Windhoek was met with protests from a group of former refugees repatriated in 1989. The group, which has been camping at the premises since October last year, displayed posters demanding access to alleged funds linked to their return, specifically mentioning "United Nations money." Chairperson Matheus Nangolo stated that the group coordinated with party members on poster placement and deployed members to ensure they were not removed during the event, which included party leaders, supporters, and international guests. The protesters claim unpaid benefits and money owed through the UN, alleging abandonment since their return to Namibia. Nangolo indicated that the group is considering legal action against Swapo and is saving money to take the party to court. The protest occurred as Swapo officially opened its new headquarters, a project reportedly costing over N$900 million, exceeding initial projections. The new eight-floor building includes 150 offices, a 1,500-seat congress hall, a media room, and an amphitheater named Sam Nujoma Square.
Eighteen fully Namibian-owned companies have received international organisation for standardisation and class-related certification through DNV Maritime and Offshore Namibia. This achievement comes within DNV's first year of operation in the country, as stated by DNV country manager Bertrand Albert. The certifications are crucial for local businesses aiming to meet the stringent compliance standards set by international operators, thereby enhancing their prospects for participation in Namibia’s developing offshore oil and gas sector. DNV, headquartered in Oslo, Norway, operates in over 80 countries and employs approximately 15,000 individuals worldwide. The company is responsible for classifying about 21% of the global fleet, 364 mobile offshore units representing roughly 57% market share, and 80 floating production units accounting for around 45%.
A 62-year-old pensioner is scheduled to appear before the Katima Mulilo Magistrate’s Court on Monday for allegedly violating the Nature Conservation Act of 1975. The charge stems from hunting a specially protected animal without a permit. The pensioner reportedly shot an elephant from a herd of four that entered his crop field at Makwatare cattle post in the Makanga area on Saturday night. According to a Namibian Police incident report, the suspect fired warning shots, but when the elephants did not leave, he fired another shot, striking one of them. The elephant was later found dead in his field. Officials from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism inspected the carcass, noting a bullet wound. The elephant is valued at N$295,000. The rifle used and the recovered elephant tusks will be presented as exhibits, and the case docket will be sent for the prosecutor general’s decision.