Tackling temperature rises in Kenya, and other news (17 Apr 2018)

From the impact of temperature rises in Kenya to the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Alliance

Every Tuesday we highlight some of the international development stories from across the globe that have caught our attention.

  • A new study shows that annual temperature rises in Kenya continue to surpass the 1.5 °C cap agreed in the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. This has a very negative impact on cattle survival, and temperatures are projected to rise further. Read more in the Daily Nation (Kenya).
  • Ghana, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand have joined the UK in the Vanuatau-led Commonwealth Clean Oceans Alliance, which is fighting marine pollution and committing to ban microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics and personal care products by 2021. The alliance will also work with business and NGOS, including Coca-Cola. Read more in Xinhua Net.
  • Two loan agreements, totaling $375 million, have been signed between ADB and the Government of Pakistan. These are designed to improve irrigation services and promote public-partner partnerships across Punjab, which should benefit farming families and improve value-for-money. Read more in Pakistan Today’s Profit.
  • The UK has joined the India-led International Solar Alliance (ISA), providing advice and expertise. The alliance aims to give over a billion of world’s most vulnerable people access to cheap, clean, and renewable energy. Read more in Outlook India.
  • The Africa Mini-grid Developers Association launched this week, aiming to help end energy poverty across Africa (supported by DFID, the World Bank, and the Sheel Foundation). The association brings together developers to ensure power reliability of at least 20 hours a day, intending to see 100% of Africa with reliable electricity by 2030. Chapters in Kenya and Tanzania are soon to be joined by one in Nigeria. Read more in ESI Africa.