science news

Super-rich get ‘double dividend’ from causes and costs of climate crisis, report finds

Oxfam says investing by rich in disaster recovery widens inequality and gives incentive to delay climate action The world’s wealthiest people are not just profiting from the polluting causes of climate breakdown, they are also increasingly cashing in on the catastrophic consequences, according to a study by Oxfam. The global equality organisation has found that the richest 0.1% of the world’s population are heavily invested in disaster preparedness, recovery and reconstruction – a market that is projected to grow from $70bn to $92bn a year by 2029.

North- East Region turns to solar-powered water system to tackle climate change

The North-East Regional Coordinating Council is promoting solar-powered water systems and dry-season farming to help communities adapt to climate change as rivers dry up and traditional irrigation sources become increasingly unreliable. Mr Ibrahim Tia, the North-East Regional Minister, told the Ghana News Agency that climate change was increasingly affecting water availability and making farming along river bodies less sustainable, requiring communities to explore alternative water sources.

Scientists video REM-like sleep in Australian jumping spider species

The most comprehensive study of its kind confirms that jumping spiders go through two phases of sleep, including a REM-like state that is associated with human dreaming.

Fines of up to $120k for dumping pet fish in Adelaide river

With more than a dozen suspected pest koi carp spotted in the River Torrens, locals are being urged not to dump unwanted pet fish.

Sammy Gyamfi’s mining formalisation remarks do not warrant resignation – Centre for Mining Research and Policy

The Centre for Mining Research and Policy has rejected the Minority’s call for the resignation of Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi over his comments on the formalisation of small-scale mining. Senior Research Fellow at the Centre, Dr Ofori Kodua, said Mr Gyamfi had made it clear that eligible operators must obtain the necessary documentation, permits, certification and training to operate legally.

El Niño: What it means and how Nigerians should prepare

By Sekinat Osundiji Nigeria may experience increased heat and changing rainfall patterns as a strengthening El Niño event raises concerns about its potential effects on agriculture, water supply, electricity generation and public health. For August to October 2026, the agency forecast normal to above-normal rainfall across much of northern Nigeria, while parts of the South-West and Cross River State were expected to experience normal to below-normal rainfall.

How much do you know about nature's small wonders? Try our insect quiz

So much of the tiny world of insects remains unknown to science. Test your knowledge with our insect quiz, produced in conjunction with the CSIRO.

Ghana’s road deaths demand urgent action, researchers warn

Researchers Enock Aninakwah and Isaac Aninakwah are calling for coordinated action to reduce road deaths in Ghana, citing unsafe road conditions, dangerous driving, and weaknesses in enforcement. Enock Aninakwah is affiliated with the University of Ghana’s Department of Geography and Resource Development, while Isaac Aninakwah is affiliated with the Department of Social Sciences at St. Monica’s College of Education in Mampong.

Livestream: JoyNews Research fact-checks South Africa evacuation cost claims

When hundreds of Ghanaians needed help returning home from South Africa, the government stepped in to facilitate their evacuation. Now, a JoyNews Research investigation has uncovered what appear to be forged signatures and discrepancies in payment records contained in the Ministry’s data.

Gov Uzodimma proposes national media research centre in honour of Dokpesi

The governor said the proposed centre should serve as a hub for media research, focusing on how journalism could be harnessed to promote economic growth and development.

UBA launches Group-Wide Climate Action Week to advance green finance and sustainability across Africa

Te campaign reflects the Bank’s commitment to integrating environmental responsibility into its operations, customer engagement and financing solutions

Ghana risks industrial stagnation if research fails to reach industry – Zanetor

Dr Agyeman-Rawlings was speaking at the opening of the 2026 Oliver Reginald (O.R.) Tambo Chairs Initiative (ORTARChI) Conference at the West African Genetic Medicine Centre (WAGMC), University of Ghana, Legon. Dr Agyeman-Rawlings further appealed to the O.R. Tambo Foundation, South Africa’s National Research Foundation and Canada’s International Development Research Centre to support a new phase of ORTARChI.

Ghana climate portal targets young Africans with learning tools for climate action

The Ghana Climate Literacy Portal (GCLP) is seeking to equip more young Africans with the knowledge and resources needed to respond to climate change, as youth advocates gather in Accra to discuss practical solutions to the continent’s environmental challenges. Mary-Ann Essilfie-Arhin, who leads the Ghana Climate Literacy Portal, said the platform was designed to connect climate science, policy, practical solutions and advocacy through digital learning.

State-level monitoring unit to be formed to assess impact of climate trends on agriculture

A ministerial meeting chaired by Agriculture Minister T. Siddique also decided to formulate short- and long-term plans to mitigate the effects of climate change

Trust launched in Bengaluru to carry forward Kasturirangan’s legacy, support young researchers

New Rural Service Centre to advance climate-resilient cocoa farming in Ahafo Region

…Proforest facility in Asumura will extend practical services for farmers and strengthen sustainable land-use governance Proforest has commissioned a new Rural Service Centre in Asumura, Asunafo North Municipality in the Ahafo Region, to expand support for cocoa farmers seeking to improve productivity, strengthen climate resilience and protect forests. The Asumura facility builds on Proforest’s first Rural Service Centre, commissioned at Dadiesoaba in the Asutifi South District in 2024.

Religious leaders push for transparent climate funding

The leaders, meeting in Nairobi for an interfaith dialogue organised by the Embassy of Israel in Kenya and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), said religious institutions must translate their influence into practical environmental action, including tree planting, water conservation, climate-smart farming and ecosystem restoration. Mathias Kamp, KAS Country Director in Kenya, said faith and indigenous communities were important partners in climate action because they possess local knowledge and are often at the forefront of supporting communities affected by environmental disasters.

Faith leaders challenged to drive climate action, demand accountability

“We must translate words, thoughts, prayers, decisions into real actions on the ground,” Behar said during an interfaith climate dialogue in Nairobi organised by the Embassy of Israel in Kenya and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS). Thomas Lerenten Lelekoiten, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry’s Climate Change Directorate, said Kenya had established a policy framework for climate action, but implementation and resource mobilisation remained critical challenges.

Rescuers praised after hauling young dugong to safety

After finding the mammal tangled in a car fanbelt in a creek near Exmouth in WA, marine park staff carried it to safety over a nearby sandbar.

Art can give ecological restoration a local voice – World Resources Institute

This is according to the institute’s Landscape Restoration Manager for the Ghana Cocoa Belt, Eric Lartey, who made this known at the inaugural Climate x Culture Summit in Accra on Thursday, October 22. Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability at the Office of the President, World Resources Institute (WRI) Africa, Centre for CSR, West Africa, Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN), Ghana Youth Environment Movement (GYEM), 365Mustang, Dobiison, JoyNews and Myjoyonline.com.

Israel Embassy, KAS to rally faith leaders for climate action

The forum, jointly organised by the Embassy of Israel in Kenya and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), a German political foundation that promotes democracy, good governance and international cooperation runs from October 26 to 27 at Trademark Hotel, bringing together religious leaders, climate experts, environmental organisations and policymakers to explore how faith-based institutions can contribute to climate resilience. The opening session features Israel’s Ambassador to Kenya, Gideon Behar, KAS Kenya Country Director Mathias Kamp, and Thomas Lerenten Lelekoiten, Deputy Director of the…

Jumping castle inquest looks to NASA dust devil researcher

A coronial inquest into the deaths of six children in the Tasmanian jumping castle tragedy will seek to engage a planetary scientist from the US for his expert knowledge on dust devils.

Decoupling sovereignty index (4): Money, land, mind as diagnostic vectors, By Max Amuchie

In the earlier instalments of this series, we left the comfort of capital city seminar rooms to confront the reality of fractured spaces. We established the operational safety protocols and deep immersion methodologies necessary for a researcher to step onto the tarmac and observe a territory where the formal state has receded.

‘They paved paradise’: fighting back over the loss of green spaces in Cameroon’s capital

Concrete sprawl in Yaoundé has devastated the city’s trees and parks, so volunteers are stepping up, shrub by shrub A little piece of paradise is buried under the asphalt that is now lined with parked cars. “It wasn’t just a park,” he says, standing at the edge of what is now a private car park in Cameroon’s capital, Yaoundé.