The inaugural Climate and Health Africa Conference (CHAC 2024) is taking place in Harare, Zimbabwe, focusing on the intersection of climate change and health in Africa. The conference aims to address the health impacts of climate change, share innovations, and develop strategies for adaptation and mitigation. Africa, contributing minimally to global emissions, suffers disproportionately from climate change effects, impacting over 800 million people with food insecurity. The conference seeks to redefine Africa's health approach in the context of climate change, resulting in scientific publications, a comprehensive declaration, and new partnerships. Concurrently, the Climate and Health Africa Network for Collaboration and Engagement (CHANCE) promotes networking and policy development related to climate change and health.

Counterfeit and substandard green technology products, particularly from China, are hindering Africa's energy transition by flooding markets with poor-quality solar products. This issue exacerbates energy poverty and environmental degradation, as consumers are forced to rely on traditional energy sources. Organizations like SolarAid are working to mitigate the problem by training locals in solar product repair and recycling. The article highlights the need for stricter regulations and standards across African countries to ensure the quality of imported solar products and reduce the continent's growing e-waste problem.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has lifted a 20-year moratorium on the death penalty, citing the need to address army traitors and urban terrorism. This decision has led to numerous death sentences, including for three American citizens, and has raised concerns among human rights organizations. Congolese advocates argue that the move is a step backward for human rights and could influence other African nations to reinstate the death penalty. They emphasize the need for a legal moratorium and eventual abolition, highlighting the DRC's ratification of international instruments against capital punishment. The article critiques the DRC's judicial system as lacking independence and resources, making it ill-equipped to handle fair trials, especially in politically charged cases.

Zambia is set to experience 21-hour power cuts due to low water levels at Lake Kariba, a result of severe droughts and climate change. The hydropower plant, a major electricity source for both Zambia and Zimbabwe, is affected by reduced water storage. Both countries are exploring energy diversification, including solar and coal projects, to address the energy deficit. The Batoka Gorge Hydro project is planned to increase hydropower capacity. Experts emphasize the need for improved water management and regional cooperation to mitigate the impact of droughts on energy supply.

Zambia is set to shut down its hydropower plant on Lake Kariba due to critically low water levels caused by climate change-induced droughts. The lake, shared with Zimbabwe, has seen its live water storage drop to just 8%, leading to severe energy shortages in both countries. Zambia's power deficit is projected to increase, prompting the country to explore diversifying its energy mix, including plans for a new coal power plant. Experts emphasize the need for renewable energy to ensure a reliable power supply, especially for Zambia's copper mines. The situation highlights the broader impact of climate change on energy and water resources in southern Africa.

Zambia and Zimbabwe are experiencing severe energy shortages due to low water levels in Lake Kariba, a key source of hydropower, exacerbated by climate change-induced droughts. Zambia faces 21-hour power cuts as its hydropower plant is set to shut down, while Zimbabwe struggles with reduced power generation. Both countries are exploring energy diversification, including solar and coal projects, to address the crisis. Despite challenges, hydropower remains central to their energy strategies, with plans for the Batoka Gorge Hydro project. Efforts to diversify energy sources include significant solar investments and coal power expansion, highlighting the complex balance between clean energy goals and immediate energy needs.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has lifted a 20-year moratorium on the death penalty, leading to a surge in death sentences, particularly targeting members of the security forces and political dissidents. The decision, justified by the government as a measure to combat treason and urban terrorism, has been met with strong opposition from human rights organizations, which argue it violates the right to life and fails to address the root causes of violence. Critics, including Amnesty International and the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria, view the move as a regression in human rights progress. The DRC's decision has raised concerns about the fairness of trials and the potential for political persecution, with notable figures like Corneille Nangaa and members of Joseph Kabila's party facing death sentences. The article underscores the broader implications of this policy shift on the country's human rights landscape.

The Lemba community in Zimbabwe is experiencing a Jewish renaissance, led by figures like Modreck Maeresera, as they seek to reconnect with their Jewish roots. This movement gained momentum in the mid-1990s, bolstered by DNA research confirming their Jewish ancestry. The community has established several Jewish congregations and celebrates traditional Jewish holidays, aided by the U.S.-based organization Kulanu. Despite progress, challenges remain, including social pressures and the need for food sovereignty amidst climate change impacts. The Lemba continue to strive for cultural preservation and religious observance in a predominantly non-Jewish society.

Southern African countries, including Namibia and Botswana, are turning to wildlife culling to address severe hunger exacerbated by a prolonged drought affecting the region. Namibia plans to cull 700 animals, including elephants, to provide meat for vulnerable communities, while Botswana has extended its trophy hunting season to manage its large elephant population and provide food. Zimbabwe is considering similar measures to alleviate hunger and manage human-wildlife conflict. The drought has led to significant food shortages, with millions facing starvation and children living in food poverty. Wildlife management strategies aim to balance ecological needs with community nourishment.

The Anglican Church in Mozambique is moving to oust Archbishop Carlos Matsinhe over his alleged involvement in rigging the October 11 local elections, which were marred by widespread fraud benefiting the ruling FRELIMO party. The opposition RENAMO party successfully contested the results, leading to violent protests and a revised outcome by the Constitutional Council. Matsinhe's actions have drawn severe criticism from religious and political figures, including calls for his resignation. The controversy has also implicated other religious leaders, highlighting deep political and social tensions in Mozambique.