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The Nature Newspaper, 48 Siaka Stevens Street, Sierra Leone, West Africa, Freetown (2026)

16/01/2026

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Are We Environmentally Safe?

16/01/2026

Cold weather and data centres drive up US greenhouse gas emissions

By: Matt McGrath

A very cold start to 2025 and the growing power demands of data centres and cryptocurrencies saw US emissions of planet-warming gases rise for the first time in three years, a new analysis shows. Last year homes burned more gas for heating while the use of coal surged by 13% to meet rising electricity demands, the data finds. Although solar power also shot up last year, overall, greenhouse gas emissions went up by 2.4% after two years of decreases, outpacing the level of economic growth, according to estimates from the Rhodium Group. The authors say the policies of the Trump administration didn't "meaningfully impact" the rise in emissions but they expect this to change in the coming years.

In the colder parts of the United States, most homes rely on natural gas and other fossil fuels for their heating. The low temperatures experienced in early 2025 saw consumption of these fuels increase by nearly 7% compared with the previous year. Extra electric power was also needed by the boom in data centres and cryptocurrency mining operations in places like Texas and the Ohio Valley region. The rising demand for power combined with the higher cost of gas was behind the 13% surge in US coal use last year.

That was in marked contrast to both India and China, where coal use for electricity dropped 3% and 1.6% respectively as both countries added record amounts of wind and solar energy, according to an analysis for the website, Carbon Brief. "The grid decided to meet that additional load this year, in part with renewables, in part with fossil but because of higher natural gas prices, there was some fuel switching that saw marginally more coal than there was in 2024," said Michael Gaffney, from Rhodium Group, the report's lead author.

Other observers see the high price of gas in the US as closely related to continuing large exports of gas to the rest of the world. "Higher natural gas prices means that finally, coal, which had been kind of driven to extinction by low natural gas prices, well [gas is] now so expensive that coal's worthwhile again," said Jesse Lee, from Climate Power, a US-based environmental campaign group. "And that's what is allowing coal to make this comeback." Since 2007 coal power generation in the US has shrunk by 64%, with last year's rise only the second in the last decade.

Last year also saw a slowdown in the rate of coal plant retirements, as electricity companies delayed closures to meet demands. So is 2025 the start of the revival of coal? "It's more than just a blip," said Michael Gaffney. "This is a response to the demand growth in the sector, a lot of it is coming from data centres, cryptocurrency operations, other large load customers, and that demand growth is here to stay." Solar power also experienced a major growth spurt in the US last year, rising by 34%, the fastest rate since 2017. Transport in the US, by road, rail and air remains the largest source of warming gases, with road traffic volumes increasing for the fifth year in a row.

However, emissions from this sector were virtually flat in 2025 due to increasing numbers of hybrid and electric vehicles on the roads. Hybrids, in particular, showed strong growth, up 25% compared to 2024. While President Trump has been forceful in his determination to rollback the climate-related policies of his predecessor, and to boost US extraction of fossil fuel, Rhodium analysts who carried out this report say those changes made little difference in 2025. Some others disagree.

"There is a data centre explosion, that is somewhat independent of Trump," says Lee, of Climate Power. "You could argue maybe his policies haven't all kicked in full blast yet, but I don't think you can really divorce his natural gas exports and his blind support of AI and data centres from this dynamic that's driving up emissions."

16/01/2026

Israeli settlers consume seven times more water than Palestinians

By: Mohammad Mansour and Givara Budeiri

In the eastern occupied West Bank, the al-Auja spring has flowed for centuries, serving as one of the largest and oldest water basins in Palestine. But Palestinian families who have relied on it for generations say Israeli settlers are effectively stealing the water, creating a crisis that experts are calling “water apartheid“. An Israeli settlement outpost now stands between the villagers of al-Auja and their water source. Residents report that settlers have fenced off the area and installed pumps that siphon water directly from the aquifer, leaving Palestinian pipes dry.

“The settlers banned us,” Salama Kaabneh, the mukhtar (chief) of the Kaabneh clan, told Al Jazeera Arabic’s Givara Budeiri. “There is a motor pulling water from the same basin … 800 metres [2,625 feet] deeper than the spring’s opening.” In an interview with Al Jazeera, Jad Isaac, director of the Applied Research Institute-Jerusalem (ARIJ), revealed the staggering scale of inequality created by Israeli military control over water resources. “The Israeli settler consumes approximately seven times the amount of water a Palestinian citizen gets,” Isaac said.

“The Palestinian individual’s share does not exceed 80 litres [21 gallons] per day,” he explained, noting that in some marginalised communities, that drops to below 15 litres [4 gallons] – “far below the global minimum recommendation of 100 litres per day”. This inequality is visible from the sky. Drone footage obtained by the Reuters news agency reveals withered, brown Palestinian greenhouses sitting adjacent to lush, green settlement agriculture that thrives on the seized water. With their natural springs seized or blocked, Palestinians have fallen into what Isaac describes as a “trap” set by the Oslo Accords.

“Israel refused to negotiate on Palestinian water rights … replacing the issue by demanding Palestinians submit their needs to the Israeli side, which then sells it to them,” Isaac said. He noted that the Palestinian Authority is now forced to purchase more than 100 million cubic metres (26 billion gallons) of water annually at market price from Israeli companies—effectively buying back their own natural resources. Isaac said that under military orders, Israel has taken “full control” of water sources, citing recent moves to establish a “crimson wall” in the northern Jordan Valley to further separate Palestinian communities from their agricultural lands.

‘Slow displacement’ Rights groups warn that this engineered thirst is a strategic method to force Palestinians to abandon their homes. According to data provided by ARIJ to Al Jazeera, more than 56 water springs in the West Bank have been subjected to repeated settler attacks or takeovers. “The seizure of springs … indicates a clear shift from merely controlling resources to using water as a direct pressure tool on the population,” Isaac warned. “Many families are pushed into internal or external migration due to the loss of livelihoods, which constitutes a slow displacement of rural Palestinian communities.”

‘We have returned to the wells’ The seizure of water resources appears to have explicit backing from the Israeli government. In a video circulating widely online, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has praised settlers for taking physical control of the springs. “I see the results of your wonderful work. We have returned to the water wells and regained control over all these areas,” Smotrich is heard saying in the viral clip.

“It is a pleasure to tour here. You are heroes; keep up your work.” While the minister cheers, Palestinian infrastructure is being dismantled. “Israel prevents Palestinians from building dams to collect rainwater and imposes restrictions on work in Area C,” Isaac noted, adding that the separation wall alone has isolated 31 Palestinian artesian wells.

16/01/2026

UN in Sierra Leone Joins Call to Observe National Remembrance Day on January 18

The United Nations in Sierra Leone has formally joined the national call to observe National Remembrance Day on January 18, following a Presidential Proclamation designating the date for reflection and national unity. As part of the commemoration activities, the Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), Mrs. Sally Samai, on Wednesday symbolically pinned white ribbons—representing peace, remembrance, and national cohesion—on the UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Seraphine Wakana, as well as Heads of UN Agencies operating in the country.

The symbolic gesture took place ahead of the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) meeting at the UN House, Fourah Bay Close, Main Motor Road, Wilberforce, underscoring the UN’s collective commitment to peacebuilding, reconciliation, and the preservation of national memory. Speaking through the ceremony, Mrs. Samai emphasized the importance of National Remembrance Day as a moment for Sierra Leoneans to honor past sacrifices, reflect on the nation’s journey, and renew commitments to peace, unity, and social cohesion. She noted that the white ribbon serves as a powerful symbol of collective responsibility to safeguard peace and prevent a recurrence of past conflicts.

The UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Seraphine Wakana, welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed the United Nations’ continued support to the Government and people of Sierra Leone in advancing peace, national cohesion, and inclusive development. She described the observance as a vital reminder of the shared duty to uphold dialogue, tolerance, and mutual respect. The observance of National Remembrance Day forms part of broader national efforts to promote healing, strengthen democratic values, and foster long-term stability across Sierra Leone.

16/01/2026

New Filling Station Opens in Bo

By Dadson A Musa

Along Bo/Taiama highway in the city of Bo, a new filling station has been opened. On Sunday, 11th January 2025, at Gbaima road junction, a new filling station, named Lugbu Investment opened amid pomp and pageantry. The filling station is going to encompass saloon, super market, gym among others. It has been built to state- of- the - art standard and is " one of a kind."

Owned by Ing. Mohamed Amara the occasion was graced by the mayor of Bo, Kobba Musa, fire force head, dignitaries and other friends and family members. In his speech a circle of friendly members referred to as " conclave," said " we are supportive of business like this because it is going to create jobs for youths and add to the improvement of Bo city's infrastructure." On his part the mayor of Bo city, Kobba Musa said that he is " glad a filling station of this nature is built on his watch and the council is going to source revenue from its running."

In his statement on the opening of the fuel station the CEO, Ing. Mohamed Amara he is opening the filling station " to forster a business climate in the city of Bo to provide services to the residents of Bo city." From a humble beginning the engineer has made a name for himself as a top business man in Sierra Leone.

Representing the Petroleum Regulatory Agency, Ahmed Kaikai who is the regional PRO said that the " days of black- marketing in fuel sales is over as there is constant supply of petrol and diesel in filling stations across the country now under the leadership of Brima Baluwa Koroma." Climaxing the occasion was the cutting of the tape and the giving of the vote of thanks by the wife of the CEO.

16/01/2026

President Bio Charts New Course to Secure Sierra Leone’s Mineral Wealth

The Mineral Wealth fund (MWF) to be wound up as the Government moves toward a stronger Sovereign Wealth Fund; the State retains full ownership of Tonkolili North Freetown, Sierra Leone — President Julius Maada Bio has taken decisive action to strengthen national control over Sierra Leone’s mineral resources, directing the orderly wind-up of the Mineral Wealth Fund Sierra Leone Limited (MWFSL) and initiating a transition toward a more robust, nationally anchored sovereign wealth framework designed to secure lasting benefit for the people of Sierra Leone.

Under policy directives issued from State House this week, the President has ordered the termination of the existing corporate and contractual arrangements associated with the MWFSL, including its participation in the Tonkolili North Iron Ore project under the current framework. The government has made clear that these decisions do not alter the ownership or ultimate management of the Tonkolili North asset, which remains fully vested in the State through the Sierra Leone Mines and Minerals Development and Management Corporation (SLMMDMC).

The asset remains held in trust for the people of Sierra Leone. A Strategic Reset, not a Retreat Officials have emphasised that the President’s action represents a strategic reset—not an abandonment—of Sierra Leone’s sovereign wealth ambitions. “This is a change of vehicle, not a change of vision,” a senior government official said. “The President is ensuring that Sierra Leone’s mineral wealth is managed through a structure that is transparent, cost-effective, and firmly aligned with the national interest.”

A policy review by the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources concluded that the existing Mineral Wealth Fund framework was no longer best suited to advance Sierra Leone’s long-term economic and governance objectives. The review cited concerns regarding governance architecture, efficiency, transparency, and integration with national fiscal policy. Tonkolili North: State Ownership Preserved As part of the directive, the MWFSL has been instructed to end all further participation in the Tonkolili North Integrated Mining and Infrastructure Project under its Framework and Supplementary Agreements with China Overseas Engineering Company (COVEC).

The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice has also been directed to terminate the associated management services agreement. Crucially, Government officials stress that these actions do not diminish Sierra Leone’s ownership or sovereign control over the Tonkolili North resource. The President has directed that a competitive bidding process be undertaken to identify a suitable development partner for the asset, while a project company or special-purpose vehicle, established under the chairmanship of the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, will advance the project on behalf of the State and under the continued authority of the SLMMDMC.

Toward a Stronger Sovereign Wealth Fund Looking ahead, the Government will move to establish a Sierra Leone Sovereign Wealth Fund (SLSWF) as the country’s apex investment vehicle. The proposed fund will be legally grounded, professionally governed, and aligned with international best practice, including the Santiago Principles. Unlike the existing arrangement, the new framework is expected to be more closely integrated with Sierra Leone’s public financial management system, support economic stabilisation, and ensure disciplined savings for future generations, alongside carefully governed investments that support national development.

The Ministry of Mines’ memorandum underscores a core national reality: Sierra Leone’s mineral resources are finite. Once extracted, they cannot be replaced. The State’s responsibility is therefore to convert this wealth into enduring assets that continue to serve the nation long after the minerals are gone. A Patriotic Commitment to National Benefit Government officials have framed the President’s decision as an act of patriotic stewardship and national responsibility. “Sierra Leone’s minerals belong to Sierra Leoneans,” one official said.

“They must be managed transparently, responsibly, and in a way that strengthens national sovereignty and long-term prosperity. This transition is about ensuring that our wealth works for our people—now and in the future.” The wind-up of the existing fund will proceed in accordance with applicable law, while work continues on the design and legal establishment of the new sovereign wealth framework. Further details will be communicated in due course. For now, the message from State House is unambiguous: Sierra Leone is retaining full ownership of its strategic mineral assets, strengthening national oversight, and reaffirming its commitment to ensure that the country’s natural wealth delivers lasting benefit for generations yet unborn.

16/01/2026

SILPHIA 2026: Sierra Leone Steps Forward in the Fight Against HIV

From January 13th to 20th, 2026, the Government of Sierra Leone, through the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), convened a seven-day Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown. This workshop marked the official launch of preparations for the Sierra Leone Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment (SILPHIA 2026), a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening the country’s HIV response. I had the privilege of attending this workshop, which brought together a diverse group of professionals committed to advancing public health in Sierra Leone.

SILPHIA 2026 is a cross-sectional, household-based, sub-nationally representative survey focused on the Western Area Urban and Western Area Rural Districts. Its mission is to generate high-quality, locally relevant data on HIV-related health indicators to inform policy and improve health outcomes. The NPHA serves as the principal investigator for SILPHIA 2026, with technical and operational support from ICAP at Columbia University. This collaboration was made possible through the leadership and vision of the Honorable Minister of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Austin Demby, whose advocacy and strategic engagement with global health partners helped secure the resources and partnerships necessary to launch this critical survey.

The survey will focus on several key areas, including HIV prevalence and viral load suppression (VLS), CD4 T-cell count distribution among people living with HIV (PLHIV), HIV-related risk behaviors and prevention practices, and the uptake of HIV care and treatment services. It will employ a two-stage cluster sampling design, selecting 4,445 households and targeting approximately 12,240 adults aged 15 years and older. Of these, an estimated 11,798 individuals will participate in interviews, and 10,166 are expected to provide blood samples for HIV testing and biomarker assessment.

Participants in the survey will provide information on a range of topics, including demographics and marital status, reproductive history (for women), antenatal care and prevention, male circumcision, sexual activity and HIV-related risk behaviors, and their HIV testing history, care, and treatment experiences. This comprehensive dataset will empower policymakers and health administrators to better understand the HIV epidemic and design more effective, evidence-based interventions. Since 2015, Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (PHIA) surveys have been conducted in over a dozen countries across Southern, Eastern, and West Africa, as well as Haiti.

These surveys have provided the first population-level estimates of HIV incidence, viral load suppression, pediatric HIV prevalence, and antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage. By joining this global effort, Sierra Leone ensures its HIV response is guided by robust data and aligned with international best practices. The primary objective of SILPHIA 2026 is to estimate the sub-national prevalence of HIV viral load suppression. Secondary objectives include estimating sub-national HIV prevalence, measuring CD4 T-cell counts among PLHIV, assessing HIV-related risk behaviors, knowledge, and attitudes, identifying behavioral and demographic determinants of HIV prevalence, examining exposure to, uptake of, and barriers to HIV-related services, and tracking progress toward achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets.

Countries such as Botswana, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, eSwatini, Ethiopia, Haiti, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have all implemented PHIA surveys. Sierra Leone now proudly joins this collective effort, ensuring its HIV response is data-driven, evidence-based, and globally connected. SILPHIA 2026 is more than a survey; it’s a turning point. By combining rigorous science with community engagement, and under the stewardship of national leadership, Sierra Leone is taking bold steps toward ending the HIV epidemic and achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets.

16/01/2026

SLMA Hosts UKHO and IHO to Boost Safer Navigation and Port Operations

The Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) has hosted a high-level working visit by officials of the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) and the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen hydrographic capacity, enhance navigational safety, and support efficient port operations in Sierra Leone. The visit, which took place from January 12 to 13, 2026, was aimed at advancing the country’s national hydrographic agenda and improving the safety of navigation within Sierra Leone’s maritime domain.

The engagement served a dual strategic purpose. First, it provided an opportunity for the UKHO to review progress on the implementation of Sierra Leone’s Hydrographic Action Plan (HAP)—a nationally endorsed roadmap jointly developed following the National Hydrographic Governance Workshop hosted by SLMA and facilitated by UKHO in March 2025. Secondly, the visit enabled the IHO to assess pathways and requirements for Sierra Leone’s prospective membership of the global hydrographic body.

Welcoming the delegation, the Executive Director of SLMA, Dr. Daniel Kaitibi, emphasized the critical importance of hydrography in ensuring safe navigation, protecting the marine environment, and supporting port development and maritime trade. He acknowledged the longstanding technical support provided by the UKHO and underscored the value of sustained collaboration with both UKHO and IHO in building national hydrographic capacity. Dr. Kaitibi further reaffirmed the Government of Sierra Leone’s commitment to pursuing membership of the International Hydrographic Organization, noting that accession would significantly enhance national capacity, improve compliance with international standards, and strengthen the country’s integration into the global maritime safety framework.

Representing the IHO, Dr. John Nyberg highlighted the importance of coastal States leveraging modern hydrographic technologies and institutional cooperation to meet their international obligations. He stressed the value of regional and international collaboration in hydrographic data management and capacity building, particularly for developing coastal States such as Sierra Leone. Speaking on behalf of the Administration, the Deputy Executive Director of SLMA, Mr. Emmanuel B. A. Lansana, expressed appreciation to the UKHO and IHO teams for their continued engagement and support.

He reaffirmed SLMA’s resolve to fully utilise the outputs of hydrographic surveys and governance processes to enhance maritime safety, navigational systems, and port operations. A major highlight of the visit was a technical working session of the Seabed Mapping Committee (SMC) held on the second day. The SMC—established as a direct outcome of the Hydrographic Action Plan—brings together key maritime stakeholders, including SLMA, the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA), the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR), the Office of National Security (ONS), the Sierra Leone Navy, the National Minerals Agency (NMA), the Sierra Leone Meteorological Department, the Sierra Leone United Boat Owners Association, the University of Sierra Leone, and other relevant institutions.

During the session, the UKHO delegation presented updates on improvements made to Sierra Leone’s nautical charts using available survey data. The engagement reinforced the Committee’s role as the national coordination platform for seabed mapping and hydrographic data governance. The UKHO team emphasized the importance of collecting hydrographic data that meets International Hydrographic Organization standards and sharing such data with the Primary Charting Authority (PCA) to enable the production of up-to-date navigational charts. This, they noted, is critical to enhancing navigational safety and protecting the marine ecosystem. The Committee also deliberated on mechanisms to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and capacity development.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Lansana commended members of the Seabed Mapping Committee for their dedication and encouraged sustained engagement, stressing that consistent reporting and coordination would be vital to the successful implementation of the Hydrographic Action Plan. He also praised the UKHO for the updated nautical charts and its continued commitment to strengthening the technical capacity of the Committee. As part of the visit, the delegation paid a courtesy and technical visit to the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority, where discussions focused on the application of hydrographic data to port operations, navigational safety within port limits, and ongoing port infrastructure development—underscoring the importance of coordinated planning among maritime institutions.

16/01/2026

EPA Unveils National Strategy to Bridge Environmental and Health Data Gaps

By Abass Mahmoud Sillah Jr

Sierra Leone continues to face a major national challenge in the availability, quality, and reliability of data—particularly environmental and health data—an issue that significantly undermines effective policymaking and governance. Speaking on the matter, Mohamed Abdullahi Kamara, Manager of Chemicals Control at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), described data gaps as “timely, essential, and critical” challenges confronting the country. “Data remains one of the biggest constraints we face as a nation—not only environmental data, but also health data,” Kamara said.

“The environment is the reservoir of many health and animal-related issues, and without credible data, policy interventions become ineffective.” To address these challenges, Kamara disclosed that the EPA in 2024 developed a Transformation Strategy anchored on a 3×6 framework, comprising three thematic areas supported by six strategic enablers. The selected thematic areas are climate change, environmental health and safety, and natural resource governance. According to Kamara, the selection of these themes was deliberate and aligned with the three global planetary crises: climate change, chemical pollution, and biodiversity loss.

“At the center of all three crises is chemical pollution,” he explained. “Chemical pollution fuels climate change through greenhouse gas emissions and contributes significantly to biodiversity loss. Mining activities—especially artisanal and small-scale gold mining—often involve hazardous chemicals that contaminate soil and ecosystems, leading to long-term environmental degradation.” Under the Environmental Health and Safety pillar of the strategy, the EPA established a major institutional driver—the Center for Environmental Data and Statistics. The center operates through three key interfaces, one of which is the National Pollution Inventory (NPI), launched last year with the participation of institutions including the National Public Health Agency (NPHA).

The National Pollution Inventory captures data on all sources of pollution across Sierra Leone and feeds into a publicly accessible online platform. Its primary output will be the development of a National Pollution Prevention Plan (NPPP), which will guide government institutions in formulating evidence-based environmental and health policies. “A policy without credible data cannot speak and cannot be implemented effectively,” Kamara emphasized. He cited the successful regulation of lead content in paints as a practical example of data-driven policymaking.

“We first conducted a national assessment, gathered credible data, and then developed the regulation. That is how effective policy should work,” he said. Kamara noted that the initiative is designed to benefit multiple institutions, including the EPA, NPHA, National Minerals Agency (NMA), and other relevant stakeholders. “At the EPA, collaboration is not optional—it is a core mandate enshrined in our Act,” he said. “Strong partnerships are essential for success.” He added that the achievements recorded by the NPHA over the past two years demonstrate the value of effective inter-agency collaboration. He concluded by reaffirming the EPA’s commitment to strengthening the link between environmental data and public health outcomes through coordinated national action.

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