Nigerians Cautioned Against Activities Leading To Climate Change

Nigerians have been urged to desist from activities capable of increasing the high rate of carbon emission which is the major cause of climate change.

The Director General National Council of Climate Change, Dr Salisu Dahiru made the call in Abuja at the 21st Century International Climate Change Development Initiative, ‘NetZero’.

The DG, who was represented by the Principal Scientific Officer of the Agency, Mrs Adesola Effiwatt said the forum was convened to brainstorm with all stakeholders and Civil society Organisations to sustain a healthy environment to improve the quality and life span of all Nigerians.

The Principal Scientific Officer, Mrs Effiwatt explained that climate change is the biggest challenge facing humanity today adding that the 2020-2021 climate change vulnerability index classified Nigeria among the first ten countries faced with the challenge of climate change.

Mrs Effiwatt emphasized that Nigeria is committed to take climate actions through mitigation and adaptation measures and with international support and financing, there would be potential for large emission cut of 47% by 2030.

She emphasized that Nigeria has further adopted several policies, strategies and action plans to set a pathway to carbon neutrality also known as ‘NetZero’.

She added that an awareness campaign to rural communities to educate residents on the need to embrace proper waste management, afforestation, shuning bush burning which is the leading cause of desertification and building along coastal areas should be checked to prevent flood, erosion amongst others.

On his part, the Assistant Director, Climate Change Department, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mr Uwen Jonah Useh who said ‘NetZero’ means cutting greenhouse gas emission to as close to zero emission to prevent dangerous climate change effects called on Civil Society Organizations, to play more active roles in sensitization campaigns especially at the grassroots.

Mr Useh however added that there is an ongoing program on Measuring, Reporting and verification, MRV set up by the United Nations aimed at building capacity on reporting the effects of climate change in Nigeria.

He however gave assurance of the Ministry’s partnership with stakeholders, civil society organizations to ensuring reduction in carbon emission which is the major cause of climate change.

Garry Ochigbo, Edited By Grace Namiji