Kaduna : Experts, CSOs Advocate Whole- Society Approach In Addressing Climate Change

Experts, Journalists, Civil Society Organizations and Government Representatives on Environment at a three day workshop in Kaduna organized by an NGO, Bridge that Gap Initiative want a whole of society approach in addressing environmental and climate change issues in the state.

Presenting a paper at the workshop, the Director General, Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Dr Joseph Daniel Onoja who spoke on the topic,“Climate Science Basics, the Impact of Deforestation” explained that deforestation has severe consequences, to include environmental degradation such as soil erosion, desertification, loss of tree cover and flooding.

According to him, these factors threaten food security, loss of economic resources, increased poverty and migration.

He advocated for enforcement of regulations to the ban on the felling of trees for charcoal production and other purposes, saying the impact can not be over emphasised.

Also speaking, a veteran journalist and publisher of Environs News, Mr. Michael Simire stressed the need for journalists to take environment reporting seriously as statistics has shown that Nigeria lost a significant number of its forests.

He also stressed the need for concrete decisions to ensure enforcement in tackling the issue, which has grave effects on millions of Nigerians.

Simire called on journalists to build a compelling narrative, employ a multi-pronged data strategy, focus on solution journalism, and be guided by ethical principles of the job.

On his part, the representative of the Kaduna State Commissioner of Environment, the Deputy Director of Forestry, Godwin Jaddi Micheal who reaffirmed the state government’s strong recognition of the effects of climate change said the ministry is working hard to prevent impact of human activities on the environment.

He enumerated some steps taken to stop charcoal production, and its sale to include the establishment of forestry guards as well as a law that bans it.

He assured that the ministry would continue to ensure that the law banning the production and sale of charcoal is fully implemented.

On her part, the organiser and a Consortium partner for the Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Change Engagement, PACE, Ms Gloria Kasang Bulus explained that the workshop which is tagged “Women Empowerment and Climate.

Resilience Initiative: Strengthening Journalism and Reporting on Climate Related Issues” was part of a program funded by UK International Development and PACE, being carried out in three Northern states of Kano, Jigawa and Kaduna with the sole aim of addressing environmental and climate change issues affecting the people.

She added that through conscious and collective efforts from all stakeholders, while having in mind the health implications, dangers and the negative impacts of climate change, a lot can be achieved and improved upon for the greater good of the society.

Naomi Anzaku, Edited By Grace Namiji