Double Climate Remedial Efforts, Nigeria Urges Global Leaders
No commentsNigeria has told the world to double its efforts to manage global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in order to minimise the impact of climate change.
By Michael Simire
Mr. Chuka Odom, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Environment, Housing and Urban Development, made the appeal while addressing the high-level segment of the UN climate change conference in the Polish city of Poznan . “Nigeria is of the opinion that if we double our efforts in managing our carbon dioxide emissions now, we may be able to limit the effects of climate change to levels that we can adapt to, especially in the African region,’’ he said.
Odom said Nigeria would particularly want the developed countries to double their attempts to come up with a technology-based action programme under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
He said energy was central to sustainable development and poverty reduction efforts as it affected all aspects of development, social, economic, and environmental.
“It is sad to note that most of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) may not be met at the target date without major improvement in the quality and quantity of energy services in developing countries,’’ he added.”Nigeria wishes to call upon Annex 1 partners [industrialised countries committed to cutting their GHG emissions] to speed up measurable and verifiable efforts in technological solutions to climate change through energy efficiency and technology transfer, which could be the green solution to the present global financial meltdown.
“We urge the speedy conclusion of discussions on issues of carbon capture and storage which will enhance and improve the efforts of developing countries to reduce their emissions and supply much-needed sustainable development through Clean Development Mechanism projects,’’ he said.
Odom said that for the battle of advocating a low carbon economy to be won, it should commence with a comprehensive and sustained awareness programme that was institutionally coordinated.
“Towards this end, Nigeria plans to establish the first ever International Green Hall of Fame and International Center for Climate Change (ICCC) – where companies, countries and citizens with low/neutral carbon footprints will be redeemed, rewarded and celebrated,’’ he said.”It is against this backdrop that Nigeria is planning a joint initiative of moving at least 20 per cent of the nation’s populace, within four years, to renewable energy programmes.’’
The minister said Nigeria has concluded plans to begin the programme with an energy-saving strategy and energy-efficient system in a CDM-financed programme, where all aspects of renewable energy initiatives, such as solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, and small hydro, will be encouraged nationwide.
“This will increase the bottom line of bankable CDM projects and enhance our national sustainable livelihood,’’ he added.
