More awareness needed to phase out fossil fuel — Expert

Mr Thomas Akaakaa-Terkimbi, Managing Director, Akasco Productions Ltd, has urged the Federal Government to create more awareness, involve grassroots and strengthen disaster preparedness plans to phase out fossil fuels.

Akaakaa-Terkimbi, who is also a climate change expert, spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.

According to him, Nigeria also needs to strengthen social protection programmes, enhance infrastructure resilience and encourage behavioural changes at state and community levels.

“Nigeria, like many countries, is already experiencing the effects of climate change, and will need to take steps to adapt to the challenges that come with it.

“During the recently concluded COP28 in Dubai which rounded off with an agreement on fossil fuels, UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, stressed that limiting global heating to 1.5°C would be impossible without the phase-out of fossil fuels.

“It is important to note that these efforts must be made with an understanding of the social, economic, and political context of Nigeria; so, this is not a simple issue; but it is one that must be addressed.

“The transitioning away from fossil fuels, the substances that cause climate change may not be such an easy journey in Nigeria and for Nigerians because Nigeria still needs a level of awareness raising and behavioural changes.

“Especially at the local level, these campaigns could be carried out through the traditional media like television, radio and Newspapers as well as the social media and other digital platforms.

“One thing the Nigerian Government can do is to launch public awareness campaigns about the risks of climate change, and how individuals can make a difference.

“Government can partner with community organization and NGOs to raise awareness and encourage behavioral change at the local level.’’

He said that the Nigerian Government could strengthen education on climate change by including climate change in the school curriculum, and by providing training for teachers and other educators on how to effectively teach on climate change.

“In addition, the government should support the development of climate change-related research, and encourage collaboration between universities, Government agencies, and the private sector to develop innovative solutions ’’he said.

NAN / Foluke Ibitomi