UK calls for more efforts in addressing Climate Change

The UK head of Climate Change and Energy in West Africa, Mr. Sean Melbourn said that it is important that everyone gets involved in efforts towards tackling climate change effectively.

Mr. Melbourn spoke on Voice of Nigeria’s flagship programme “IN THE NEWS” said that around 70percent of Nigerians are dependent on agriculture which is greatly impacted by climate change.

Mr. Melbourn added that the UK is keen to work with Nigeria on how to tackle the local, national and global issues of climate change.

“We are working very closely with the ministry of environment, and other ministries, including the ministry of finance. So for example, one of the arguments and issues that the federal government has raised with us, we need finance to adapt. So at COP26 we responded to it”.

“So we have sponsored a climate finance adviser in the ministry of environment and the ministry of finance so Nigeria can attract the finance it needs to invest in climate change solutions, including support for its farmers. And including support for the great cities such as Lagos which is very vulnerable to flooding unless something is done about that”.

Mr. Melbourn, disclosed that the UK was working in the area of smart agriculture in a programme called “Nigeria Infrastructure Fund” and a flagship programme called “UK Pact” to help support entrepreneurs, the states and the federal government in Nigeria.

He also said that the UK commission is working with the Cross River state government, CSOs and wildlife Conservation Societies to preserve the Cross River National park as one of UN biodiversity hot spots.

“It’s a very special place. The forest provides a huge amount of resources. For us they provide oxygen, of course many plants and trees can provide medicine properties for the local populace and that this precious forest is under threat from illegal logging and international wildlife trade”.

In regards to other states in the country, he noted that there are other programmes providing sustainable agricultural seeds in the North, the climate programme on planning at COP26 in regards to Lagos and programme on sustainable palm products in Edo states in regards to food sustainability.

On COP26, he said the premise of the summit was to emphasise on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions urgently, how to implement the solutions made and how to help poorer countries adapt to climate change.

According to Mr. Melbourn, about 130 trillion dollars was identified and pledged to be moved into sustainable finance for sustainable projects that does not harm the climate.

Dominica Nwabufo