Climate Crisis: Urgent Action Needed to Address Existential Threat – Expert

He says these environmental challenges have compounded the region’s long-standing issues of insecurity leaving millions of people vulnerable.

Onuigbo  stated this during a paper presentation at the maiden summit on Climate Change and Retreat Organized by the North-East Development Commission  held in Gombe North East Nigeria.

“These impacts have also resulted in forced and hazardous migration, displacement, and competition for scarce resources, which directly exacerbated the perennial security challenges (banditry, insurgency, kidnapping and cattle rustling) in the North East, North West, North Central, and indeed in the entire nation.

“Nigeria is heavily impacted by climate change, and has been battling to adapt due to a number of limitations, which strain available resource interventions. Sadly, women and children are the most vulnerable during these trying times.” He said.

He emphasized the importance of raising awareness on climate issues, particularly among vulnerable groups like women, youth, and the elderly, who are often the most affected.

“While Africa contributes only about 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the continent is disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change,  especially the North-East, is facing devastating effects, from desertification to the drying up of Lake Chad. “

“The impact on agriculture, which sustains the region’s economy, is particularly alarming, with rising food insecurity driving migration and heightening conflicts.” Onuigbo stated.

He also advocated for the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices and renewable energy solutions to boost productivity, generate revenue, and create sustainable livelihoods.

“The North-East’s agricultural potential can be unlocked with the right investments in technology and climate-smart practices, With the world and indeed Nigeria battling with food insecurity, climate-smart agriculture offers a solid opportunity to address the issue of food insecurity and further boost the revenue-base and livelihood options of our people.

“Clear ways in which we can achieve this at the cultivation stage include, training of farmers on climate-smart agricultural practices, provision of improved seedlings; provision of sustainable irrigation sources to offset the challenge of dependence on rain-fed agricultural practices, agroforestry, etc. “ Mr Onuigbo said.

He also pointed out that the North East States have also committed to the Great Green Wall Initiative and the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project.

Mr Onuigbo said that these two projects are strong climate mitigation and adaptation projects, which can play critical roles in the North East.

“In the North East, there have also been a number of commendable actions at the state and LGA levels. For instance, a number of States here, have shown commitment to increased climate actions with Yobe State going as far as having LGA and Ward level climate change focal points.”

“Furthermore, all the States within the region have at one level or the other embarked on climate change-related projects funded directly by the State governments. He said.

According to him, ” a lot of work has been done in repositioning the North East. For this, we must applaud the Federal Government, State Governors, North East Development Commission, LGA heads, public and private sector stakeholders, traditional and religious leaders, community leaders, etc.

Mr Onuigbo, also  commended President Bola Tinubu for making food security a priority in his administration’s agenda and for spearheading efforts toward energy transition and climate change mitigation.

“These have come in the form of the enactment of legal frameworks, policies, development of Action Plans, execution of projects, etc.” He added.