Despite Nigeria’s low contribution to climate change, the country suffers from the adverse impact of climate change such as changes in rainfall patterns, rising sea levels, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and threats to biodiversity loss. The impacts have led to food insecurity, conflicts, unemployment, and a rise in living costs. Climate change has resulted in the loss and damage of lives and properties in our communities.
For COP28, NGYouthSDGs launched “ClimateVoices Nigeria”, a social media live series to engage and educate young people in Nigeria on the critical aspects of climate change, climate education, loss and damage, and climate policy.
As part of the ClimateVoicesNigeria live series, NGYouthSDGs hosted a LinkedIn webinar featuring Aliyu Umar Sadiq, the Executive Director of Ecocykle, who discussed below, the losses and damages caused by climate change.
Climate action is the responsibility of individuals, government, and civil society organizations to reduce and minimize the effects of climate change. The loss and damage occurring in our communities are implications of climate change, including flooding, desertification, and irregular rainfall resulting in migration, insecurity, and conflict, among others.
Although Nigeria has a common issue called climate change, its impact varies in different parts of the country. For instance, in 2022, the southern part of Nigeria (Kogi and Bayelsa) experienced heavy flooding that affected livelihood. A similar incidence happened in some communities in Adamawa, resulting in a massive loss of agricultural produce and resources. The losses and damage caused by climate change and lack of action from individuals are enormous and have led to devastating states of communities.
So, how can an educated community/individual contribute to climate action and advocacy?
We can come in to contribute to climate action as individuals and organizations by strengthening mitigation, which can be carried out by reducing the emission of greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.
Also, by building resilience or adaptation practices such as business owners and companies developing strategies of incorporating ESG or circular economy in other to promote sustainable practices throughout their value chain.
Logistics providers can explore alternative sources to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and minimize emissions.
As individuals, we should start taking steps to reduce our household waste, which contributes to the production of methane.
Organizations can help create employment opportunities in underserved communities through effective waste disposal management and recycling.
