International Energy Agency (IEA) has said that nuclear energy is set to make a global comeback in view of an increasing electricity demand.
Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA)
This is according to a study released on Thursday, January 16, 2025, by the agency.
Interest in nuclear energy is greater than it has been since the oil crisis of the 1970s, with more than 40 countries seeking to expand nuclear energy, the IEA report said.
The increase in demand for electricity is not only coming from traditional sectors such as industry, but also from new areas such as electric cars, data centres, and to power artificial intelligence.
According to the IEA, electricity generation from the global fleet of almost 420 reactors will reach a new peak this year.
“It’s clear today that the strong comeback for nuclear energy that the IEA predicted several years ago is well underway, with nuclear set to generate a record level of electricity in 2025.’’
IEA Executive Director, Fatih Birol, made this known.
“In addition to this, more than 70 gigawatts of new nuclear capacity is under construction globally, one of the highest levels in the last 30 years.
“More than 40 countries around the world have plans to expand nuclear’s role in their energy systems.’’
Birol pointed to small modular reactors in particular as offering “exciting growth potential.’’
Nuclear power accounts for almost 10 per cent of global electricity generation and the second-largest source of low-emission electricity after hydropower.
The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has said that the UN is assisting nearly 100 developing countries with their climate action plans ahead of the pivotal COP30 in Brazil later this year.
UN Secretary-General, António Guterres
The 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) will be held in Brazil from Nov 10 to 21, 2025.
Guterres said this in New York in his traditional New Year address to the General Assembly.
He promised a special stocktaking event to keep the 1.5℃ target within reach.
Referencing the infernos engulfing the canyons of Los Angeles, the UN chief said everyday people worldwide are suffering the deadly effects of a warming planet and extreme weather.
But here too, there is a huge opportunity to reverse the damage and build on climate action such as renewable energy growth, a commitment to net zero and national plans to cut emissions.
The UN chief underscored positive developments on climate action that reflect the commitment of the United Nations to combating global warming, as the world now invests almost twice as much in clean energy as it does in fossil fuels.
Also a measure of how much socio-economic progress has been made in line with UN values, Guterres noted that “in much of the world, girls have achieved parity in education.
On health matters, moreover, “more children are surviving today than ever before,” he insisted, before adding that HIV infections “continue to dramatically decline, along with malaria mortality rates”.
He described the UN as “a force of construction” that is always strengthening how it works and delivers, proving the maxim that global problems need global solutions.
But there can be no illusions that action or inaction has “unleashed a modern-day Pandora’s Box of ills,” he continued, highlighting protracted wars, inequality, the climate crisis and “out of control technology.”
Guterres, however, called for negotiators who are reportedly close to a deal on a Gaza ceasefire to finalise the deal. Throughout the whole Middle East “we must deny extremists a veto over a peaceful future,” he said.
He announced he would be travelling to Lebanon later in the day, emboldened by the positive developments there in recent weeks that could see Israelis and Lebanese forge a new and lasting era of peace and security.
The UN chief highlighted conflict in Ukraine, Sudan, the Sahel and Haiti.
“Inequalities can be beaten,” he said boldy, starting with accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through multilateral reform on all fronts.
He said the scourge of discrimination and hate speech was also fuelling inequality, demonstrating the need to strengthen “communities of belonging”:
“This is even more crucial as guardrails around social media platforms are being dismantled, allowing disinformation and hate speech to run rampant.
The secretary-general said the technology revolution in 2025 also offers “unprecedented opportunities” but needs careful stewardship and a commitment to equal access for all.
Rapid and decisive action must be taken across the UN to ensure a level playing field including the setting up of an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI – without delay.
Secondly, governance of Artificial Intelligence must protect human rights while also promoting innovation. Third, developing countries must be supported so AI can be leveraged for sustainable development, he said.
“Humanity’s hand must be firmly in control” of the tech revolution, he added, with every nation helping to shape AI to advance human progress, equality and dignity.
He further noted that the Pandora myth includes one often overlooked detail. After the box was opened unleashing its horrors, there was one thing left inside – hope.
“We must never lose sight of hope.
“And we will work to lift the lid on that hope through action. To make it real, to help it spread sticking to principles, speaking the truth, never giving up,” Guterres said.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecasted sunshine and haziness across the country from Thursday, January 16 to Saturday, January 18, 2025.
Hazy weather
NiMet’s weather outlook, released on Wednesday, January 15, in Abuja, predicted that the northern regions would experience sunny skies in a hazy atmosphere throughout the forecast period.
NiMet also predicted moderate dust haze in the North Central regions, with horizontal visibility ranging from 2km to 5km during the forecast period.
The agency envisaged southern regions would likely experience a hazy atmosphere with patches of clouds, with early morning fog and mist expected along the coast.
“On Friday, sunny skies with hazy conditions are expected in the northern regions.
“Slight dust haze with good visibility is anticipated over the North Central regions, while the southern parts will continue to experience hazy conditions with early morning fog or mist along the coast.
“For Saturday, NiMet forecasts sunny skies in a hazy atmosphere over the northern and North Central regions.
“The southern regions will see hazy conditions with patches of clouds, along with the possibility of early morning thunderstorms over parts of Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Delta states.
“Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected in Delta, Rivers, Cross River, and Bayelsa states,”it said.
NiMet urged the public to take precautions due to the suspension of dust particles in the air.
“People with respiratory issues, including asthma, are advised to be cautious.
“The agency also warned of strong winds potentially preceding thunderstorms in certain areas and advised the public to follow safety guidelines issued by relevant authorities.
”Airline operators are encouraged to obtain specific weather reports from NiMet for their operations.
“Residents are urged to stay informed through NiMet’s weather updates by visiting their website at www.nimet.gov.ng.”
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved an €8.51 million loan for Senegal’s “Programme to Promote Efficient Lighting Lamps” (PPLEEF), a trailblazing initiative to advance energy efficiency in the country. This marks the Bank’s first fully dedicated demand-side energy efficiency investment project, setting a new benchmark for sustainable development across Africa.
Dakar, Senegal
The PPLEEF initiative is poised to transform energy usage in Senegal, benefiting nearly 700,000 households and 80,000 small businesses across Dakar, Thiès, and Diourbel regions. By replacing outdated incandescent bulbs with modern LED lighting, the project will deliver substantial energy savings, reduce electricity costs, and significantly cut carbon emissions. Central to the initiative is its innovative on-bill financing model, which enables consumers to repay the cost of the new lighting through monthly energy savings. This model ensures the program is both accessible and affordable for all participants.
Jalel Chabchoub, Chief Energy Efficiency Officer in the Renewable and Energy Efficiency Department at the African Development Bank, highlighted the broader significance of the initiative:“The PPLEEF is a milestone for Senegal’s national commitment to sustainable development and universal energy access. This programme will reduce energy demand and consumption during peak hours, and the on-bill financing approach will be used subsequently to introduce more efficient appliances. As the first phase of Senegal’s general lighting programme, PPLEEF will pave the way for a more sustainable energy future not only in Senegal but across Africa.”
Beyond its immediate benefits to Senegal, the PPLEEF is a replicable and scalable model for other African nations. By reducing energy consumption, the programme delays the need for costly investments in new power plants, particularly during periods of peak demand.
“This project will have a positive impact on household and small business budgets by reducing their energy bills,” said Mame Coumba Ndiaye, General Director of Senegal’s Agence pour l’Économie et la Maîtrise de l’Énergie (AEME). “It will relieve the grid with annual electricity savings of more than 189 GWh. These savings will be redirected to reinforce electricity availability and improve access for the population,” she stated.
From 2019 to 2024, the Bank committed approximately $6 billion to energy projects across Africa.
With the launch of the PPLEEF and the momentum of the “Mission 300” initiative, jointly launched by the African Development Bank and the World Bank Group, alongside other partners, Africa is taking significant strides toward closing its energy access gap. These efforts underscore a growing commitment to sustainable development and energy equity across the continent.
Enugu State Government says it has intensified sensitisation of poultry farmers, traders and the general public on the risks associated with the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), known as Bird Flu.
Health workers culling chickens to address Bird Flu outbreak. Photo credit: REUTERS/Tyrone Siu
The government said the action was to educate stakeholders dealing directly on birds on the necessary prevention strategies of bird flu.
Mr. Patrick Nwabueze Ubru, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization made the disclosure in a statement on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, in Enugu.
According Ubru, the Enugu State Government wishes to alert the general public and relevant stakeholders about an outbreak bird flu which has been reported in Kano State.
He said the outbreak had affected various bird species, including layers, ducks, guinea fowl, and turkeys.
“Given the disease’s epidemiology and the current environmental conditions in Nigeria, there is a significant risk of the disease spreading to neighboring states and beyond, if adequate preventive measures are not taken.
“To mitigate this risk and safeguard the poultry industry as well as public health in Enugu State, the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation has directed its Veterinary personnel to increase the implementation of the preventive measures,” he said.
The Commissioner added that awareness, surveillance and monitoring teams had been deployed to closely monitor poultry farms and markets for any signs of HPAI.
He urged all residents to promptly report any unusual bird deaths or symptoms indicative of HPAI to the ministry or any other veterinary personnel available.
“It is the responsibility of the stakeholders to maintain strict biosecurity measures and report any suspicion.
“The Enugu State Government is committed to ensuring the safety of its residents and the sustainability of the poultry sector,” he said.
He, however, called for the cooperation from all stakeholders to essentially prevent the spread of HPAI and protect both human and animal health.
“For further inquiries or to report any suspicious cases, please contact the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation. We appreciate your vigilance and cooperation in this matter,” Ubru said.
In a related development, the Gwale Veterinary Clinic on Wednesday confirmed the outbreak of birds flu in Kano, which killed 32 birds in the area.
The officee in-charge of the clinic, Dr Abdullahi Gaya, made the confirmation in an interview with newsmen in Kano.
Gaya said the Index Case of the disease was first observed on December 7, when a young man brought dead guinea fowl to the clinic.
He said after a presumptive diagnosis of the dead bird, its sample was taken to the National Reference Laboratory in Jos where the disease was confirmed.
Gaya said the guinea fowl died alongside several other birds including chickens and ducks which cohabited at his backyard.
The veterinary doctor advised poultry keepers to always isolate birds newly bought from the market for at least two weeks before mixing them with others in their stocks.
He also advised them to always take their birds to the nearest veterinary clinic when they noticed any sickness among them.
Gaya also advised people to avoid touching dead animals so as to avoid getting infected by some diseases they might carry.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Yusuf, also confirmed the outbreak of the disease.
Yusuf told journalists that the outbreak started when a young man introduced a duck to his stock, leading to the death of 35 out of 50 birds.
He said the outbreak had prompted the state Ministry of Agriculture to take measures to contain its spread.
To prevent further spread, he said, the state Ministry of Agriculture had sealed the affected area, depopulated the remaining chickens and decontaminated the compound.
The commissioner said the Ministry had also decontaminated the premises where live birds are sold at the Janguza market and educated sellers on the effects of bird flu.
“While the situation is under control, residents, especially poultry rearers have been urged to immediately report any suspected case to the authorities,” he said.
The rupture of Europe’s Nord Stream gas pipelines more than two years ago resulted in the planet’s largest human-caused release of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, finds a new study coordinated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Nord Stream gas pipeline
Up to 485,000 tonnes of methane seeped from the pipeline network following a series of explosions under the Baltic Sea in September of 2022. That was more than twice as much as previously thought, the study revealed.
The Nord Stream leak was already viewed as one of the largest human-caused methane releases in history. But the new UNEP analysis, published in the journal Nature, reveals for the first time its true scope.
The leak was nearly five times larger than the world’s previous record holder, a release from the Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility in the United States. Over the short-term, the Nord Stream leak contributed as much to global warming as would have 8 million cars driven for a year, experts say.
“This release was extraordinary in its magnitude but it’s just the tip of the iceberg,” said Manfredi Caltagirone, the head of the UNEP-led International Methane Emissions Observatory, which provides data on methane emissions. “Despite their massive size, the Nord Stream explosions represented just two days’ worth of the global oil and gas industry’s methane emissions. There is an enormous opportunity to address this pollution, which is supercharging the climate crisis.”
Methane, often a byproduct of oil and gas production, causes about one-third of global warming. While it only exists in the atmosphere for about a decade, it is over 80 times more effective at trapping heat than the world’s most common greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide.
Previous studies pegged the Nord Stream leak at anywhere from 75,000 to 230,000 tonnes. The UNEP analysis, coordinated by the International Methane Emissions Observatory, drew on new information to offer a more comprehensive look at the disaster. Researchers used atmospheric data, satellite-based images and marine observations, aerial measurements and engineering estimates to gauge how much methane dissolved into the Baltic Sea and then escaped into the atmosphere.
The analysis included the only on-site airborne measurements collected from the explosions, which were gathered by the German Aerospace Centre and Technische Universität Braunschweig, in Germany.
Nearly 70 scientists from 30 research organizations participated in the study. They concluded the “plausible range” of the Nord Stream leak was anywhere from 445,000 to 485,000 tonnes.
“The observatory’s work showcases that using different observation and estimation tools is essential to enabling the assessment of the magnitude of emissions, a first step towards prioritizing actions to reduce methane emissions,” said Andrea Hinwood, UNEP’s Chief Scientist.
The Nord Stream study is part of a larger UNEP effort to help the world understand and rein in methane emissions. Another part of that push is the Methane Alert and Response System, which uses satellite-based data to chart major methane releases from oil and gas installations. The system then notifies governments and companies about leaks, allowing them to respond.
In addition to this alert system, UNEP’s Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 helps oil and gas companies measure and report their emissions. This is considered essential to managing the sector’s emissions in a systemic way and directing resources where they can have the greatest climate impact.
Methane emissions are rising faster than at any time since the 1980s. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has called on countries to cut releases by at least 30 per cent by 2030 to keep alive the Paris agreement goal of limiting the Earth’s temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
The silver lining: because methane is relatively short lived, slashing emissions can have a rapid impact on global warming, said Caltagirone.
“The Nord Stream explosions remind us of the immediate climate opportunity represented by reducing methane emissions across the oil and gas industry.”
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, assured a global audience in the United Arab Emirates that Nigeria is ready to work with other nations to build a resilient, equitable and sustainable world for all.
President Bola Tinubu
Tinubu said this while speaking on the topic, “From Climate Imperatives into Economic Prosperity: Bridging Africa with the Global Energy Future,” on the second day of the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.
The President declared that no single nation could walk the road to sustainability alone, stressing that global interconnectedness demanded collective action, knowledge sharing and mutual support, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, his spokesman, said in a statement.
“The fight against climate change is not merely an environmental necessity but a global economic opportunity to reshape the trajectory of our continent and the global energy landscape.
“As leaders, stakeholders and citizens of our planet, we stand at a critical juncture in human history. To succeed, we must innovate, collaborate and act decisively as one global community,” Tinubu said.
Reiterating his administration’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, Tinubu assured the audience that the Nigerian government had developed actionable programmes in line with global expectations.
“We have embraced a vision of sustainability that aligns with global aspirations while addressing local realities.
“Our efforts are anchored on three pillars: Energy Transition, Climate Resilience, and Sustainable Development.
“My administration recognises the importance of reducing carbon emissions and a just transition to clean and renewable energy, promoting environmental sustainability and economic growth,” he said.
Tinubu added that Nigeria is developing infrastructure for the widespread use of Compressed Natural Gas and electric vehicles and harnessing the potential in solid minerals to support the green energy transition.
According to him, Nigeria is also implementing climate-smart agricultural practices to enhance food security and lessen its destructive environmental impact.
These, he said, included the introduction of the National Clean Cooking Policy to promote clean energy, environmental and health benefits and socio-economic development in the African region.
Tinubu said the government was working with local communities to implement solutions to mitigate the adverse consequences of the country’s environmental challenges.
He said these challenges – deforestation, desertification, coastal erosion, flooding, and pollution – threatened the livelihoods of millions.
He called on partner countries to collaborate in mobilising resources to tackle these challenges and embrace innovation and technology.
“To promote a Green Economy in Africa, we must focus on integrating sustainable practices in all sectors of our economy.
“These investments are capital intensive and require international support from partner countries, including multinational organisations, development partners and individuals,” he said.
He said Nigeria became the first country in Africa to initiate funding of green projects through Sovereign Green Bond proceeds, the third issuance of which is in progress.
“We urge investors to partner with us in this regard. Our administration remains committed to providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in Nigeria.
“By partnering with global leaders and harnessing the power of technology, we are finding new and innovative ways to address our environmental challenges.
“We have arable agricultural lands for advanced technological farming, including a bright future for Artificial Intelligence,” Tinubu said.
The Lagos State Government has said that it will henceforth demand the mandatory provision of CCTV cameras in buildings of six floors and above as a prerequisite for the issuance of Planning Permits.
Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide
This was made known in Alausa on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide.
According to the Commissioner, “property owners will, as a requirement for Planning Permit, now be mandated to install CCTV cameras in all existing buildings of six floors and above along major roads in the state as well as in all proposed or under construction buildings of six floors and above anywhere in the state”.
He stated further that the initiative would also cover all commercial buildings in Lagos State, which would equally be mandated to provide CCTV cameras as a requirement for their approvals.
Olumide said that the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, approved the initiative to bring about enhanced security and balance public safety with physical planning considerations within the state.
He disclosed that, to ensure consistency and interoperability, the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) would establish standardised specifications for CCTV camera systems and direct regular maintenance and inspection schedules to ensure camera functionality.
The agency will also mandate property owners to always make the footage available to the state security agents on request.
He enjoined all stakeholders to support the initiative, which he said is in tandem with the smart city ideals and the T.H.E.M.E.S.+ Agenda of the Lagos State Government as it is geared towards achieving a livable, organised and sustainable Lagos.
A construction professional, Mr. Ayotunde Bally, has expressed support for the Lagos State Government’s directive requiring installation of Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in buildings with six or more floors.
Bally, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Dembally Ltd., a real estate development company, gave the support in an interview on Wednesday in Lagos.
He described the decision as a positive step, particularly given the security challenges in the country.
According to him, the initiative is very crucial for enhancing safety within residential and commercial buildings.
Bally said: “The new mandatory requirement for property owners to install CCTV cameras in all buildings of six floors and above is a welcome development.
“This is because of the insecurity that is possibly going on the rise as a result of the economic situation in the country.”
Bally said that the requirement should be extended to buildings with fewer than six floors, specifically those housing four or more occupants.
According to him, the CCTV camera installation should be a standard security measure for any building with multiple occupants, regardless of its height, to ensure safety and well-being of the occupants.
“When you have multiple occupants in a building, that bulding essentially should be regarded as a mini-estate; It is important that they have CCTV cameras to protect the occupants of that property.
“Any building that has more than four different occupants in a compound needs to have CCTV cameras installed,” he said.
The President, National Association of Block Moulders of Nigeria, Mr Adesegun Banjoko, said that the directive was not just a security measure, but also the beginning of a broader push for improved security within the state.
He said that the directive could pave the way for implementation of other advanced security technologies and strategies.
Banjoko expressed the hope that the initiative would encourage further investments in security infrastructure and lead to a significant improvement in public safety.
As part of Our Earth Care Initiative, the Safe Earth Care Foundation and Osigwe Anyiam- Osigwe Foundation will host the Nigerian Youth Climate Summit (NYCS), scheduled to take place in Abuja from June 5–6, 2025. The event aims to gather youths from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to ignite Nigeria’s climate-smart socioeconomic development through the skills, innovation and talents of its youths.
Youth agripreneurs during a visit to Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB),
NYCS 2025, themed “Empowering Youths, Transforming Nigeria’s Climate Future”, reflects the urgent need to engage Nigerian youths in climate action, as they are the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and also hold the key to driving sustainable development.
“We are at such a pivotal stage that could make or break the futures of millions of people in Nigeria. The climate crisis compounds other human-made crises such as insecurity, health system failures, and chronic unemployment and underemployment, which disproportionately affect youths of the country. But rather than dwell on crises, it is important to enable and actualise innovation by youths, and usher in a future that provides opportunities to flourish. The Nigerian Youth Climate Summit (NYCS) serves as a platform to facilitate positive change, and Our Earth Care Initiative is keen to work with a spectrum of actors to achieve shared goals,”said Adaudo Anyiam-Osigwe, Executive Director of Our Earth Care Initiative.
The Summit will raise climate awareness, amplify youth voices, and provide platforms to build a climate-resilient future for Nigeria’s young population, which currently makes up 70% of its overall population – the largest in the world.
The Safe Earth Care Foundation and the Osigwe Anyiam-Osigwe Foundation invite all stakeholders, including youth-focused organisations, government agencies, universities and research institutes, private sector entities, and individuals, to support the initiative and advance climate action and sustainable development in the country.
Our Earth Care Initiative seeks to enable the knowledge and tools to address environmental degradation and the climate crisis, and contribute towards sustainable development and a resilient and thriving environment.
“Together, we can empower Nigerian youths to transform the country’s climate future and build a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria for all,” remarked the promoters.
The Government of Taraba State took a somewhat giant step towards effective climate action and sustainable development as it held a stakeholders validation workshop for its climate policy and action plan on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, in Jalingo, the capital city.
Delegates at the validation workshop in Jalingo, Taraba State
The Climate Change Policy and Action Plan which covered all the key sectors using both quantitative and qualitative assessment methods was developed in collaboration with the Society for Plant and Prosperity (SPP) with funding support from the African Climate Foundation (ACF) and the European Climate Foundation (ECF).
The validation workshop marked a significant progress by the state towards improving its climate governance structure and attracting climate finance to implement viable clean projects.
It brought together diverse stakeholders, including state and local government officials, community leaders, civil servants, businesses, civil society organisations, academics, private sector representatives and international partners, who praised the report while also offering valuable feedback to ensure an actionable implementation roadmap.
In his welcome address, the State Director for Climate Change, Ahmed Lazarus, commended the technical team for their diligent work in drafting the policy document. He also thanked the State Governor, Agbu Kefas, and the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Chang, Aishat Barde, for their support, and provision of an enabling environment for climate action.
Delivering her opening remarks, Barde thanked participants for their contributions, stating that stakeholders’ input cannot be overemphasised. She also appreciated the ACF and SPP for selecting Taraba State as a beneficiary of the fund, and for their effort in ensuring that the policy development process captures the voices and needs of the people of Taraba.
Citing the recent wildfires in California, she highlighted the impacts of climate change and warned against the dangers of inaction. Barde also reiterated the state government’s commitment to addressing climate change challenges.
“This document is not just the document of the state Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, but rather a document of the government of Taraba State as it clearly indicated the different sectors where actions need to be implemented towards reducing greenhouse gas emission in the state and achieving sustainable growth. This is both a call for awareness and climate action in Taraba State,” she said.
In his keynote address, the Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, who was represented by the Chairman of the Committee on Environment and Climate Change, Taraba State House of Assembly, Dr. Tafarki Agbadu Eneme, underscored the urgent need for climate action in the state giving its vulnerability, describing the validation of the Policy and Action Plan documents as timely. He said the documents have laid the groundwork for coordinated climate action in the state and reaffirmed the commitment of the Taraba State Government towards mitigating the impact of climate change.
“We must recognise that climate change is not just an environmental issue, it is a multifaceted challenge that affects our economy, health and the future generation. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to addressing these challenges through a robust and actionable climate change policy that aligns with global standards set forth by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Paris Agreement and other international treaty,” he declared.
Professor Emmanuel Oladipo, leader and representative of the technical team, commended Professor Chukwumerije Okereke and Dr Eugene Itua for assembling the team that developed the policy and action plan, and encouraged Taraba State Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to work together to make the success of the policy and action plan document a reality.
He highlighted that the United States of America (USA) is already working hard to prevent the reoccurrence of the California fire disaster, a situation he referenced to show that climate change does not discriminate hence adding that Taraba State must take action.
Professor Okereke, President of SPP, said he was delighted that Taraba State has taken this important step in producing a document that can enable it to coordinate its climate action in ways that addresses local needs and contribute to national and international climate objectives. He urged the Taraba State Government not to see the climate policy as an end itself but a means towards mobilising climate finance and pursing more ambitious climate goals.
After the technical breakout session, participants took the stage to share their recommendations for enhancing the implementation of the policy. These suggestions included aligning the climate change policy with the state’s electricity law, strengthening the state’s capacity to generate renewable energy, and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.
By Elijah Iklaga, Edwin Orugbo and Ugochukwu Uzuegbu
