Environmentalists Call for Effective Utilization of Global Climate Funding

Environmentalists in the Niger Delta region have voiced concerns over the loss and ineffective utilization of global climate change funds.

They argue that to effectively tackle climate change, it is essential to address the root cause by reducing emissions.

These environmentalists are urging the federal government, multinationals, and civil society organizations to take conscious action in addressing climate change challenges in the region.

During a two-day conference on climate change held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the environmentalists emphasized that ending oil exploration and exploitation in the Niger Delta is a crucial solution to combat climate change in the region.

In his paper titled “Loss and Damage in the Context of Global Climate Justice Movement,” Mr. Ken Henshaw, Executive Director of We The People, highlighted the need to pay for environmental damages and put an end to crude oil extraction.

Henshaw stressed that loss and damage in climate change have political and social implications, and the window for finding solutions is closing while the impact remains irreparable.

He described “Loss and Damage” as a concept that recognizes the disproportionate suffering of communities least responsible for causing climate change, with impacts they cannot mitigate or adapt to.

The environmentalists called on the Nigerian government and the people of the Niger Delta to present a document to the UN Committee on Loss and Damages during the upcoming COP28 in Dubai.

They aim to highlight the unique challenges faced by the region, including floods, rising sea levels, damage to farmlands, artifacts, hunger, and displacement of communities.

Henshaw warned that unless emissions are significantly reduced, more countries will experience the devastating effects of climate change and demand climate finance.

He accused oil multinationals of contributing substantial amounts of money to global climate change funding while simultaneously causing environmental damage.

Mr. David Michael, Executive Director of GIFSEF, emphasized the need for a policy framework to address climate change challenges.

He called on stakeholders to advocate for a regional climate action plan through conceptualization, capacity building, visualization, transparency, co-production, and cooperation.

Michael highlighted the potential opportunities that climate change could bring to the region, such as carbon sinks, carbon credits, tourism revenue, the blue economy, and biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction.

In conclusion, the conference, titled “Niger Delta Climate Change: Imperative for Action,” organized by the Lekeh Development Foundation, aimed to draw attention to the impact of climate change on communities in the Niger Delta region.

With fossil fuels being phased out as a dominant energy source, urgent support for climate adaptation and mitigation is needed in the Niger Delta region.