By Our Reporter
The Minister of the Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, has called on stakeholders in the environmental sector across the country, including Nigerians, to redouble efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and embrace renewable energy.
Balarabe made this call during his speech at the closing ceremony of the 17th meeting of the Council of Environment in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
He highlighted that climate change is threatening ecosystems, livelihoods, and biodiversity, causing environmental degradation that disproportionately impacts marginalized communities and exacerbates inequalities and social injustices.
“We must redouble our efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, embrace renewable energy solutions, and foster sustainable practices across all sectors. Mobilizing more financial inflow for environmental sustainability is essential as it allows for the allocation of resources towards projects and initiatives aimed at protecting and preserving the environment,” Minister Balarabe emphasized.
He further advocated for innovative financing mechanisms such as Green Bonds, Carbon Pricing, and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to generate the resources needed for comprehensive environmental protection and conservation efforts.
“As we convene amidst pressing global challenges, from climate change to biodiversity loss, our duty as custodians of the environment has never been more paramount. Each decision we make within these walls reverberates far beyond, shaping the health and sustainability of our planet for generations to come,” noted Minister Balarabe.
In his address to the council, the Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako, emphasized the urgent need to galvanize more financial windows for environmental sustainability efforts, presenting Nigeria’s comparative advantages to the global community as a contribution to addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
Salako cautioned against losing touch with nature-based solutions, stressing their potential to reduce capital flight and improve livelihoods.
He highlighted Nigeria’s active role in advocating for biodiversity finance globally, urging a dedicated commitment to environmental sustainability for a healthier and cleaner planet Earth.