By Abbas Nazil
Stakeholders in the environmental sector have called for urgent and coordinated action to tackle climate change and environmental degradation, stressing that universities must play a leading role in developing practical solutions to the growing crisis.
The call was made during the 2026 World Environment Day celebration organised by Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, where experts, academics and policy advocates warned that the effects of climate change were already threatening ecosystems, livelihoods and economic development across Nigeria.
Speaking at the event themed “Now for Climate,” the Vice-Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, said the theme was a clear call for immediate action rather than a symbolic slogan.
Ezemonye, who also serves as President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Institute of Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria, noted that the Earth’s average temperature had exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, a development he described as alarming.
According to him, the consequences are becoming increasingly evident through more frequent and severe extreme weather events, while ecosystems that support food production, water resources and livelihoods continue to face mounting pressure.
He stated that Nigeria, particularly the Niger Delta region, was already experiencing the combined effects of flooding, deforestation, pollution and other climate-related environmental challenges.
The vice-chancellor emphasized that universities have a unique responsibility as centres of knowledge, innovation and research to generate solutions capable of addressing environmental problems and promoting sustainable development.
He reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to climate action through its Centre for Climate Change and Sustainable Development Goals, which serves as a platform for climate research, advocacy and community engagement.
According to him, researchers and students at the university are actively conducting studies on forest ecosystems, biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, sustainable land use and circular economy practices.
Ezemonye pledged that the university would continue investing in climate-related research and strengthen sustainability commitments across its academic and operational activities.
He also urged students, staff and other stakeholders to deepen research and scholarship in climate science, environmental law, green innovation and sustainability while embracing environmentally responsible practices.
Earlier, the Director of the Centre for Climate Change and Sustainable Development Goals, Prof. Spencer Nwangwu, said the centre was established to transform global environmental concerns into practical local solutions through research, advocacy and community action.
Nwangwu identified flooding, deforestation, environmental pollution and declining agricultural productivity as some of the major environmental challenges confronting Edo State and the Niger Delta region.
He stressed that addressing climate change requires collaboration among governments, academic institutions, businesses, civil society organisations and citizens.
According to him, the centre intends to make the World Environment Day celebration an annual flagship programme capable of generating research outputs, partnerships, policy recommendations and measurable environmental results.
Delivering the keynote address, Executive Director of Health of Mother Earth Foundation, Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, advocated sustainable environmental practices, reduced pollution and stronger support for climate resilience initiatives.
Bassey emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to mitigate climate change through environmental protection, research and sustainable development programmes.
Also speaking, Dr. Wuraola Raji of the Department of Chemical Engineering identified fossil fuel combustion, bush burning and poor waste management practices as major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
She explained that greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane trap heat in the atmosphere, thereby accelerating global warming and disrupting natural climate systems.
Raji warned that rising temperatures are contributing to increased flooding, drought, food insecurity, displacement of communities and environmental degradation.
She called on governments, institutions and individuals to adopt cleaner energy sources, improve waste management systems and support climate mitigation efforts.
The President of the university’s Plastic Waste Management Club, Adegbemi Adaife, highlighted the environmental and health risks associated with plastic waste and open burning.
According to him, burning plastic materials releases toxic substances and microplastics that pose significant threats to both human health and the environment.
He disclosed that the club was promoting plastic waste collection, recycling and environmental awareness campaigns across the campus, with plans to provide dedicated waste collection bins in student hostels.
In a presentation on climate finance, the Director of the Centre for Research, Innovation and Grants, Prof. Georgina Erifeta, encouraged Nigerian universities to take advantage of global climate financing opportunities.
She noted that despite existing funding gaps, substantial resources remain available worldwide for climate mitigation, adaptation, research and resilience-building projects.
A major highlight of the event was the donation of 30 waste bins to the university by SWARM, a project co-funded by the European Union, to support sustainable waste management practices on campus.
Participants at the event reiterated the need for stronger partnerships, effective policy implementation, environmental education and community engagement to address the escalating threats posed by climate change and environmental degradation.
