Religious leaders and climate advocates at the Interfaith Dialogue on Climate Change Summit in Abuja emphasized the urgent need for stronger climate policies in Nigeria. They called for collective action, public pressure on policymakers, and advocacy for climate justice. The summit culminated in the release of a report outlining strategies for faith-led environmental action.
Climate change poses an increasingly dire threat in Nigeria, characterized by heightened pollution, ineffective waste management, and environmental degradation impacting various communities. During the Interfaith Dialogue on Climate Change Summit, organized by Connected Development (CODE) at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja, religious leaders and climate advocates convened to emphasize the pressing need for decisive action against Nigeria’s climate crisis. They made strong appeals for policymakers to establish concrete environmental solutions to address these challenges.
Rev. Fr. George Ehusani, the Executive Director of the Lux Terra Leadership Foundation, called upon religious organizations and the public to advocate for more robust climate policies. He cautioned that the repercussions of inaction would be felt most acutely by future generations. “Religious organizations, civil society groups, and concerned citizens must mount pressure on our policymakers and legislators to take climate change seriously. We cannot continue to pay lip service while our environment is deteriorating at an alarming rate,” he asserted.
Sheikh Nurudeen Lemu, Executive Director of The Da’awah Institute, emphasized the moral obligation of faith leaders to advocate for sustainability and the significance of intergenerational justice in addressing climate change. He acknowledged, “We are facing an urgent crisis and have a shared responsibility as religious leaders to this planet. It is what we pass on to the next generation.”
Rev. Fr. Attah Barkindo of the KUKA Center remarked on the powerful influence religious leaders wield, which can be leveraged to mobilize community action on climate issues. He observed, “Religious leaders have millions of followers listening to them weekly. If they understand climate change, they can shape public opinion and drive action. This is why we must mainstream climate education in faith-based discussions.”
Hamzat Lawal, the Chief Executive of CODE, highlighted the challenges posed by Nigeria’s restricted access to climate finance, noting that only 20% of available resources have been secured, primarily through loans. He called for faith-based advocacy to assert the need for climate justice. “Faith-based advocacy is critical. We must demand justice and ensure Nigeria is central to global climate discussions,” he emphasized.
The summit concluded with the unveiling of the Interfaith Dialogue on Climate Change Report & Policy Brief, which contains strategies aimed at fostering faith-led environmental initiatives.
In summary, the Interfaith Dialogue on Climate Change Summit underscored the urgent need for stronger climate policies in Nigeria, driven by religious leaders and civil society organizations. Key figures warned that neglecting climate issues will have dire consequences for future generations. Collective action, awareness, and advocacy for climate justice are crucial for mobilizing support and securing funding for effective environmental solutions, placing Nigeria prominently in the global climate discourse.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
