Taking Action Against Climate Change: Civil Engineers Call on Governments and Construction Firms to Embrace Green Cement Solutions – EnviroNews

The National Union of Civil Engineering Construction, Furniture and Wood Workers (NUCECFWW) has urged the Federal Government and construction companies to adopt green cement. This call came from union President Stephen Okoro at the 7th National Quadrennial Delegates Conference in Abuja, themed “Building Trade Unions’ Future through Strategic Organising and Investments.”

Green cement, a sustainable alternative to traditional Portland cement, produces much lower carbon emissions. Okoro emphasized the need for a “just transition,” which means shifting to a low-carbon economy while protecting workers and communities from negative impacts.

He highlighted the recent push by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to prioritize concrete roads instead of asphalt. While this is seen as beneficial for tough terrains, it has led to job losses and bankruptcies in the industry as many firms were not prepared for this transition.

Okoro urged the government to support the industry by training workers on new construction technologies. Providing adequate training will ensure that employment remains stable and projects are completed efficiently.

Historically, the topic of climate change in Nigeria gained attention back in 1972, when the country signed a significant climate change document. Okoro questioned what concrete steps Nigeria has taken since then to address this critical issue.

He called for a few important measures, including:
– Enforcing penalties for violations related to climate change.
– Funding grassroots initiatives for climate change awareness.
– Implementing aggressive reforestation efforts and combating deforestation.
– Providing compensation to those affected by climate issues.

Additionally, Okoro addressed the growing concern about building collapses in Nigeria. He insisted that the government must strengthen regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with construction standards, emphasizing that many lives and properties are at risk.

In summary, by promoting green cement and supporting a just transition, Nigeria can tackle climate change while ensuring the safety and employment of workers in the construction industry.



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Civil engineers,climate change,Construction firms,Federal Government,Green cement