Transforming Words into Action: Nigeria’s Role at COP30 for Climate Change Solutions

Belém, Brazil, is buzzing with excitement as it prepares to host the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. This significant event runs from November 10 to 21, 2025, and is happening in the heart of the Amazon, a vivid symbol of our planet’s vital forests.

For the first time, the conference takes place in the Amazon, highlighting the urgent need to protect tropical forests in the battle against climate change. Around 50,000 participants, including leaders, negotiators, and activists from nearly 200 countries, will gather to discuss critical issues like climate finance and forest protection.

This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement. Countries will reassess their commitments to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Nigeria is stepping up, aiming for a 32% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. This shows its commitment to climate leadership in Africa.

To boost its efforts, Nigeria has launched a National Carbon Market Framework as well as a Climate Change Fund aimed at generating and trading carbon credits, further investing in adaptation and resilience. The country has also introduced a five-year “Carbon Market Roadmap” that includes measures like an Emissions Trading System and incentives for clean energy industries.

One key theme at COP30 is that tropical forests, oceans, and landscapes are crucial for reducing carbon emissions. Nigeria is focusing on restoring degraded land and developing blue carbon projects, which involve the use of coastal ecosystems like mangroves as carbon sinks.

Despite contributing minimally to global emissions, African nations like Nigeria face severe consequences from climate change. Many at the conference are calling for fair climate finance to help these vulnerable communities.

Nigeria’s delegation, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, is taking an active role. They introduced a National Data Hub for Gender and Climate Information to support gender-focused climate action. Nigeria also partnered with California to promote clean energy and zero-emission transportation.

However, challenges abound. Nigeria is grappling with extreme heat, droughts, and floods, which threaten food security and livelihoods. In regions where climate impacts are severe, farmers are struggling to cope with changing weather patterns.

One young advocate, Ms. Chizoba Nzaekor, highlighted the inconsistent views on climate change in Nigeria. She expressed concern that even educated individuals often dismiss climate issues as exaggerated, complicating efforts for action. Still, she believes that grassroots advocacy can make a difference, particularly through community-focused initiatives.

Another voice, Omotosho Malik from Ogun State, observed that changing weather patterns affect agriculture significantly. He noted that rainfall has become unpredictable, delaying planting seasons and impacting crop yields. He emphasized investing in green farming practices, such as greenhouse farming, which can help mitigate these challenges.

Olufemi Soole, a student in Agribusiness, shared alarming statistics: rising temperatures put newborns at risk, with estimates suggesting that 20 to 25 percent could die from heat exposure during pregnancy. This highlights the urgent need for climate action to protect vulnerable populations.

Nigeria must confront these issues head-on. As COP30 unfolds, it stands at a crossroads: the choices made now will shape its future and that of the entire continent. The focus must be not only on promising commitments but also on actionable solutions that foster resilience and sustainability.

The road ahead may be challenging, but with a collective effort, Nigeria can inspire change locally and globally. As Ms. Nzaekor aptly stated, “We don’t have to wait for disasters to take climate action.” The lessons learned at COP30 will resonate far beyond the Amazon, underscoring Africa’s critical role in the global fight against climate change.

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