Confronting Climate Change in Nigeria: The Moral Imperative Beyond Environmental Injustice – Insights from THISDAYLIVE

In Abuja, the UN’s Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, Mohammed Fall, has expressed serious concerns about climate change in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa. He highlighted that it’s not just an environmental issue—it’s a human rights crisis.

At a recent conference, Fall pointed out that the effects of rising temperatures and extreme weather hit the most vulnerable groups the hardest, including women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. He noted, “Those who contribute the least to climate change face the worst consequences. This is a grave injustice.”

Fall stressed that while Sub-Saharan Africa contributes little to global greenhouse gas emissions, it suffers disproportionately from climate change impacts. “The children of tomorrow will inherit a damaged world due to choices they did not make,” he warned. He emphasized that this situation is deeply unfair and a betrayal of future generations.

Climate change brings severe challenges: land loss, food insecurity, and water shortages. Millions of people in Nigeria feel these effects daily. Fall mentioned that these issues deepen existing inequalities, worsen poverty, and threaten peace. “When people can’t access clean water, food, or livelihoods, it violates their most basic human rights,” he added.

He highlighted a significant step taken last year when the UN General Assembly recognized the right to a clean, healthy environment as a human right. This resolution reinforces the need for global action against climate change and environmental degradation, both major threats to humanity.

Fall pointed out that Nigeria, as Africa’s largest nation, is facing climate challenges head-on. The north struggles with desertification, while the south deals with erosion and rising sea levels. Erratic weather disrupts agriculture and daily life. Floods, worsened by climate change, have devastated communities, especially in the northeast.

If these issues remain unaddressed, they could lead to increased conflict over resources and further displacement of people. However, Fall believes Nigeria has the potential to lead in climate justice and make sustainable development a reality by incorporating climate justice into its laws and policies.

“The UN is here to support Nigeria in these efforts,” he concluded, aligning local efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focusing on climate action and justice.

Dr. Tony Ojukwu, from the National Human Rights Commission, echoed these sentiments, stating that climate change poses a serious threat to human rights. He emphasized that the effects of environmental degradation are real and currently impacting marginalized communities.

Ojukwu highlighted that although Africa contributes minimally to global carbon emissions, it bears the brunt of climate change impacts, such as floods and droughts, leading to food insecurity and conflicts. He stressed the importance of climate justice—ensuring that those who suffer the most receive the support and protection they need. Governments must act decisively to uphold human rights in the face of these challenges.

Source link