Climate change is a major global challenge. It puts many lives at risk and threatens the livelihoods of people around the world.
On March 6, 2025, Connected Development (CODE) organized the Interfaith Climate Change Summit in Abuja. This event, called the “Interfaith Symposium: Harnessing Faith for Climate Action,” brought together religious leaders, climate experts, and policy makers to discuss how faith can inspire environmental protection.
Mukhtar Modibbo from Follow The Money highlighted the importance of religious communities getting involved in climate discussions. He pointed out that while many people believe in a higher power, climate change affects us all, regardless of our faith.
Climate communication expert Daniel Oladoja spoke about our shared moral duty to address the climate crisis. He encouraged young people to reject narratives that suggest climate action is too difficult. “Let’s work together and make a difference,” he urged.
Sheikh Muhammad Nurudeen Lemu from the Dawah Institute addressed the need for faith leaders to advocate for our planet. He discussed issues like deforestation and resource scarcity that lead to conflicts. He emphasized that a partnership between faith, science, and government is essential for finding sustainable solutions.
A visual presentation by Reverend Father George Omaku Ehusani from the Lux Terra Leadership Foundation focused on the environmental damage caused by plastic waste. He shared that over 14 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean each year, harming marine life. “We should respect the earth as a gift and act as responsible stewards, not exploiters,” he said.
A panel discussion, moderated by journalist Zainab Bala, featured various voices. Fr. Attah Barkindo from The Kuka Centre stressed the need for climate education that connects with local communities. Dr. Mike Terungwa from the Global Initiative for Food Security discussed how religious leaders can shape public opinion and political support for climate policies. Rifkatu Joseph Odeyemi of Eco-Friendly Sensitisation and Advocacy called for stronger partnerships between faith groups and climate organizations.
The summit culminated in the launch of the Interfaith Dialogue on Climate Change Report, co-presented by Dr. Augustine Okere, Hamzat Lawal, Daniel Oladoja, and Mukhtar Modibbo. This report emphasizes the role of faith-based leadership in climate policy and urges governments to support faith-led environmental actions.
Key recommendations from the summit included:
- Incorporate climate education into sermons.
- Engage faith communities in climate policy discussions.
- Add climate change education to school curricula.
- Encourage partnerships between religious institutions and civil society for community outreach.
- Promote sustainable practices, like tree planting and reducing plastic waste.
- Establish an interfaith climate action coalition to track progress and commitments.
The summit reinforced the strong connection between faith and climate action. Sheikh Lemu remarked, “Faith, science, and government must unite – everyone has a part to play.” With increasing collaboration among different faiths, Nigeria’s communities can lead the way in achieving climate justice and sustainable development.
By Olatomide Ojajune, Abuja
Check out this related article: Transforming Ghana’s Environmental Future: President Mahama’s Commitment to the Polluter Pays Principle
Source linkclimate action,Connected Development (CODE),Faith
