Ending the Vicious Cycle of Climate Crisis and Insecurity: Steps Towards a Sustainable Future

Nigeria is facing a real crisis due to climate change. The year 2024 is set to be the hottest on record, with extreme heat, severe flooding, and ongoing pollution creating chaos from Maiduguri to Bayelsa. These events highlight a climate emergency, and Nigeria’s preparation is alarmingly inadequate.

The situation is dire in the Lake Chad area, where rising temperatures and poor water management have decimated the lake by over 90%. This devastation has disrupted lives, pushed people to migrate, and aggravated poverty. In the northern regions, desertification is jeopardizing farms and escalating conflicts between farmers and herders. Meanwhile, in the South-East, erosion is consuming homes and infrastructure, while oil spills in the Niger Delta continue to poison the land and water.

The Nigerian government has launched several initiatives to combat these challenges. Projects like the Great Green Wall aim to restore degraded land across the Sahel, with tree planting efforts in 11 northern states like Sokoto and Borno. However, despite good intentions, many of these programs lack effective execution. The country has committed to halving its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, focusing on renewable energy, improved agricultural practices, and better water management. Yet, these efforts remain largely stalled.

For example, plans to transition 50% of households to cleaner cooking options are faltering due to rising prices and dependency on imports. Likewise, large solar projects are held back by funding challenges, despite a growing interest in off-grid solar solutions.

The Great Green Wall initiative suffers from inadequate funding, and insecurity in the North-East hampers any meaningful action. Conflict disrupts farming, damages infrastructure, and hinders humanitarian efforts. Without peace, effective climate solutions are almost impossible to implement. Furthermore, environmental challenges fuel insecurity, creating a vicious cycle of conflict and resource scarcity.

In essence, the conflict in Nigeria is a barrier to climate action. Areas like Borno and Yobe are so affected by violence that efforts to plant trees or develop renewable energy face severe hurdles. As Lake Chad continues to shrink, tensions rise between herders and farmers, leading to more violence. Many people forced from their homes due to these issues crowd urban areas, straining resources like water and housing.

Insecurity complicates data collection and project monitoring, allowing for misappropriation of funds. This lack of accountability hampers Nigeria’s goal to meet its climate targets. Moreover, ongoing conflicts deter international donors, making it challenging to secure funding from resources like the Green Climate Fund.

Breaking this cycle is essential. Nigeria needs to treat environmental protection as a priority for national security. Integrating climate resilience into peace-building is vital. Communities should be empowered to use their natural resources sustainably, ensuring that security forces protect environmental initiatives. Existing programs like HYPREP require reform and adequate funding, with clear transparency to avoid pitfalls.

The government must also enforce regulations against illegal logging and hold oil companies accountable. Climate action should not just be an afterthought; it needs to be at the heart of governance.

While Nigeria is technically aligned with the Paris Agreement, real progress depends on effective implementation and political will. Concrete actions are needed to translate policies into genuine benefits for those most affected by climate change.

The stories of Lake Chad, the polluted lands of Ogoniland, and the disappearing forests serve as powerful lessons. They remind us that safeguarding the environment is not just about nature; it’s about survival, security, and justice for all.

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