Join the Movement: 40+ CSOs Unite for Environmental Justice Advancement!

Over 40 civil society organizations in Nigeria have come together to form the Climate Justice Movement (CJM). This initiative, led by Greenpeace Africa, aims to unite various climate voices to tackle the severe impacts of climate change on the continent.

At a two-day event in Abuja, the CJM issued a powerful declaration emphasizing accountability for corporations causing environmental harm. They demand urgent action, such as restoring oil-affected areas in the Niger Delta, compensating impacted communities, ending harmful gas flaring, and shifting to renewable energy sources. This coalition, which includes groups focused on ocean protection, forest conservation, and community rights, is the fourth of its kind in Africa, with previous formations in the DRC, Cameroon, and Ghana.

Ogunlade Olamide Martins from Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa stated that this declaration marks a pivotal moment for grassroots movements in Nigeria. "For too long, we’ve faced threats from extractive industries in isolation. Now, united, we can amplify our voices," he said.

Sherelee Odayar from Greenpeace Africa highlighted the ongoing exploitation by oil companies like Shell, which has profited immensely while devastating local ecosystems. Recent investigations have revealed Shell’s negligence in the Niger Delta, illustrating the dire consequences for local communities. Odayar declared, "The time for corporate impunity is over. Polluters must be held accountable."

Cynthia Moyo, another climate campaigner at Greenpeace Africa, pointed out that Nigeria is at a crucial juncture regarding its energy strategy. "The increasing flooding in the Niger Delta and desertification in the north show that we need systemic solutions for climate change," she said. This movement aims not just to rectify past environmental damage but also to ensure a fair transition that addresses the needs of African communities.

Elizabeth Atieno, who specializes in food security, explained the direct link between pollution and food crises. Oil spills have devastated farmland and fishing areas in the Niger Delta, leading to widespread malnutrition and economic hardship. "Climate justice means ensuring food sovereignty despite corporate harm," she emphasized.

Despite contributing only a fraction to global greenhouse gas emissions, Africa faces some of the harshest climate impacts. For example, between July and October 2024, flooding affected 34 states in Nigeria, displacing millions and resulting in significant loss of life and livelihood. In 2022, catastrophic floods killed over 600 people and displaced 1.4 million, severely impacting food security and exacerbating the nation’s economic difficulties.

Ibrahim Muhammad Shamsuddin, a program manager at Yanayl Haki Afriqya, noted the rising demand for accountability from Nigeria’s youth. "We refuse to inherit a future where profits overshadow people and the planet," he asserted.

The declaration symbolizes a commitment to transform environmental advocacy in Nigeria, uniting fragmented efforts into a strong collective. The goal is to secure a safe and healthy environment for all — a fundamental human right.

For more information, you can read the original declaration from the Climate Justice Movement here.

Source link