The Plateau State Government has launched a five-year Climate Change Policy and Action Plan to address environmental challenges between 2026 and 2030. This initiative, unveiled in Jos, is a collaboration with the Centre for Gospel Health and Development, the Christian Blind Mission, and is funded by the European Union.
Chief of Staff Jeremiah Satmark emphasized that this policy serves as a vital blueprint to protect livelihoods, restore natural landscapes, and position Plateau as a leader in climate resilience. He highlighted that climate change affects all sectors of life, making it essential to tackle these growing threats head-on.
The policy focuses on vital areas like agriculture, water management, and disaster risk reduction. It aims to create green jobs and encourage investments in renewable energy. Satmark urged civil society to hold the government accountable for implementing the plan, stressing the importance of collective action.
Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development, Peter Kanang Gwom, noted that this strategy is a direct response to the worsening environmental conditions in Plateau. Rising temperatures, unusual weather patterns, heatwaves, droughts, and floods are already impacting lives in the region.
Recent studies have shown that climate change is increasingly affecting biodiversity, water availability, and rainfall patterns. These changes place immense pressure on local ecosystems and livelihoods. The Climate Change Policy and Action Plan outlines a detailed framework for addressing these issues through effective strategies for mitigation, adaptation, and sustainable development.
This policy is comprehensive; it’s built on consultations from various stakeholders across the 17 local government areas, ensuring everyone’s voice is heard. This inclusive approach prioritizes gender balance, actively involving women, youth, and individuals with disabilities.
Experts like Prof. Raymond Daspan and Engr. David Wuyep stressed the need for collaboration among the government, civil society, and the private sector to ensure the policy’s success. They also called for sustained funding to support ongoing efforts.
The event reached a significant moment when Satmark, on behalf of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, officially unveiled the Climate Change Policy and Action Plan. Many stakeholders see this as the beginning of a new chapter in climate action for Plateau State.
With climate change becoming a pressing issue worldwide, this policy could not come at a better time. As more regions face extreme weather and ecological shifts, Plateau’s proactive stance may inspire similar initiatives elsewhere. To explore more about climate policies, you can check the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
