Following the release of a new ranking for climate initiatives across Nigeria, the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP) and the Department of Climate Change (DCC) took steps to boost climate efforts on local levels. This comes as part of the activities leading up to COP30.
Recently, SPP hosted a meeting that gathered key climate officials from Nigerian states and members of the Under2 Coalition. The goal was to strengthen Nigeria’s voice in global discussions and secure more funding for local climate actions.
The Under2 Coalition is a significant global network aimed at reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. According to recent estimates, this coalition boasts over 270 members. It recognizes that Nigeria’s states are critical in the fight against climate change, as these regions are often the most affected by climate disasters and face challenges like deforestation.
Champa Patel from the Coalition highlighted how states like Taraba and Cross River have made their mark in earlier climate discussions, indicating a need for better visibility for Nigerian states in international forums. The Coalition is shifting its focus towards offering technical assistance and financial resources. This will support state governments in developing strong proposals and securing funding from international banks.
Patel noted exciting plans, including investment dialogues leading to a Global State and Regional Finance Accelerator to be launched at COP31. This initiative aims to connect state-level climate projects to potential investors, particularly in renewable energy and other sustainable solutions.
Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe from the DCC expressed optimism about Nigeria’s climate efforts, pointing out innovations that other countries could learn from. Significant steps are being taken to improve climate governance within Nigeria, such as the establishment of a Community of Practice (CoP) for environment commissioners. Training programs for state climate officers on greenhouse gas emissions and climate finance are also underway.
With growing recognition of the importance of local governments in global finance frameworks, Nigerian states are positioned to seize new opportunities. The partnership between DCC, SPP, and the Under2 Coalition could provide much-needed support for local climate initiatives, ensuring Nigeria plays a key role on the world stage.
In summary, as Gboyega Olorunfemi from SPP mentioned, Nigeria’s climate ambitions can progress more quickly when global partnerships facilitate direct communication and collaboration with local authorities. The future looks promising for Nigeria’s climate leadership, both at home and internationally.
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COP30,Department of Climate Change (DCC),Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP),State-level climate action,Subnational climate governance,Under2 Coalition
