Climate stakeholders at the 2024 World Climate Change Day in Plateau State.
By Marie-Therese Nanlong
Jos – As Plateau State marked the 2024 World Climate Change Day, the State Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development, Peter Gwom, has disclosed the State is making efforts to domesticate the climate change policy to mitigate the adverse impacts of the phenomenon.
The Day is celebrated every May 15 and this year’s theme is “At the Front-line of Climate Action.” The Ministry organised the event in collaboration with the Centre of Gospel Health and Development, CeGHaD with support from the Christian Blind Mission, CBM, and the European Union, EU.
The Commissioner who spoke on the topic Climate Change: Plateau State in focus during the celebration in Jos noted that the rising temperature and the unpredicted pattern of rainfalls among other anomalies calls for concern hence every citizen should support efforts to curb the trend.
He said, “We are focusing on Plateau State and the role being played to address this phenomenon. We are reminding ourselves that Climate Change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, requiring immediate attention and collective action.
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“Plateau State, like any other place in the world, is already experiencing the devastating impacts of climate Change. The rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall patterns are here with us. These are affecting agriculture, water resources, and human health. Flooding and droughts have become more frequent and intense, displacing communities and threatening livelihoods.
“The Plateau State Government through the Ministry has taken bold steps to address climate change through various initiatives. We are currently working on the domestication of the climate change policy, collaborating with CSOs and NGOs to mitigate the effects like introducing improved seedlings, smart farming methods, introducing some communities to eco-friendly cooking stoves, afforestation and reforestation of mining degraded lands, waste management and so forth.”
Despite the efforts being made, he added “There are still significant challenges to overcome and these are not limited to access to funding and resources (human and materials), inadequate infrastructure and technology as well as the need for increased awareness and education. We must as of necessity work together to address the Climate crisis urging all to put our hands on deck.”
Also, Yakubu Dasu, the Coordinator of Enabling Resilience to climate-related risks through local CSOs strengthening, ER2CC project of CeGHaD, noted that Plateau State has what it takes to be at the frontline of climate action in Nigeria hence awareness must be raised, and support given to climate initiatives as everyone works to address climate crisis.
He highlighted that his organisation is sensitising communities on increased efforts at tree planting and other efforts geared towards reversing the effects of climate change.
