To tackle the pressing issue of Climate Change in Nigeria, Connected Development (CODE), a non-governmental climate change agency in Africa, has called on religious leaders to join the fight. The organization recently organized an inter-faith dialogue on climate change in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, to mobilize religious leaders to take action against the pressing issue. According to CODE’s Founder/Chief Executive Officer, Hamzat Lawal, climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, affecting communities worldwide.
In Nigeria, its impacts are evident, with rising temperatures, inconsistent rainfall patterns, and extreme weather conditions posing major threats to livelihoods, Food Security, and environmental Sustainability. CODE’s founder emphasized the need for a change in attitude among humans to address the problem. He stressed that human factors are great contributors to the problem and there is hope that religious leaders can use their platforms to simplify the message and mobilize citizens to take action.
Women now key players in decision-making through CODE’s advocacy.
The inter-faith dialogue brought together religious leaders, professionals, and Civil Society organizations to promote collaboration and collective action in addressing the matter. CODE’s Programmes Manager, Hyeladzira James Meshelia, emphasized the importance of sustaining programmes and dialogues like this to ensure that citizens track ecological funds given to executive officers and ensure they are used for the intended purpose. Meshelia also highlighted the importance of advocacy programmes in ensuring that the voices and opinions of people at the grassroots, especially women and children, are heard.
She noted that CODE’s advocacies have ensured that women are now key players in decision-making and expressed hope for continued support in raising awareness and inspiring collective action towards a more sustainable future for Nigeria and beyond. The dialogue emphasized the need for inclusive, multi-stakeholder approaches to address climate change, recognizing the urgency of the issue and the need for collective action. By engaging religious leaders in the fight against climate change, CODE hopes to leverage their influence and reach to mobilize citizens and inspire action.
Changes in weather have lasting impacts on livelihood.
Tackling climate change requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including religious leaders. By working together, we can reduce Greenhouse gas Emissions, promote sustainable practices, and protect the environment for future generations. As the United Nations Climate Change Conference approaches, it is essential that we leverage all platforms, including faith pavilions, to raise awareness and inspire collective action towards a more sustainable future. It is a pressing issue in Nigeria, as the country has experienced rising temperatures, inconsistent rainfall patterns, and extreme weather conditions.
These changes are having a lasting impact on livelihoods, food security, and environmental sustainability. For example, farmers in Nigeria are struggling to adapt to changing rainfall patterns, which are affecting crop yields and food security. In addition, the problem is increasing Poverty and inequality in Nigeria. The country’s most Vulnerable Populations, including women and children, are disproportionately affected by it. They have limited access to resources and Infrastructure, making them more susceptible to its impacts.
Related Article: Nigeria takes nature base climate action
Finally, to address these challenges, Nigeria needs to adopt a thorough approach that involves all stakeholders, including religious leaders. The country needs to prioritize sustainable practices, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote environmental sustainability. Religious leaders have an important role to play in this effort. They can use their platforms to raise awareness about climate change, promote sustainable practices, and mobilize citizens to take action. By working together, we can create a more sustainable future for Nigeria and beyond.
