Concerned by the devastating effects of gas flaring, environmental degradation and other effects of oil exploration in the Niger Delta, some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and environmental activists have demanded immediate action by the government and multinationals to curb climate change.
The CSOs, who spoke at a conference on climate change, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday, warned against severe impact, which the nation may not contain.
Executive Director, Lekeh Development Foundation, Nbani Friday Barilule, said the conference was aimed at developing a regional action on climate change adaptation to mitigate loss and damages, as a result of oil exploration in the region.
Barilule said: “Most times, the federal, state and council governments know what to do, but delay due to bureaucracy. So, we want a local action to be developed to show the government and the private sector what should be done in terms of climate change.”
Also, Emem Okon of KebetKache Development Centre said the effects of gas flaring in the Niger Delta include flooding, which is experienced almost on a yearly basis. She noted that the impacts of climate change are felt more by women in the region.
She said: “Impacts of climate change on women in the Niger Delta involves food shortages, health challenges, such as early menopause, violence and conflicts. Climate change affects the role women perform in the family, in terms of their peculiar reproductive function.”
Executive Director, We The People (WTP), Ken Henshaw, said climate change would get worst if urgent steps are taken to stop it.
He pointed out that for climate loss and damages to be effectively accounted for, the root causes must be tackled simultaneously across the region.
He said the source of climate change must be tackled before the loss, damages, or funding can be effective.
Henshaw said: “We must fight to stop crude oil extraction to address loss and damages. You can’t support extraction and, yet, fight for loss and damages; else, the fund will keep increasing, while the pollution and damages will keep increasing.
“Unless emissions are drastically reduced, more and more societies and communities will keep experiencing devastating effects of climate change, including developed countries.”
