The Enugu State Government and stakeholders in climate change have called for urgent steps to mitigate the climate crisis through the reduction of carbon footprints.
They made the call during a “Workshop and Stakeholder Consultation for the Draft of Enugu State Climate Policy Action Plan and Climate Finance Framework” recently in Enugu.
Speaking on the state’s vision for a “Climate Resilient and Green Economy”, the Secretary to the State Government, Chidiebere Onyia, said the workshop was one of the series of engagements by the government towards a sustainable future for Enugu State and humanity.
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Onyia said the objective of reducing carbon footprint and other forms of pollution to its barest minimum would be achieved by harnessing the power of wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources.
He presented its state’s climate policy, action plan and financial framework to enable the transition to a greener economy, describing the move as “an opportunity to reinvent ourselves, innovate, and lead in the face of global change.”
Onyia disclosed that the decision to take the drastic step was aimed at gradually transitioning from a coal city to pioneer clean energy solutions, setting ambitious targets for renewable energy generation in the face of greenhouse emissions.
This, he said, had continued to threaten the existence of humanity and the environment.
The SSG said that plans were on top gear to place the state on the map of global climate activism.
Speaking on the potentials of Enugu state, Onyia said, “Our state has a rich history, deeply intertwined with coal production and the energy sector.
He underscored that the principles of the draft policy had its foundation on three key pillars of sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, adding that sustainability would be at the heart of the climate policy.
“We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and strengthening our ecosystems.
“This includes investing in renewable energy sources, promoting energy efficiency, clean transportation, climate-smart agriculture and adopting circular economic principles,”
“We must support communities and workers in this sector through this transition by investing in training and reskilling programmed, ensuring that everyone has a role in the green economy,” he noted.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Prof. Sam Ugwu, observed that climate change had become a global challenge with its consequential impacts on livelihoods and ecosystems.
He added that the impact was distorting national and subnational socio-economic values and activities, saying the reality of climate change was no longer a distant threat but a pressing challenge that demanded immediate and concerted action by all stakeholders.
According to the Commissioner, climate change policy and action plans were essential in reducing and ameliorating situation.
He explained that the workshop was aimed at developing a
Science Based Climate Policy based on rigorous assessment of the current climate profile for the state.
On his part, Chukwumerije Okereke, Senior Adviser to the Governor and President of the Society on Climate Policy and Sustainable Development, said the symposium was for the development of Enugu state climate change policy and action plan.
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Okereke said the policy and action plan would drive the mitigation steps deliberately initiated by the Mbah administration.
He added that the priorities were on how to increase the generation of renewable energy to serve millions of people and also empower economic resources in the state.
The climatologist also said the draft policy would help build climate resilience to tackle flooding, gully erosion and address other challenges.
