Stakeholders in the environment sector on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, converged on Abuja to expedite actions on addressing impact of climate change ahead of the 29th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) holding in Baku, Azerbaijan, from Nov. 11 to 22.
The stakeholders gathered under the aegis of the African Climate Caravan which featured the first inaugural Climate Media Spotlight Award and Arts for Climate event.
The event was organised by the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP) and OXFAM.
Rep. Terseer Ugbor, Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Environment, said that the house would address coastal challenges, issues of climate change and farmers/herders conflicts through the speedy passage of bills.
He said that Nigerians should take responsibilities and learn to adapt to all forms of climate change.
Dr Michael David, Executive Director, GIFSEP, said that climate change reporting for journalists in Africa was essential for educating the public, driving policy change, empowering communities and fostering resilience.
“It provides a platform for the continent’s unique climate challenges to be heard and addressed, paving the way for a more informed and proactive society,’’ he said.
On his part, Mr John Makina, Country Director, OXFAM, expressed worries about carbon emissions and called for urgent actions to reduce emissions.
“We are here to sensitise the public on climate issues as Nigerians move to COP29,” he said.
Some schools in the FCT were given arts exhibition awards while some journalists were given climate media awards for their publications between Aug. 1 and Oct. 1.
By Abigael Joshua
