Experts and clergymen in Nigeria are urging for improved climate policies and a collaborative approach to tackle climate issues during the Interfaith Dialogue on Climate Change Summit. The event emphasized faith-based advocacy’s vital role in promoting climate justice and sustainable environmental practices amid challenges faced by the country due to climate change.
Experts in climate issues and spiritual leaders from both Christian and Islamic communities advocate for enhanced climate policies and sustainable environmental practices in Nigeria. The call was made during the Interfaith Dialogue on Climate Change Summit held by Connected Development (CODE) in Abuja, which emphasized collaborative efforts to protect the environment for future generations.
The summit also launched the inaugural Interfaith Dialogue on Climate Change Report and Policy Brief, which provides strategic messaging and policy recommendations for faith-driven climate actions. This initiative aims to empower faith and community leaders to advocate for climate justice and disseminate impactful climate messaging through the influence of their communities.
Nigeria faces pressing climate challenges, with recent extreme weather events contributing to significant declines in crop yields, livestock productivity, and farmers’ livelihoods. Flooding disasters, particularly in major agricultural zones, have posed severe threats, with over 303 fatalities and considerable damage to infrastructure recorded by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in 2024.
Hamzat Lawal, CEO of CODE, stressed the importance of faith-based advocacy in confronting climate change, urging Nigerians to campaign for recognition in global climate discussions. He highlighted that Nigeria is severely impacted by climate change yet lacks adequate resources for adaptation measures.
Reverend Father George Ehusani of Lux Terra Leadership Foundation echoed the need for urgent shifts in environmental policies, citing widespread pollution and ineffective waste management. He called for religious organizations and civil society to pressure policymakers, stating, “We cannot continue to pay lip service while our environment is deteriorating at an alarming rate. “.
Muhammad Nurudeen, Executive Director of the Da’awah Institute, noted that urgent action is paramount, referencing the spiritual responsibility towards environmental stewardship inherent in faith traditions. He pointed out that climate-induced conflicts are often mischaracterized as religious disputes, urging leaders to promote interfaith climate actions and support sustainable policies.
He emphasized that while science conveys critical data, faith motivates action and impels ethical leadership in addressing climate issues. Nurudeen declared, “Faith provides the moral and ethical call to action that science alone cannot,” reinforcing that active engagement in climate stewardship is critical before it is too late.
In conclusion, the Interfaith Dialogue on Climate Change Summit underscored the essential role of faith communities in advocating for climate action in Nigeria. Experts and religious leaders called for enhanced collaboration and urgent policy reforms to address the detrimental impacts of climate change. The commitment of both religious and community leaders to drive awareness and action is crucial for safeguarding the environment for future generations.
Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com
