The changes in weather pattern resulting from climate change may put communities within the coastal line of the Niger Delta at the risk of extinction, stakeholders in Niger Delta communities have raised the alarm.
Some Civil Society Organisations made the revelation during a one day advocacy meeting on Gender and Climate Change with selected Councillors from across Niger Delta States, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
According to Comrade Godson Jim-Dorgu, the Executive Director of Mac-Jim Foundation, coastal communities within the Niger Delta may be wiped away sooner than later due to the effect of climate change.
Jim-Dorgu, who was a facilitator in the meeting, explained that currently they are conducting a research on how communities within the coastal line have already been wiped out over the years due to climate change, while calling on government to take urgent steps against the trend.
He maintained that the purpose of the meeting with the Councilors was to intimate them on the calamities of climate change as it affect the local people and how the local lawmakers can influence their local government to adopt the Draft Action Plan on Gender and Climate Change in Nigeria.
In his contribution, the Councillor representing Ward 3 Emohua local government council, Hon. Wodu Achinike said the meeting was an eye opener, as most of them would aquire new knowledge on how to tackle climate change especially at the grassroots.
On his part, Hon. Tudor Furubel, a Councillor representing K.Dere community in Gokana Local Government Council lamented how some youths are destroying the environment through illegal refining of crude oil, which is also contributing to alter the Ozone layer. He stated that while the oil companies have over the years destroyed the environment, it is out of place for the youths to completely devastate the ecosystem because of their personal gains.
Earlier, the organiser of the event, Dr. Emem Okon, who is also the Executive Director of Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre, represented by Idogesy Alexander stated that the World Bank statistics shows that 72% of the World’s 33 millions refugees are women and children which are mostly affected by climate change.
She explained that due to the dangers inflicted by climate change on local women, it is imperative that those in government should use the available policy to change the narrative. “We are by this meeting urging as leaders at the local level to make more interest in contributing to addressing climate change issues at your domain to save the environment.” she said.
The human rights activist expressed concern over effect of gas flares and the many problems associated with oil pollution such as flooding, rise in sea level, heat waves, food insecurity and hunger and called on government at all levels to take urgent steps to address them.
One of the Councillors, Hon. Henry Eferebo told the media they can develop a policy framework in terms of local law to mainstream gender in all their activities at their local communities.
Highlights of the event was the call to action where communities will reduce deforestation, plant more trees, stop bush burning and use smart agricultural mechanism for farming.
