GIFSEP Urges FG to implement paris agreement on climate change

Executive Director of Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation the (GIFSEP), David Terungwa has urged the Federal Government to implement the Paris Agreement on climate change, which Nigeria is a signatory.

The Paris Agreement is an agreement within the United Nations Framework Convention on climate change, dealing with greenhouse-gas-emissions mitigation, adaptation, and finance, starting in the year 2020.

Speaking while addressing a press conference over the weekend ahead of the forthcoming Abuja Climate Summit in Abuja, Terungwa lamented that the rate of flood, devastating wind storm, erosion, changing weather, being experienced virtually in all parts of the country is an indication that urgent steps must be taken by government to remedy the situation.

According to Terungwa, “Climate change is the number one problem the world is facing today, and Nigeria is not left out”.

He explained that Nigerians are already feeling the impact of climate change, citing an example that, “this year, there was no August break in Abuja.

“The science is clear, we have the momentum, the technology for the energy transition is ready and we demand bold action now” he added.
On the Abuja summit, Terungwa stated that climate change is a real threat to the country and future generations.

“It is a problem that affects all of us without discrimination, although some people and places are more vulnerable to climate change than others” he noted.

He disclosed that GIFSEP is partnering 350 Africa, GEF-Desk and other NGOs working on environment to organize the summit.

The Abuja Climate Summit according to him is part of the global day of action taking place in major cities around the world bringing people to come together to rise for climate action.

Terungwa said the summit is aimed at bringing together key stakeholders from the civil society, development partners, religious and traditional leaders, private sector, academia, women, youth, indigenous groups and political to share ideas and perspectives on the progress made in Nigeria’s implementation of NDCs, and the transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient, green economic trajectory.

The summit will also seek to explore and deliberate on converging areas of advocacy and mobilization from bottom up, inclusive, pro- indigenous people-centered climate responses in FCT Abuja and at the national level among state and non-state actors while working towards and identifying and defining the action agenda for different stakeholders.

He opined that governments will respond to the will of the people provided we tell then what we want.

“We’re rising for justice for communities being affected by climate change right now. For a safe climate for future generations. “For the 100% renewable energy future that we need, and a fair transition that leaves no-one behind.

“That’s why in city streets and town squares across the world, people are rising up to demand local leaders stand with their communities and commit to going Fossil Free.

“We can keep fossil fuels in the ground, and build a renewable future we all deserve — but first it’s time to organise.