COP30: Global investments project $1trn for grids, storage by 2035

 The Global Investments in clean energy are protecting a 1 trillion dollar for grids, storage toward quadrupling sustainable fuels by 2035.

This is contained in an executive summary of the outcomes report on Global Climate Action Agenda at the 30th Conference of Parties in Belem, Brazil.

According to the report, the developing countries are leading the race on industrial decarbonisation, ”  tens of thousands of electric vehicles, thousands of gigawatts of renewable energy, hundreds of clean industrial projects, novel carbon removal technologies.

“Under the COP 30 Global Climate Action Agenda, the Green Grids Initiative launched at COP26 and the Utilities for Net Zero Alliance (UNEZA) launched at COP28, united with the Clean Energy Ministerial, IRENA, the IEA and others to deliver a global plan.

“ The global plan is to accelerate expansion and resilience of power grids and invest 1 trillion U.S. dollars  to triple their collective renewable capacity by 2030.

“This is what it takes to transition the energy, transport and industry sectors away from fossil fuels, enabling increased energy access,“ he said.

The report said hundreds of million hectares of forest, land and ocean were protected or restored while millions of farmers were transitioning to regenerative agriculture practices.

It said traditional communities and Afro-descendant groups secured land rights of millions of Indigenous peoples.

It further said that a total of 9 billion U.S. dollars in committed investment, covering more than 210 million hectares of land.

Read Also: COP30: Development Banks pledge innovative climate financing for adaptation

“Also, reaching 12 million farmers across more than 90 agricultural and food commodities building resilience across entire value chains in over 110 countries by 2030.

“ This is how we steward forests, oceans and biodiversity, and how we transform the agriculture and food systems,“ it said

The report pointed out that 437.7 million people became more resilient than to the race to resilience campaign.

According to the report, 162 companies, cities, and regions covering 25,000 buildings and  400 billion U.S. dollars in annual turnover cut over 850,000 tonnes of CO₂ in 2024  surpassing one million tonnes reduced in total.

“The CHAMP coalition launched at COP28, delivered two-thirds of new nationally determined contributions with stronger subnational and urban content among its 78 members.

“Millions of jobs created, new skills developed to build resilience for cities, infrastructure and water, while fostering human and social development,“ the report said.

According to the report, trillions of dollars pivot into the transition with new partnerships and innovation to scale finance from the private sector, governments, and financial institutions, including for adaptation finance.

“ This is how climate action begins to function as an economy in its own right one that unleashes finance, technology and capacity-building to reward protection and long-term stability, “ it said. (NAN)

COP30: AfDB calls for stronger climate finance support for conflict-affected African countries

The African Development Bank Group has underscored the urgent need for increased climate financing to support countries grappling with both conflict and climate shocks. The call was made during a COP30 panel session held on 12 November in Belém, Brazil.

Speaking at the event themed “Bridging the Gap: Making Climate Finance Work for the Underserved,” AfDB Vice-President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth, Kevin Kariuki, highlighted the Bank’s efforts through its Climate Action Window, established in 2022 to channel resources to low-income and fragile states.

According to Kariuki, the Climate Action Window has already backed 41 projects valued at $322 million, mobilised an additional $1.6 billion in co-financing, and built an adaptation pipeline approaching $2 billion.

The side event was jointly organised by ODI Global and the UN Climate Security Mechanism (CSM), bringing together climate finance leaders, government officials and multilateral agencies to explore strategies for expanding access to climate funding for the world’s most vulnerable populations.

“We must ensure that climate finance benefits the most underserved populations, especially where security crises overlap with climate distress,” said Rebecca Nadin, Director of Global Risks and Resilience at ODI Global.

For conflict zones such as the Lake Chad Basin, climate financing has become a lifeline. Oumar Gadji Soumaila, Director General of Chad’s Special Environmental Fund, stressed that such investments are often “the only support they receive,” enabling communities to cope with insecurity and environmental degradation.

Read Also: COP30: AfDB calls for stronger climate finance support for conflict-affected African countries

The Climate Action Window — supported by contributions from Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, Ireland, Switzerland and Norway — dedicates funding exclusively to fragile, low-income and climate-vulnerable countries. Current allocations include:

  • 75% for adaptation projects
  • 15% for mitigation
  • 10% for technical assistance
  • 64% of adaptation financing provided as grants

Several African countries are also strengthening policy responses to climate-security challenges. Burkina Faso has adopted a national climate security framework, while the Liptako-Gourma Authority — comprising Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger — is working toward a regional framework expected by end-2026.

Fresh Commitments at COP30

The discussions in Belém provided renewed political momentum. Mauritania announced plans to join the climate security platform, while Germany, Italy, Croatia and others pledged new contributions to the UN Climate Security Mechanism to bolster support for countries facing overlapping climate and security crises.

The event also underlined the importance of national climate-security platforms as effective delivery channels for climate finance in fragile contexts, ensuring that support reaches those most at risk.

The Climate Security Mechanism — a partnership involving the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, UNDP, UNEP and Peace Operations — continues to lead global efforts to analyse climate-security risks and support countries in developing coordinated response strategies.

AfDB grants $9.48m to boost climate resilience in Sahel Wetlands

The African Development Fund has approved a $9.48 million grant to support climate resilience efforts across key Sahelian catchment basins under the Community and Ecosystem Resilience and Adaptation Project.

The funding, provided through the Fund’s Climate Action Window, targets severe climate and human-induced degradation in wetlands across Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Senegal. These ecosystems face pressures from unsustainable resource use, weak management systems and the growing impacts of climate change.

The project’s first phase will focus on assessing the vulnerability of eight Sahelian wetlands and identifying green economy opportunities to empower women and youth. Subsequent components will strengthen sustainable water management, agroforestry, fisheries production and local governance structures.

Read Also: AfDB, Congo strengthen partnership for economic growth, integration

The initiative will also enhance the capacity of the Climate Commission for the Sahel Region, improve climate services and establish early warning systems to better anticipate climate risks. A regional Project Management Unit will coordinate implementation, monitoring and governance.

Activities will span key ecological zones, including the Volta and Niger basins in Burkina Faso, protected areas in Bougouni, Mali, Ramsar sites in Niger, and the Senegal River Biosphere Reserve.

COP30: Nigeria set to boost green economy, tackle climate change

Mrs Tenioye Majekodunmi, Director-General, National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), says Nigeria will intensify efforts to advance the green economy toward mitigating climate change.

‎Majekodunmi said this on Monday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties in Belém, Brazil.

‎She said focus on overall environmental sustainability including renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and waste management would be maintained nationwide.

‎According to her, Nigeria has taken this charge to heart. Our commitment is not just an aspiration; it is a solemn national mandate to reach a 32 per cent emission reduction target by 2035.

‎”We have already submitted our comprehensive Third Nationally Determined Contribution; the first among West Africa, approved the National Carbon Market Framework, and operationalised our Climate Change Fund.

‎”These actions send a clear, powerful signal that Nigeria is ready for high-integrity and large-scale clean energy investment; yet, a gap remains between potential and proof.”

‎She disclosed that the Federal Government would  support private sectors that were ready to deploy scalable off-grid solutions toward ensuring diversification of nation`s energy sources to close persistent energy gaps in the hard-to-reach communities.

‎”This aligns with the Nigeria Just Transition Guideline and action plan we have recently validated.

‎”Such clean energy projects from the private sector will strengthen the NCCC’s efforts to advocate for and mandate the decarbonisation of energy production thereby ensuring Nigeria remains Paris aligned.

‎”Nigeria offers political stability, massive market demand, and a new, robust climate policy architecture designed to attract and protect investors’ capital,” she added.

‎The NCCC director general reiterated that the Nigerian government through the council supported the wind sector as a vital pillar in the Nigerian energy mix plan.

‎”Let the winds of change that sweep across Nigeria’s land be harnessed not just as potential, but as tangible power, driving our sustainable development and guaranteeing a greener, brighter future for every Nigerian,” she said.

‎In another development, Prof. Magnus Onuoha, Executive Director, West Africa Green Economic Development Institute (WAGEDI), said that driving wind energy in Nigeria would greatly boost energy supply.

‎NAN reports that WAGEDI is a pan-African research institute housed within Gregory University, a private tertiary institution located in Uturu, Nigeria.

‎Onuoha who spoke with NAN also on the sideline of the conference, said that government policies and incentives Nigeria had committed to global climate action were key drivers behind wind energy projects in the country.

‎According to him, the electric power sector reform Act of 2005 laid the groundwork for private sector participation in electricity generation; creating a regulatory framework that includes renewable energy.

‎”Additionally, Nigeria’s ratification of the Paris Agreement in 2016 and subsequent submission of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in 2017 underscored the country’s pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

‎”These commitments have spurred investment in low-carbon technologies, including wind energy as part of Nigeria’s strategy to meet its international obligations.”

Read Also: COP 30: African stakeholders issue seven-point call  

‎He added that domestically, policy initiatives such as the Renewable Energy Master Plan (REMP) and the Climate Change Act of 2021 have further accelerated the development of wind energy.

”The REMP outlines specific targets for renewable energy adoption, aiming to achieve a 23 per cent share by 2025, with wind power as a critical component.

”The government’s REMP that was inaugurated in 2011 aimed at increasing the share of renewable energy to at least 13 per cent by 2015, 23 per cent by 2025, and 36 per cent by 2030.

”Energy target will be comprised of renewable and carbon intensive sources as coal (2,200MW), the Nigerian National Integrated Power Project (NIPP)(1,896MW), Independent power projects (IPPs) (296MW) , Legacy assets (thermal) (5600MW), hydro (1300MW) and wind(10MW).

‎”The Climate Change Act institutionalises climate governance, requiring the government to develop pathways toward net-zero emissions by 2060.

‎”These frameworks provide a roadmap for renewable energy deployment and attract international support and funding, as demonstrated by partnerships with institutions like the African Development Bank and commitments from global entities such as the U.S.-EXIM Bank,” he explained.

‎According to him, Nigeria’s recent Energy Transition Plan (2022) and the passage of the Nigerian Electricity Act in 2023 mark significant milestones in advancing the renewable energy agenda.

‎He said the initiatives prioritised sustainable energy projects with wind energy recognised for its role in off-grid electrification and regional development particularly in the northern and coastal areas.

‎He further said that the country’s carbon neutrality goal by 2060 emphasised the need for scaling renewable technologies, making wind energy a viable solution to bridge Nigeria’s energy deficit while aligning with global sustainability goals.

‎”These drivers collectively signal a strong commitment to integrating wind energy into Nigeria’s energy future, leveraging policy, technology, and international collaboration,” he added.

(NAN)

COP30: Development Banks pledge innovative climate financing for adaptation

At the opening of the 30th United Nations Climate Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, multilateral development banks (MDBs) reaffirmed their commitment to scaling up climate finance, pledging new and innovative funding mechanisms to strengthen global adaptation and resilience efforts.

Speaking at a side event hosted by the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) on Monday, MDB leaders emphasized that “financing climate resilience is not a cost, but an investment.” The session, titled “Accelerating Large-Scale Climate Change Adaptation,” featured representatives from major institutions including the African Development Bank (AfDB), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), and European Investment Bank (EIB).

MDBs scale up climate resilience funding

Ilan Goldfajn, President of the Inter-American Development Bank Group, announced that MDBs plan to triple resilience financing to reach $42 billion by 2030, underscoring that “resilience is essential for development today.”

Tanja Faller of the Council of Europe Development Bank noted that climate change “amplifies existing inequalities,” warning that vulnerable communities are often the hardest hit and slowest to recover.

Read Also: COP 30: African stakeholders issue seven-point call  

Representatives from the Islamic Development Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the New Development Bank also shared examples of successful adaptation investments and resource mobilization strategies.

African Development Bank leads regional action

Kevin Kariuki, AfDB Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate, and Green Growth, highlighted the Bank’s leadership through the Climate Action Window—a dedicated financing mechanism under the African Development Fund for low-income countries.

“The African Development Bank is the only multilateral development bank with a portfolio of adaptation projects ready for investment through the Climate Action Window,” Kariuki said, adding that Germany, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland are key partners.

He also cited the Bank’s YouthADAPT programme, which has invested $5.4 million in 41 youth-led green enterprises across 20 African countries, creating over 10,000 jobs, 61% of them led by women.

Global leaders call for urgent action

The session followed COP30’s official opening, where Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva made a passionate call for greater global investment in climate action to avert “a tragedy for humanity.” He urged countries to honor their Paris Agreement commitments and accelerate the transition from fossil fuels and deforestation.

Outgoing COP President Mukhtar Babayev, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Ecology, reminded delegates of the need to fulfill promises made at the Baku Conference, including mobilizing $300 billion in climate finance. He handed over the COP presidency to André Corrêa do Lago, Brazil’s lead diplomat for climate negotiations.

COP30, running from 10–21 November, is expected to focus on accelerating climate adaptation, strengthening international partnerships, and mobilizing financing to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Northern lights dazzle U.S. skies as strong solar storm hits Earth

People across the United States, from Alabama to New Mexico, were treated to spectacular displays of the northern lights on Wednesday, as bursts of charged particles from the sun reached Earth.

The National Weather Service (NWS) shared images of red and green auroras stretching across the night sky in states including New York, Oklahoma, Washington, Tennessee, Iowa, Idaho, and South Dakota.

The aurora appeared after a coronal mass ejection (CME)—a massive release of solar particles traveling with magnetic fields—disturbed Earth’s magnetic field, creating a geomagnetic storm.

Meteorologist Marc Chenard of the Weather Prediction Center said the lights were most visible in the northern U.S., particularly in Minnesota, Wisconsin, the Dakotas, and southern Michigan. Some areas in the Mid-Atlantic, Tennessee Valley, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Colorado, and the southern U.S. could also see the aurora if conditions were favorable.

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The aurora borealis is typically strongest near the North Pole. The colors—green and red from oxygen, blue and purple from nitrogen—are caused by interactions between solar particles and Earth’s atmosphere.

The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center reported three CMEs in recent days, with the latest described as the strongest. The center has issued a G4 geomagnetic storm warning, the second-most severe level, citing potential impacts on power grids, satellites, and GPS navigation.

Warnings have also been issued in Canada and Britain, where auroras were expected over northern regions, with limited visibility further south due to cloud cover.

“Two of the solar ejections have already arrived and packed quite a punch,” said Shawn Dahl, Space Weather Prediction Center coordinator. “Forecasters are closely monitoring the arrival of the third, most energetic CME.”

As solar activity continues, experts advise people to enjoy the stunning light show while remaining aware of potential disruptions to technology and navigation systems.

Emirates Rawabi, ReFarm Global partner to drive sustainable agriculture, greening in UAE

In a major step toward transforming the United Arab Emirates’ agricultural and food production landscape, Emirates Rawabi PSC, one of the country’s leading integrated agribusiness groups, has entered into a strategic partnership with ReFarm Global Investments LLC, a pioneer in regenerative and circular sustainability technologies.

The collaboration aims to revolutionize both food production and landscaping across the UAE, introducing new standards for sustainable urban development and eco-friendly agriculture.

Together, the two companies will advance a circular agribusiness model that emphasizes cost efficiency, carbon reduction, and regenerative farming. Their goal is to strengthen food security, restore soil health, and drastically reduce water consumption across the country’s agricultural and landscaping sectors.

The initiative also aligns with the UAE’s national vision to make Dubai one of the world’s most beautiful and liveable cities, contributing to urban greening, smarter irrigation systems, and reduced urban heat. It is expected to reshape the landscaping industry by promoting eco-efficient design, lower water use, and resilient green spaces that support long-term environmental goals.

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A Partnership for the Future of Food

The collaboration merges Emirates Rawabi’s expertise in dairy, poultry, animal feed, and food production with ReFarm’s innovative technologies in regenerative soil systems and waste-to-value solutions.

The partnership’s shared mission is to create a regenerative food ecosystem—one that enhances soil vitality, optimizes natural resources, and ensures both economic and environmental efficiency.

“Our mission is to restore balance between nature, technology, and progress,” said Oliver Christof, CEO of ReFarm Global Investments. “Through this partnership, we aim to empower farmers, developers, and food producers with innovative systems that strengthen food security while conserving air, soil, and water resources.”

He added, “We share a common vision to position the UAE as a global leader in regenerative agriculture. Our technologies help farmers grow healthier crops using less water while maintaining soil quality and productivity.”

Sustainable Farming: From Soil to Plate

Mazen Al Refae, Group CEO of Emirates Rawabi PSC, said the partnership represents a major milestone in the company’s sustainability journey.

“At Emirates Rawabi, sustainability lies at the heart of our operations. Through Emirates Rawabi Sustainable Solutions (ERSS), we already integrate biogas, solar power, and advanced water treatment to create circular, efficient, and responsible systems,” he said.

“Together with ReFarm, we’re introducing scalable solutions that redefine sustainable farming—from soil to plate—raising the bar for circularity and measurable environmental impact.”

Advancing the UAE’s Sustainability Goals

Under the agreement, Emirates Rawabi and ReFarm Global will roll out pilot projects across the UAE to demonstrate circular agriculture in action—from waste valorization and regenerative soil management to innovative water systems.

The initiative supports the UAE’s national goals on food security, climate action, and sustainable development, positioning the country as a global example of how technology and innovation can drive a low-carbon, sustainable agricultural future.

South Sudan launches climate-resilient schools programme to support over 200,000 children

A new climate resilience schools programme in South Sudan will provide education to more than 200,000 children affected by floods, droughts, and heatwaves, Save the Children announced.

Funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), the US$17 million “BRACE” (Building the Climate Resilience of Children and Communities through the Education Sector) pilot project aims to strengthen climate resilience across South Sudan’s education system. The programme will help rebuild schools, reform education policies, and train students and teachers to safeguard learning amid intensifying climate disasters.

Half of the children directly benefiting from the project are girls. The initiative also forms part of a broader global effort, initially targeting South Sudan, Cambodia, and Tonga, to protect children’s education from climate-related disruptions.

South Sudan is among the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries. Since 2022, more than 1 million people across six states have been affected by flooding, including 355,000 displaced, primarily in Jonglei and Unity states. Back-to-back heatwaves have also forced schools to close for extended periods, leaving children out of school.

The BRACE programme will improve school infrastructure with solar panels, water harvesting, ventilation systems, and sanitation facilities to ensure learning continues despite climate challenges.

“As we launch this project, we are reviewing our education curricula and practices. We must put children at the centre, and teacher training will equip educators to deliver climate-responsive education,” said H.E. Josephine Lagu, Vice President of South Sudan.

Dr. Kuyok Abol Kuyok, Minister of General Education and Instruction, expressed gratitude to funding partners, emphasizing that their support is an investment in stability and opportunity for South Sudanese children.

“We pledge to ensure that every child, no matter the climate challenges they face, enjoys access to quality education,” he said.

Read Also: Luxembourg, AfDB strengthen partnership to boost Africa’s sustainable growth

Deputy Speaker of the Child Council, Hon. Agot Alier, said the project would empower children to become future leaders.

“If resilience is about bouncing back, then let’s make sure every child has a reason to rise,” she said.

Chris Nyamandi, Country Director for Save the Children in South Sudan, highlighted the urgency of protecting education amid recurrent climate disasters.

“Education is not only about learning, but also survival. Through this project, we are helping children learn, adapt, and lead in a changing climate,” he said.

UNESCO, through its International Institute for Educational Planning, will also support the BRACE initiative to strengthen policy, planning, and curricula, ensuring children can continue learning despite climate challenges.

Globally, climate events disrupt schooling for about 40 million children annually, a figure expected to rise as extreme weather becomes more frequent. By 2050, climate change could displace more than 143 million people, further affecting children’s education and wellbeing.

Save the Children has worked in South Sudan since 1991, providing education, healthcare, nutrition, and livelihoods support to children and families affected by conflict and climate crises.

Thousands of climate-displaced Somalis abandoned by authorities, Amnesty Int’l claims

Somali authorities and the international community have repeatedly failed to protect thousands of people displaced by climate-related drought in southern Somalia, leaving them vulnerable to violations of their rights to food, water, health, and life, according to a new Amnesty International report.

Titled “No rain, no food, no animals: The human rights impact of drought and displacement in Somalia”, the report details how, between 2020 and 2023, climate-induced drought, coupled with ongoing conflict and marginalization, forced thousands of Somalis to relocate first to internal displacement camps in southern Somalia and later to Dadaab Refugee Camp in Kenya. During these journeys, authorities provided little to no relief, including food or healthcare.

“Somalia is on the frontline of human-induced climate change,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa. “Its contribution to global warming is negligible, yet its people bear the brunt of the crisis. High-income countries most responsible for climate change must step up to support Somalia in adapting to these effects.”

The report, based on interviews with 177 refugees at Dadaab between September 2024 and March 2025, as well as humanitarian workers and government officials, highlights the dire conditions faced by displaced families. Persistent drought has dried up water sources, causing people to rely on contaminated water, resulting in outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera. Food prices have surged by up to 160% above pre-2020 levels, fueling malnutrition and further displacement.

Read Also: How climate change ignites wildfires

Somalia declared the drought a national disaster in November 2021, yet health budgets remain under 5% of government spending, far below the 15% target set by the Abuja Declaration, leaving millions without access to essential services.

Stories from affected families illustrate the human cost. Fadumo, a 53-year-old mother of eight from Baydhabo, abandoned her farm and walked 24 hours for dirty water before relocating to Dadaab after failing to find work in Mogadishu. Bile, a 33-year-old father of eight from Jilib, lost his elderly parents after he had to move with his family due to drought-induced food scarcity.

Displacement often occurred multiple times. IDPs initially settled in southern Somalia faced further movement due to continued drought or floods. Journeys to Dadaab could last two days to six weeks, with many forced to sell belongings or livestock to afford transport. Humanitarian aid was largely absent along travel routes, with limited assistance concentrated only at camps, leaving many families malnourished and exhausted upon arrival.

“Somali authorities must urgently implement climate resilience policies that protect vulnerable communities from the compounding effects of drought, conflict, and displacement,” Chagutah said.

The report calls for a coordinated international response to ensure that climate-displaced communities in Somalia receive the protection, resources, and rights guaranteed under the Somali constitution and international law, including the Kampala Convention.

Group calls for sustainable solution to climate change

The Oil Watch International, a civil society organisation (CSO), has urged the Federal Government to adopt sustainable measures to address climate change manifestations in the Niger Delta region and the country.

The Coordinator of the group, Mr Kentebe Ebiaridor, made the call during the group’s Annual General Meeting, held in Port Harcourt on Saturday.

Ebiaridor said that the theme of the meeting was “Advancing Climate Justice in Nigeria: From fossil fuels to fossil freedom.

He said that decades of environmental degradation and health impact caused by oil exploration and production had necessitated the call for action to curb climate change impact on the citizens.

He listed the transition to renewable energy sources as part of the sustainable measures to address climate change manifestations in the region.

Ebiaridor further identified the enforcement of strict emission controls on industries, particularly in the oil and gas sector, to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

He also recommended the implementation of energy-efficient practices and technologies in buildings, industries, and transportation systems to reduce energy consumption.

He further encouraged the implementation of climate change adaptation and resilience plans by developing and implementing plans to help communities adapt to the impacts of climate change, such as sea-level rise, droughts, and floods.

Other measures, he said, included providing support to vulnerable communities to adapt to climate change impacts, including providing climate-resilient infrastructure, climate-smart agriculture, and climate-related disaster risk reduction.

Ebiaridor expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of the environment and the lack of transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector.

He called on the government, multinational oil companies and manufacturing industries to end gas flaring by using the by-product for raw material.

The Coordinator, Oil Watch in Nigeria, Dr Emem Okon, called for climate mitigation finance to be targeted at community women in rural areas.

Okon emphasised the need for targeted funding and sustainable measures, pointing out that women were disproportionately affected by climate change, particularly in the area of flooding.

Okon, who is also the Executive Director, Kebetkatche Women Development and Resource Centre, said that women in the Niger Delta region were taking proactive steps to cope with the impacts of climate change, including health impacts, destruction of livelihoods, and loss of property.

She urged government to support community women with vocational skills and startup funds to cushion the effects of climate-related disasters.

Read Also: Climate Change: Foundation plants 100,000 trees in Jigawa

“We are calling for implementable strategies to promote climate justice and sustainable development in the Niger Delta region,” she said.

Also, the Executive Director of another CSO, “We the People”, Mr Ken Henshaw, called for the protection of the environment by legal means, saying it would be a key to achieving environmental justice.

Henshaw alleged that oil companies had been moving away after their operations in the Niger Delta without environmental remediation and accountability.

He warned that the oil companies “disinform and manipulate public opinion to avoid taking responsibility for their actions”.

Henshaw called for the reform of the Petroleum Industry Act to remove clauses suspected to be unfair to communities affected by oil spills.

He also advocated for the establishment of a global court to punish crimes against nature, known as ecocide, and for oil companies to be held liable for environmental damage caused by their operations.

He emphasised that the demand for environmental justice is a call to action to protect the environment and ensure that those responsible for environmental degradation were held accountable.

(NAN)