Talk is cheap, climate change is real.
Despite contributing a fraction of cumulative CO2 emissions, Nigeria continues to grapple with the disproportionate impact of climate change, a consequence of others’ prosperity at its expense.
Urgent Collaboration for Climate Resilience
Nigeria’s resilient efforts on climate change as documented by the world bank needs building on.
Nigeria stands at a pivotal juncture, advocating for proactive engagement with the affluent world. This involves tapping into available funds to finance climate-related losses, damages, and to propel the adoption of clean technologies across the nation’s diverse industries and communities.
The Nigeria Energy Transition Plan (NTEP)
An urgent call echoes through the air – the imperative implementation of the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan (NTEP).
This ambitious plan sets a target for the nation to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, demanding a meticulous examination of current energy sources and a strategic roadmap towards carbon neutrality.
Energy Mosaic and Emission Landscape
A quick look at Nigeria’s energy mosaic shows: Petroleum dominates (67%), followed by natural gas (32%), with renewables making up a mere 1%.
Residential consumption takes the lead at 78%, shedding light on the critical areas of intervention: electricity, transport, cooking, industry, and oil & gas.
The Dry Run: Climate Impact on Health
As the dry season unfolds, the specter of climate change looms large over Nigeria’s health landscape.
From cerebrospinal meningitis to cardiovascular disorders and the resurgence of diseases like Lassa fever and cholera, the toll of climate change on human health is alarming.
Reporting Climate Change In Nigeria ( What Journalists Must Do )
In the face of this crisis, journalists wield a powerful pen as advocates for change. Instead of chasing headlines, they must probe the intricate issues of resilience-building and adaptation.
Social media becomes a wellspring of inspiration, and journalists can amplify the voices of those directly affected by climate change.
News writers should find leaders whose communities have been directly affected by climate change and learn how they are responding.
Narratives must be rich and localized
Localizing the Narrative
The call for climate activism coverage extends to localization – understanding and addressing key issues within communities.
By shedding light on the priorities emerging from global conferences, journalists become catalysts for change, weaving a narrative that resonates with the heart of their nation.
Written by Fortune Omosola
