ย
The Enugu State Government has launched a climate policy and action plan to combatย threats posed by climate change in the state.
The launch held on Monday in Enugu was titled:ย โEnugu State Climate Policy, Climate Action Plan, and Climate Education Manual for Schools.
It aims to provide a comprehensive framework to mainstream climate change action in the state
Speaking at the event, Gov. Peter Mbah reiterated his administrationโs determination to ensure that environmental best standards are observedย to address climate change issues.
He said since the climate issues remained real,ย there is need to develop a comprehensive solution.
Mbah, who was represented by his Deputy, Mr Ifeanyi Ossai, commended the development partners that helpedย in actualising theย climate action place and policy.
Heย also said the climate manual for students was important to create awareness on the dangers of climate change and need to protect their environment.
โFor us to channel their intellectual level to productivity and growth,ย we must provide enabling environment, basic infrastructure to drive that growth and development.
โWe have to do that on responsible and environmentally friendly way,ย and this is why this manual is critically important to us as a government,โ Mbah said.
He thanked theย Africa Climate Foundation (ACF) and University of Bristol for their support.
The governor further advocated for attitudinal change from deforestation to forestation to mitigate effects of climate change.
He saidย the state government and lawmakers would work together to enact a law prohibiting illegal felling of trees.
Prof. Sam Ugwu, the State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, described the event as a bold step toward securing a sustainable and Climate-resilient future for the state.
He said that climate change had become a global challenge which hadย consequential impact on livelihoods and ecosystems .
โ It distorts national and sub- national socio-economic values and activities.
โThe stateโsย new climate policy presentsย a comprehensive roadmap for integrating sustainability into every sector of the economy.
โIt is a strategic framework designed to drive green investments, create thousands of jobs, and position Enugu as a leader in Nigeriaโs low-carbon transition,โ Ugwu said.
Theย Special Adviser to the governor on Climate Policy and Sustainable Development, Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke said Climate Smart Agriculture remained one of the ways to mitigate the devastating effects of climate change.
The Secretary to theย Enugu state Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, added that the government will inaugurate an implementing committee to execute the actions.
Also speaking, Mrs Juliet Chiluwe, the Chief Field Officer, United Nations Childrenโs Fund (UNICEF), Enugu,ย commended the state for its Smart Green School and the climate action and policy.
โOne of our mandates is to ensure thatย children attain rights in all circumstances and context.
โSo UNICEF isย a critical member of the table to ensure social protection of child rights in alliance with the climate change,โ she said.
