Plateau to domesticate climate change policy

The Plateau State Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development, Peter Gwom has assured of the State government’s commitment to domesticate the climate change policy to mitigate the adverse impacts of the phenomenon in the State.

He spoke during the 2024 World Climate Change Day celebrated every May 15 as his Ministry in collaboration with the Centre of Gospel Health and Development, CeGHaD with support from the Christian Blind Mission, CBM, and the European Union, EU held a sensitization event for citizens.

The 2024 theme is “At the Frontline of Climate Action” but the Commissioner spoke on the topic Climate Change: Plateau State in focus and noted that the rising temperature and the unpredicted pattern of rainfalls among other anomalies are wake-up calls for citizens to support efforts to curb the trend.

He said, “We are focusing on Plateau State and the role being played to address this phenomenon. We are reminding ourselves that Climate Change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, requiring immediate attention and collective action.

“Plateau State, like any other place in the world, is already experiencing the devastating impacts of climate Change. The rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall patterns are here with us. These are affecting agriculture, water resources, and human health. Flooding and droughts have become more frequent and intense, displacing communities and threatening livelihoods.

“The Plateau State Government through the Ministry has taken bold steps to address climate change through various initiatives. We are currently working on the domestication of the climate change policy, collaborating with CSOs and NGOs to mitigate the effects like introducing improved seedlings, smart farming methods, introducing some communities to eco-friendly cooking stoves, afforestation and reforestation of mining degraded lands, waste management and so forth.”

Despite the efforts being made, he added “There are still significant challenges to overcome and these are not limited to access to funding and resources (human and materials), inadequate infrastructure and technology as well as the need for increased awareness and education. We must as of necessity work together to address the Climate crisis urging all to put our hands on deck.”

Also, Yakubu Dasu, the Coordinator of Enabling Resilience to climate-related risks through local CSOs strengthening, ER2CC project of CeGHaD, noted that Plateau State has what it takes to be at the frontline of climate action in Nigeria hence awareness must be raised, and support given to climate initiatives as everyone works to address climate crisis.

He highlighted that his organization is sensitizing communities on increased efforts at tree planting and other efforts geared towards reversing the effects of climate change.