The Interfaith Dialogue on Climate Change Summit underscored the urgent need for stronger climate policies in Nigeria. Religious leaders highlighted their moral responsibility to action, stressing the importance of faith-led initiatives and public engagement to combat climate change. Concerns about Nigeria’s access to climate finance were also raised, along with strategies for future advocacy through faith communities.
Climate change is increasingly affecting Nigeria due to rising pollution, ineffective waste management, and environmental degradation, posing threats to communities. During the recent Interfaith Dialogue on Climate Change Summit in Abuja, organized by Connected Development (CODE), religious leaders and climate advocates called for immediate action to address the country’s climate crisis and urged policymakers to adopt effective environmental policies.
Rev. Fr. George Ehusani, the Executive Director of Lux Terra Leadership Foundation, emphasized the role of religious organizations and citizens in demanding stronger climate policies. He warned that inaction could have dire consequences for future generations. He stated that faith and civil society must collectively apply pressure on policymakers to prioritize climate change, asserting, “We cannot continue to pay lip service while our environment is deteriorating at an alarming rate.”
Sheikh Nurudeen Lemu, Executive Director of The Da’awah Institute, highlighted the moral obligation of faith leaders to advocate for sustainability, underscoring the concept of intergenerational justice. He remarked on the immediate nature of the climate crisis, pointing out that religious leaders share a responsibility for future generations by stating, “We are facing an urgent crisis and have a shared responsibility as religious leaders to this planet.”
Rev. Fr. Attah Barkindo, from the KUKA Center, noted the significant influence of religious leaders and their potential to engage followers in climate action. He argued that if religious leaders understand climate change, they can effectively shape public opinion and drive action towards sustainability through faith discussions, declaring, “Religious leaders have millions of followers listening to them weekly.”
Hamzat Lawal, Chief Executive of CODE, raised issues regarding Nigeria’s limited access to climate finance, indicating that only 20% of available funding has been accessed, mostly through loans. He emphasized the need for faith-based advocacy to ensure that Nigeria’s climate concerns are represented globally, asserting, “Faith-based advocacy is critical. We must demand justice and ensure Nigeria is central to global climate discussions.”
The summit concluded with the unveiling of the Interfaith Dialogue on Climate Change Report and Policy Brief, which presents strategies for mobilizing faith communities in environmental action.
The Interfaith Dialogue on Climate Change Summit showcased the critical role of religious leaders in advocating for stronger climate policies and mobilizing communities to address Nigeria’s escalating climate crisis. Through collaboration and heightened awareness, faith-based leaders can leverage their influence to demand justice and sustainability, ensuring that environmental issues are prioritized both nationally and globally.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
