Experts from faith communities emphasize the necessity of faith-based advocacy for effective climate action in Nigeria. During the Interfaith Dialogue on Climate Change Summit, organized by CODE, critical discussions centered on collaborative efforts and the launch of a report outlining strategic climate policies. Consequences of severe flooding and climate change in Nigeria were highlighted, resulting in calls for urgent policy shifts and communal responsibility to address environmental challenges.
Faith-based advocacy has emerged as a pivotal element in addressing climate change challenges in Nigeria. During the recent Interfaith Dialogue on Climate Change Summit, organized by Connected Development (CODE), experts and leaders from Christian and Islamic communities emphasized the need for enhanced climate policies and environmentally sustainable practices. They highlighted the importance of collaboration between faith communities and science to create effective strategies for climate action.
The summit also introduced the inaugural Interfaith Dialogue on Climate Change Report & Policy Brief. This document outlines strategic messaging and policy recommendations aimed at empowering faith and community leaders in advocating for climate justice. The report utilizes the BERIC model to interlink faith and environmental concerns while providing actionable insights for policymakers and community advocates.
Nigeria has faced increasing impacts from climate change, which include extreme weather patterns affecting agriculture and food security. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that in 2024, floods resulted in over 303 fatalities and displaced approximately 673,333 individuals. These disasters have devastated vital farmland and worsened food shortages, illustrating the dire need for improved flood management infrastructure.
Hamzat Lawal, the CEO of CODE, asserted the importance of faith-based advocacy in confronting climate change. He urged that Nigeria, severely affected by climate issues, must partake in global climate discussions and secure the resources necessary for adaptation. Additionally, Reverend Father George Ehusani called for significant policy shifts to address pollution and waste management, urging religious organizations to advocate vigorously for environmental matters.
Muhammad Nurudeen, Executive Director of the Da’awah Institute, underscored the shared responsibility of faith leaders in mitigating climate challenges. He posited that while empirical data provides insights, faith systems motivate collective action. He expressed concern over the politicization of religious divides instead of addressing underlying climate stresses. Nurudeen championed the role of faith in fostering environmental stewardship and urged immediate, united action to counter climate threats.
In conclusion, the Interfaith Dialogue on Climate Change Summit highlighted the indispensable role of faith-based advocacy in addressing Nigeria’s climate challenges. Experts and religious leaders called for collaborative efforts to implement effective policies, promote environmental stewardship, and ensure that faith communities actively participate in climate justice initiatives. The urgency of the climate crisis necessitates immediate action and commitment from all sectors of society, particularly from religious organizations that can inspire and mobilize communities towards sustainable practices and policies.
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