UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell is visiting Nigeria for four days to discuss climate action with various stakeholders. He will focus on opportunities presented by Nigeria’s new climate plan, engage in key discussions in Abuja and Lagos, and participate in symposiums highlighting the intersection of climate issues and economic growth.
The UN Climate Change (UNFCCC) Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell, is on a four-day visit to Nigeria aimed at discussing the potential benefits of a robust climate action plan with key stakeholders including government officials, business leaders, and civil society members. The first two days, from March 4th to 5th, will see him in Abuja for discussions with Nigerian officials.
On March 6th, Mr. Stiell will attend a symposium titled “Intersecting Worlds of Climate Change, Mangrove, and Art” organized by the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat at Lekki Conservation Centre, Lagos. At approximately 10:05 AM WAT, he will present a speech highlighting the prospects offered by Nigeria’s new climate plan, otherwise known as the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).
His address will underscore how pursuing bold climate initiatives can present new economic opportunities, alleviate poverty, and ensure universal energy access. He will emphasize that important sectors are poised for growth, contingent on implementing ambitious climate strategies, thus delivering significant advantages for households, businesses, and governments.
Moreover, Mr. Stiell will discuss environmental protection as a means to enhance Nigeria’s resilience to extreme weather events resultant from climate change. Strategies such as protecting mangrove forests to mitigate flooding risk and establishing a Great Green Wall in the Sahel to restore degraded land will be pivotal in adapting to climate impacts on people and infrastructure.
On March 7th, the Executive Secretary will engage in a panel discussion with business leaders at the symposium and further meet with representatives from civil society. This visit comes under the auspices of the UNFCCC, which includes 198 parties and governs the framework for international climate agreements, including the 2015 Paris Agreement aimed at limiting temperature increases to well below 2 degrees Celsius.
In conclusion, Simon Stiell’s visit to Nigeria highlights the nation’s commitment to combating climate change through innovative strategies. His discussions and symposium presentations aim to align stakeholders on the importance of a robust climate plan, showcasing the economic transformations such actions can catalyze. By fostering collaboration and emphasizing the need for bold action, the visit is set to propel Nigeria towards a sustainable future.
Original Source: www.arise.tv
