Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency of Abia State, Rep Sam Onuigbo has said a nexus exists between COVID-19 and climate change, noting that both spread across borders, communities and countries without restrictions.
According to the lawmaker, both phenomena have caused the global community huge losses, calling for a coordinated action to deal with climate change.
Speaking at a stakeholders meeting at University of Nigeria Nsukka recently, with the theme “Climate Change in COVID-19 Era” Hon. Onuigbo who is sponsor of the Climate Change Bill now an Act said the conference is aimed at x-raying the significance of the document which he said has become a watershed in environmental management.
He expressed happiness that Nigeria is one of the few countries to pass the Climate Change Bill into law, calling for quick inauguration of the National Council on Climate Change so as to ensure that they run with the time provided in the Act.
He stated, “Climate Change has caused tremendous damage in the world and has led to security problems between farmers and herders.”
He added, “It has statutorily make provisions for Directors on issues of Climate Change and has opened a lot of awareness for people to know about Climate Change.”
While underlining that the global community has suffered huge losses, including loss of jobs and means of livelihood, he called for resilience to overcome the challenges and build back better especially in post COVID-19 efforts.
Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor, UNN, Prof. Charles A Igwe said the theme of the conference is very proper especially at a time that the global populace is challenged by extreme unstable climatic conditions further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He therefore challenged governments, policymakers, scientists, businesses and others across the world to come up with a workable solution to fight Climate Change, noting that there is hardly any part of the globe without any climate change crisis.
He said; “I consider this conference very worthwhile and thoughtful, as it is expected to feature discussions and contents that will signal an integrated and multidisciplinary approach to fostering and advancing the way forward.”
Earlier, the Director Center for Environmental Management and Control of UNN, Prof. Anene Moneke described the conference as one designed to create a platform for everyone to interact and share their interest and expertise on environmental issues, contributions to knowledge in the area of environmental and sustainability management.
He said as environmental management and disaster risk management educators, researchers as well as practitioners, there is a need to take urgent action to translate new knowledge into practical ideas for policymakers.
