The Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, says in a bid to address Climate Change issues in the State, his administration has set up a Department under the Ministry of Environment.
Otti who made the revelation on Thursday during the two-day engagement with stakeholders in Climate Change holding at the International Conference Center, Umuahia organised by the Abia State Ministry of Environment, added that his administration is working with community leaders and stakeholders to mitigate the effects of Climate Change on Abia environment.
The Governor who noted that effective climate action requires data and awareness, said they are gathering necessary data on Climate Change while focusing on key information and analysing it’s effects on the region.
He revealed that his administration has also stepped up advisory activities around sustainable practices just as they are exploring energy-efficient climate solutions using solar power and green technology.
Otti said, “Our survivor has created a strategy dependent on how we respond to threats and actual dangers. We have scientifically found that individual observations and experiences, changes in climate, and non-independent life that we share with each other, are all interconnected.
“Evidence of this embodied reality is manifest in the frequent irregularities of weather conditions and seasons. We are experiencing droughts, deserts, landslides, displacement of population, and poverty affecting tens of millions of people.
“Over the years, our response to this unusual trend in climate conditions has been painful. Some have dismissed concerns about climate change as unimportant or a conspiracy. However, we must face the challenges head-on.
“Poverty, loss of life, and desertification are all connected to climate change. The impact of climate change is expected to be greater than in previous seasons. Therefore, we must anticipate our response as stakeholders to mitigate its effects.
“We follow the principle of taking proactive measures to address climate change. I welcome you to this stakeholder engagement, which promises to open our eyes to the practical realities of climate change and what we can do to address it.
“We have set up the Climate Change Department in the State Ministry of Environment to address climate change issues. We are working with community leaders and stakeholders to mitigate the impact of climate change on our communities.
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“We understand that effective climate action requires data and awareness. We are collecting data on climate change, focusing on key information, and analyzing its effects on different regions.
“We are attentive to the effects of oil exploration and pollution in various districts and states. We are keeping track of communities facing environmental threats and taking measures to address them.
“We are not just gathering data; we are using it to inform our projects and shape our policies. We are planning programs to address body erosion, flooding, and deforestation.
“We have stepped up advisory activities around sustainable practices, and we are exploring energy-efficient climate solutions using solar power and green technology.
“We are actively engaging with the private sector, mainstreaming government policies, and empowering people to take action. We believe that renewable energy is the way to go to reduce costs and provide a friendly environment.
He noted that his administration’s goal is to build a more sustainable economy with renewable energy, adding that the time to waste time on nuclear power has gone.
