COP 27: Groups solicit climate finance for adaptation to deadly impacts

Civil Society Groups (CSOs) have solicited funding to aid developing countries like Nigeria which have been devastated by extreme climate events like the current floods being experienced in the country to build resilience, mitigate and adapt to the impacts of such occurrences.

According to a press release by Christine Mbithi of 350Africa.org issued on Monday, the deadly flooding in Nigeria underscores the need for adaptation finance for developing nations to build resilience against climate impacts.

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She quoted Landry Ninteretse, Regional Director of 350Africa.org, to have said:

“We are concerned about the devastation caused by the flooding in Nigeria, which the government has attributed to heavy rains and climate change. We stand in solidarity with our partners and communities affected by this disaster. African nations on the frontlines of the climate crisis are demanding greater urgency applied to measures aimed at mitigation against and adaptation to climate change. COP27, which starts in a few weeks, must define a concrete operationalisation plan to implement the Global Goal on Adaptation adopted last year in order to meaningfully support countries like Nigeria in their efforts to strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerability to climate impacts.

“We expect that developed nations will scale up funding for mitigation and adaptation, as well as prioritise compensation for climate-induced losses and damage suffered by the nations most affected by the climate crisis.”

The release also quoted Dr Michael Terungwa, Executive Director, Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), who champions the Coal-Free Nigeria campaign, to have said: “The heavy rains and resultant flooding currently being experienced in Nigeria is evidence of the extreme climate impacts primarily driven by fossil fuels, making our homes uninhabitable, endangering lives, health and livelihoods.

“This is a signal that it is time for the world to move away from fossil fuels, as rapid and deep emission cuts are needed to avoid catastrophic climate impacts. As our country plans to implement an energy transition plan, we urge the government to prioritise clean renewable energy and not false solutions such as fossil gas that will lead us down a perilous path.”