Enugu gov moves to implement strong climate policy

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has said his government is determined to draw from domestic and international funds to implement ambitious climate policy.

He said the government was already on the brink of securing grants from the African Climate Foundation and the European Climate Foundation to assist with the design of a science-based climate policy and action plan for the state.

A statement by his special adviser on climate policy and sustainable development, Chukwumerije Okereke, noted that Mbah made the announcement during his speech to commemorate the one-year anniversary of his administration.

According to him, the administration is well aware of climate change’s devastating impact on economic growth and livelihoods and was determined to tackle them in line with his vision to reduce poverty and deliver people-focused governance in Enugu State.

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He stated that Enugu State under his leadership recognised the critical need for a strong climate policy that would pave the way for a clean energy transition, ignite green innovation, strengthen climate resilience, and promote sustainable economic growth for the state, assuring a brighter, greener future for everybody.

“The climate policy and action plan will serve as a roadmap for a variety of exciting initiatives, including a major climate education and awareness programme, climate finance mobilisation and a transformative clean cooking programme to protect our women from the health risks associated with open firewood cooking,” the governor said.

The governor also noted that his administration was committed to a grand tree planting exercise to rejuvenate their degraded ecosystems, sequester carbon and beautify Enugu State to set the stage for a vibrant and sustainable future.

Mbah said that as part of his climate, urban redevelopment and greener city programme, his administration intends to restore the coal city to its former glory by planting countless trees and improving the state’s air quality, thereby limiting the impact of climate change.

On his part, Okereke expressed his excitement in working alongside the governor and helping to bring his vision for innovative and transformative governance to life in an area as critical and broad as climate change and sustainable development.