COP 29: A Critical Moment For Climate Action - Greening ABIA, A Path To Resilience - By Dr. Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke

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COP 29: A Critical Moment for Climate Action – Greening Abia, A Path to Resilience

COP29: A Critical Moment for Climate Action in Africa

As the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) kicks off in Baku, Azerbaijan, Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria, is poised to take center stage. With the conference running from November 11 to 22, 2024, Nigeria’s delegation is gearing up to showcase its commitment to climate resilience and sustainable development. However, while this epoch making event is under in far away Baku, let’s study the steady roll out of pro-poor climate change mitigation strategies mounted by Dr Alex Chioma Otti OFR in Abia State.

Abia’s Climate Challenges

Abia state like every other state in Nigeria is grappling with the dual challenges of climate change and economic development. Rising temperatures, devastating floods, and encroaching desertification threaten the country’s agriculture, water resources, and human settlements. The recent floods in Borno and other states underscore the urgent need for climate action.

COP29 Agenda

The COP29 Presidency has outlined a comprehensive agenda, featuring thematic days focused on climate finance, energy, science, technology, and innovation. Key highlights include:
World Leaders Climate Action Summit: November 12-13, focusing on national statements and leader-level dialogues
Finance, Investment, and Trade: November 14, exploring climate finance and green trade. Energy and Peace: November 15, addressing energy transition and climate-related conflicts. Human Development and Health: November 18, discussing climate’s impact on human well-being

Abia State, located in southeastern Nigeria, faces various climate-related challenges, including:

Floods: Abia is prone to flooding, particularly during the rainy season, affecting agriculture, infrastructure, and human settlements.
Drought: Periodic droughts impact agricultural productivity and food security.
Soil Erosion: Heavy rainfall and poor land management lead to soil erosion, affecting farmlands and infrastructure.
Temperature Increase: Rising temperatures alter ecosystems, affecting agriculture, health, and livelihoods.
Water Scarcity: Inadequate access to clean water exacerbates health issues and hinders economic development.
Deforestation: Widespread deforestation contributes to climate change, loss of biodiversity, and soil degradation.
Climate-Related Diseases: Increased temperatures and rainfall changes facilitate the spread of diseases like malaria, cholera, and typhoid.
Food Insecurity: Climate variability affects crop yields, leading to food shortages and economic instability.
Infrastructure Damage: Climate-related disasters damage roads, bridges, and buildings, disrupting economic activities.
Human Migration: Climate-related displacement and migration put pressure on urban infrastructure and social services.

Governor Alex Otti’s administration prioritizes climate action. A source in the government house disclosed that Dr Otti and his Climate team had laid out Abia State’s climate opportunities, describing it as vast and diverse. One key area the governor is pursuing relentlessly is renewable energy. It was disclosed that yesterday alone he spent over 5 hours making International calls and networking globally. He is convinced with Abia’s high solar irradiance, Abia is ideal for solar farms and rooftop installations. Additionally, it’s ideal location offers potential for wind farms, and its rivers can support small-scale hydroelectric projects. He is rest assured that Abians are smart and will facilitate quicker technology transfers.

Sustainable agriculture is another significant opportunity on the governor’s mind. He argues frequently with close friends and allies that Abia’s fertile soil and favorable climate make it suitable for organic farming, agroforestry, and climate-smart crop and animal varieties. This can enhance biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and agricultural productivity. This explains why is heavily pursuing this synergistic relationship with CSS and it’s promoter, Prof John Kennedy Opara.

“Eco-tourism is also a promising sector”, Otti quipped with a close ally yesterday during a telephone conversation. Yesterday, Abia Think Tank published a piece on Governor Otti’s huge tourism game plan. Abia’s natural attractions, such as scenic landscapes, rivers, and waterfalls, will attract more international tourists. Otti has concluded plans to attract firms to develop eco-lodges and resorts, and preserving cultural heritage sites, can create jobs and revenue in Abia State. These may take some time but he’s very hopeful.

Climate-resilient infrastructure is crucial. That’s why he is leaving now stone unturned in revamping basic road infrastructure within the constraints of available resources. He has resolved that Abia can construct green buildings, flood-resistant structures, and climate-proof roads. The governor believes this will minimize the impact of climate-related disasters in the state

As I pen down my thoughts right now, climate innovation and research, which are essential, are one of the pre-occupations of His Excellency, Establishing and domesticating climate change research centers in Abia State sourcing grants and Institutional support for climate-focused startups and entrepreneurs, he believes will revolutionize Abia employment and industry space. He is nursing putting together patriotic Abia born experts to develop climate-related curricula and training programs that will drive private sector economic growth.

Dr Otti believes strongly that Abia can also benefit from carbon credits and finance. He is currently overseeing various proposed Abia centric carbon offset projects. This is to place the state in a vantage position when issuance of green bonds become mainstream. Abia should showcase strength and depth when collaborating with international organizations for climate funding that will support climate initiatives.

Lastly, in one of the state executive council meeting, Dr Alex Chioma Otti OFR sensitized his team that climate action will create jobs and drive economic growth in Abia state. He explained that he wants to green Abia’s industry ecosystem by giving it the necessary capacity for a speedy start. In his speech, he argued that developing green jobs, building a climate-resilient economy, and aligning Abia’s development with global sustainability goals will ensure a prosperous future.