Stakeholders canvass policy to tackle climate change challenges in Imo

Critical stakeholders in Imo State have called on the state government to take proactive measures in tackling the negative effects of climate change on the socio-economic live and health of the people.

The call was made at the inception meeting of the newly inaugurated Imo State Climate Change Technical Committee, held in Owerri, weekend.

The committee, composed of experts in environment, public health, law, education, media, power and electrification, and climate change consultants, expressed worry over the lack of existing policy or legal framework governing climate change in the state.

The stakeholders also advocated for the domestication of the National Climate Change Act, 2019 and Energy Transition Plan, 2021 in the state to help mitigate the adverse effects of flooding, gully erosion, and other impacts of climate change.

Speaking at the meeting, the Director of Spaces for Change, S4C, Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, a United Kingdom trained Environmental Expert, Dr. Temple Oraeki, Dr. Obiora Elizabeth, Public Health Expert and other committee members stressed on the urgent need for energy and environmental justice, housing and urban governance in the state.

Ibezim-Ohari and others disclosed that Imo State ranks 24th among the states in the country with high effects of climate change, adding that many lives and economic values have been lost in the state in the past few years, owing to the environmental menace.

They insisted that formulating policy or law in the state would among other benefits help regulate emission, especially from gas flaring; address public health issues and promote sustainable practices that will ensure transmission to a low carbon economy.

Earlier, Barr. Chetachi Louis Udeh, Senior Legal Officer, S4C, said, “Imo State is particularly vulnerable, grappling with increasing climate threats such as flooding, erratic weather patterns and escalating farmer-herder conflicts driven by resource scarcity.

“Unlike other states such as Lagos, Delta and Rivers, which have established climate legal frameworks, Imo State currently lacks a comprehensive policy to address these challenges systematically. Such a framework will not only address current environmental challenges but also secure a sustainable and prosperous future for the people of Imo State.”

Among the committee members are Mr. Chukwuma Iheanacho, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Sanitation, Imo State; Arc. Iron Uzochi, Architect Environmentalist/Country Representative, World Climate School; Dr. Abiola Bashoruu, Environmental expert; and HRH Eze Clinton Uboegbulam, Traditional Ruler, Umuororonjo Community, Owerri Municipal.

Others are Prof. M. Obasi of the Faculty of Law, Imo State University, Owerri. Ms. Agbakwuru Chinemerem, Medical Laboratory Scientist; Barr. Chioma Anyanwu, Community women leader and Ms. Blessing Duru, Programme Director, Alliances for Africa, AfA.