NGO calls for low carbon growth initiatives adoption

An NGO, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Initiative (CCMAI), has advised the three-tiers of government, to support low carbon growth initiatives being implemented by relevant stakeholders in the country.

CCMAI’s senior programme officer, Mr Richard Inyamkume, gave the advice on Monday in Abuja in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Inyamkume said it was imperative for government at all levels to support the low carbon growth initiatives because of the accruing benefits to the people and the environment.

“Presently, a huge number of Nigeria’s population is dependent on dirty cooking “modes,” such as firewood and charcoal.

“While this contributes to global warming through carbon emissions, it poses health risks to users.

“Governments need to focus on investing in the area of clean cooking options for Nigerians especially in the rural communities,’’ he said.

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To lay solid foundation for the actualisation of low carbon society, Inyamkume urged the government to mainstream climate change into national, state and local government budgetary proposals.

He said that government at all levels needed to prioritise investments in low carbon projects particularly in the areas of cooking modes, transportation modes and clean energy options.

“To this end, private sector investments should be encouraged for the production and distribution of clean cooking technologies, low carbon travel options, such as bicycles, hybrid cars, tricycles and other low or non emitting energy options.

“Nigeria has a huge economic potential; brilliant climate and environment future that cannot be left to be ravaged by the adverse impact of climate change,’’ he advised.

Inyamkume also urged governments and relevant stakeholders to implement the already existing structured policies and strategies to achieve low carbon growth in the country.

He said that the Nigerian government and the people could achieve green, healthy and sustainable environment that supports food and livestock production, as well as clean energy production.