Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), an NGO, has called on Nigerians to vote for candidates who have clear policies to tackle climate crises for a better future.
Mr David Terungwa, Executive Director, GIFSEP and Africa Coordinator, Citizens Climate International, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday.
He said that Nigerians needed leaders who would prioritise the environment and take steps toward mitigating the effects of climate change as well as fighting against other activities that would destroy the lands.
According to him, we need policies at both state and national levels to effectively tackle climate change.
“It is our opportunity to vote for local action, ensuring you play your part. It is your civic responsibility.
“Are you not tired of sitting on the sidelines while the planet suffers? It is time to take action and make a difference by voting environmentally friendly during this election period.
“Are you not tired of the scorching heat wave? We all are, but ranting about it won’t solve the problem. Let’s make our voices heard and demand change.
“Join us and vote for climate change. Lets stop indiscriminate mining and other activities that can damage our environment. Let’s work together to protect our planet and create a better future for ourselves and future generations,” he said.
Terungwa said that the weather pattern in Nigeria affected excess flooding in the South-East and North-Central regions, while there was a high rate of decline in rainfall in the North-Eastern and Southern regions.
He said that temperature increased in all regions of the country, adding that the changes were contributing to food insecurity and directly affecting the conditions under which food is produced.
“If left unchecked, these could, however, pose a risk to the nation’s public health, economy and livelihood, among others.
“The best way to tackle this problem is by voting for leaders with a climate action plan.
“Vote for a sustainable future and economic growth! Let’s prioritise climate action in the Nigerian governorship election and pave the way for a thriving, green economy,” he said.
The coordinator said that women in rural areas bear the brunt of the suffering caused by climate change as well as those people responsible for food production.
He said that climate change was also affecting aquatic life and has led to an increase in the prices of food and other essential commodities.
He said that climate change was a pressing issue that affects everyone regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or socio-economic status.
“Therefore, climate is vital that we all need to take action to address it and ensure a sustainable future for ourselves and our unborn children.”
The team leader said that food security has declined seriously because of climate change impact, adding that Nigerians should vote for a greener future in the upcoming governorship election.
“The climate crisis affects everyone, but it is women who are disproportionately impacted,” the coordinator said.
He appreciated the effort of most women who were putting necessary measures to ensure that the planet was protected by creating a more resilient and equitable world.
“The reason why we are calling on Nigerians to vote for candidates who have clear policy to tackle climate crises is because of the negative impact on our lives and economy.
“The voters should not be in a hurry to forget the 2022 and the impending 2023 flooding as predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
“We should look beyond vote inducement and the other antics of politicians and vote for climate sensitive governors who can take climate action in their states.’’
He said that floods had displaced a lot of property and lives, adding that the first step towards averting such occurrences should start with the people.
According to Terungwa, all we have to do is to do the right thing by choosing an environmentally friendly leader who is ready and committed to address the environmental crisis.
“Leaders who can avert the wreaking havoc on Nigeria’s food supply, which climate change has caused, leading to shortages and soaring prices.
“This is the right time to do something about it! By voting for climate-conscious candidates in the upcoming governorship election, we can pave the way for a more secure food future for ourselves and generations to come.
“Let’s make our voices heard and demand action on climate change,” he said.