By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Climate change and environmental experts, alongside civil society organizations (CSOs), media professionals, and other stakeholders, convened on Friday for the “January Climate Hangout.” The forum, held at the Interfaith Mediation Center (IMC) in Kaduna, focused on mitigating the effects of climate change and addressing its links to insecurity, deforestation, and economic challenges.
The forum was organized by the IMC’s Climate Change and Environment Desk in collaboration with the Special Assistant to the Kaduna State Government on Climate Change, with the active participation of African Climate Reporters (ACR).
A Call for Action on Climate and Environmental Issues
The meeting emphasized raising awareness about human activities that exacerbate desertification, such as deforestation and bush burning. Participants, including environmentalists, geologists, medical professionals, and journalists, deliberated on creating sustainable solutions for environmental protection and climate action.
In a statement, organizers Ibrahima Yakubu, Samson Auta, Mallam Hayatu Ashafa, and Hon. Yusuf Idris (Special Assistant to the Kaduna State Government on Climate Change) highlighted the event’s significance. They explained that the forum serves as a monthly platform for fostering dialogue among diverse stakeholders.
The forum also included a presentation by criminology and security expert Mr. Abel John Bassa, who discussed the intersection of climate change and insecurity, including the herder-farmer clashes that have caused widespread hardship.
Addressing Deforestation and Alternative Energy
A major topic of discussion was the urgent need for alternative energy sources to reduce dependency on firewood and charcoal for cooking. Participants noted that sensitization efforts alone would be insufficient without providing affordable and accessible alternatives.
Hon. Yusuf Idris revealed that the Kaduna State Government, under Governor Uba Sani, has initiated steps to tackle energy challenges. These include training 500 women to produce briquettes from agricultural waste and promoting the use of energy-saving stoves.
“There are alternative cooking materials, such as energy-saving stoves produced locally in Kaduna,” Idris noted. He emphasized that these efforts aim to reduce the environmental damage caused by tree cutting while offering sustainable solutions for domestic energy needs.
Climate Change and Public Awareness
Mr. Bassa stressed that awareness campaigns must be paired with actionable solutions, arguing that the lack of affordable alternatives undermines public engagement in environmental conservation.
“People already know about the effects of deforestation, but without affordable alternatives, the message falls flat,” he said.
The forum concluded with a consensus on the need for stronger government action, including policies that promote alternative energy, public education, and the enforcement of environmental protection measures.
As Kaduna State takes steps to address climate and energy challenges, the collaborative efforts of stakeholders at the “January Climate Hangout” underscore the importance of collective action in building resilience against climate change and its related socio-economic impacts.
