COP 28: Betta Edu seeks global leaders’ support in mitigating climate change-induced humanitarian crises
Nigeria Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu has advocated the need to provide durable solutions to the impacts of global warming, describing it as one of the causes of humanitarian crises and poverty challenges in Nigeria. She said, already, climate change impacts were causing devastation to lives and livelihoods every year, a development that required immediate and determined action. These were some of the interactions the Minister had with top leaders and participants on the sideline of the ongoing COP 28, Climate Change Conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Dr Edu said the loss of natural resources, food insecurity, direct and indirect social impacts, and displacement were some of the humanitarian and poverty Alleviation Challenges caused by climate change in developing countries, including Nigeria. The Minister explained that Nigeria was championing going-green policy sustainability as well as providing durable solutions for humanitarian response to reduce multi-dimensional poverty, urging development partners and foreign donors to support the government's genuine intention. She called on the humanitarian organizations across the globe, especially those in attendance at COP 28, to support the proactive approach of President Tinubu's government in addressing the global climate change impacts in Nigeria. She said Nigeria will take advantage of the opportunity of the global stage to attract international partnerships that will help in reducing humanitarian crises and poverty challenges in Nigeria in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda. President Tinubu who is about to address over 70,000 world leaders had earlier charged all the participants from Nigeria to "strive for Nigeria to emerge from COP 28 with tangible commitments, "reinforcing our dedication to a future where energy is not only a catalyst for development but also a driver of environmental stewardship." Nigeria joined other countries to formally approve funding for climate change impact response.