A non-governmental organization, the Global Initiative for Food Security and Preservation (GIFSEP) has bemoaned what it described as the under-representation of climate change in the 2023 election campaigns.
The Executive Director and Team Lead of the GIFSEP, Mr David Terungwa, who stated this in an interview with newsmen on Sunday in Abuja, called on Nigerians to support candidates who have plans to address climate change.
According to Terungwa, a climate change expert and activist with the Climate Justice Coalition, Nigerians should vote for candidates who are aware of the challenges surrounding climate change in the 2023 elections.
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He added that the climate crisis was one of our lifelong crises and that it was essential to the sustainability of democracy.
In his words, “So far, climate change is under-represented in the campaigns ahead of the 2023 general elections.
“It will be a dangerous mistake if we elect climate deniers.
“Climate change issues are too important to be left in the hands of deniers. This is because climate change is the defining issue of today’s world.
“That is why we are calling on citizens, especially those in communities impacted by climate change, to ensure that they collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and look beyond empty campaign promises.
“Nigerians should not look for forms of inducement to vote for candidates that understand climate change issues and have a climate action plan.
“We all are affected by climate change. Our country is very vulnerable to climate change.”
Terungwa noted that the recent floods that killed more than 600 Nigerians, forced millions of people to flee their homes, and destroyed hundreds of farms and agricultural fields throughout the country.
According to him, if the current tendency could not be reversed to create climate resilience, the problems will increase in frequency and severity.
The executive director noted that GIFSEP reviewed several political parties’ manifestos, and the findings are posted on the vote for climate website.
Story was adapted from Nigerian Tribune.
