The Enugu State government has announced bold plans and vision for climate change that focuses on green and sustainable future for the state.
The state governor, Peter Mbah disclosed this during his speech to mark the one-year anniversary of his administration.
In his address, Mbah noted that he was well aware of the devastating impact of climate change on economic growth and livelihoods, adding that his administration was determined to tackle it in line with his vision to reduce poverty and deliver people-focused governance in the state.
He stated that Enugu, under his leadership, recognises the critical need for a strong climate policy that would pave the way for a clean energy transition, ignite green innovation, strengthen climate resilience, and promote sustainable economic growth for the state, assuring a brighter, greener future for everybody.
The governor also assured that the state was determined to draw from domestic and international funds to implement ambitious climate policy, disclosing that the government was already on the verge of securing grant from the African Climate Foundation and the European Climate Foundation to assist with the design of a science-based climate policy and action plan for the state.
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“The climate policy and action plan will serve as a road map for a variety of exciting initiatives, including a major climate education and awareness programme, climate finance mobilisation, and a transformative clean cooking programme to protect our women from the health risks associated with open firewood cooking,” the governor said.
Continuing he stated that his administration was committed to “a grand tree planting exercise to rejuvenate our degraded ecosystems, sequester carbon, and beautify Enugu State, setting the stage for a vibrant and sustainable future.”
Mbah said that there is climate, urban redevelopment and greener city programme that his administration intends to restore the coal city to its former glory by planting countless trees and improving the state’s air quality, thereby limiting the impact of climate change.
The governor noted that the beauty, splendour, and orderliness seen in Western countries were not the result of wishful thinking, but of meticulous and painstaking planning and commitment, and that his government is prepared to change the narrative with its urban renewal and regeneration policies.
Story was adapted from Business Day.
