We ’ll Protect The Environment- Uduaghan

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has said his administration is obligated to protect the environment and people of the State, especially those that are most vulnerable to the impact and consequences of climate change.

Speaking at the official launch of the Delta State Climate Change Policy and Integrated Territorial Climate Plan in Asaba, the Governor said, climate change has become a daunting environmental challenge facing the world today and it can no longer be ignored as its effects are beginning to manifest.

Governor Uduaghan who was represented by his deputy, Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN), asserted that the devastating impact of climate change on all human systems are seen in the ravaging and unprecedented floods, which have hit the world in recent times, including extreme weather situations such as heat waves, typhoon and tsunamis. He added that these occurrences are now frequent resulting in the destruction of lives and property as the phenomenon is a real threat to human development and survival.

He said Delta State been a coastal State is highly vulnerable to the impact of climate change, His obligation is to protect the environment and people of the State and his administration has always been interested in participating in activities directly or through international collaborations that will help strengthen our capacity to combat climate change which includes opening possibilities for climate resilient development for the people of the State. Governor Uduaghan stated that Delta State started the campaign for the protection of environment even before the full effects of climate change descended on Nigerians.

The Governor noted that the programme was aimed at reducing the vulnerability of the local communities to the anticipated impact of climate change and also develop a low carbon and climate resilient economy, adding that the State Government is collaborating with UNDP on the programme tagged: Territorial Approach to Climate Change (TACC).He explained further that  the State Government is collaborating with General Energy, International Chambers of Commerce, Paris and International Energy Agency to explore opportunities for renewable options for small business and energy efficient options to drive the energy need.