The Enugu government and stakeholders in climate change have called for urgent steps to mitigate the climate crisis by reducing carbon footprints.

They made the call at a workshop on Thursday in Enugu.

Speaking on Enugu’s vision for a climate-resilient and green economy, the secretary to the state government, Chidiebere Onyia, said the objective of reducing carbon footprint and other forms of pollution to its barest minimum would be achieved by harnessing the power of wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources.

He presented Enugu’s climate policy, action plan and financial framework to enable the transition to a greener economy, describing the move as “an opportunity to reinvent ourselves, innovate, and  lead in the face of global change.”

Mr Onyia disclosed that the decision to take the drastic step was aimed at gradually transitioning from a coal city to pioneer clean energy solutions, setting ambitious targets for renewable energy generation in the face of greenhouse emissions.

He said this continued to threaten the existence of humanity and the environment. The SSG said plans were on top gear to place the state on the map of global climate activism.

He underscored that the principles of the draft policy had its foundation on three key pillars of sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, adding that sustainability would be at the heart of the climate policy.

The environment and climate change commissioner, Sam Ugwu, observed that climate change had become a global challenge with its consequential impacts on livelihoods and ecosystems.

He added that the impact was distorting national and subnational socio-economic values and activities, saying the reality of climate change was no longer a distant threat but a pressing challenge that demanded immediate and concerted action by all stakeholders.

According to the commissioner, climate change policy and action plans were essential in reducing and alleviating the situation, explaining that the workshop aimed to develop a science-based climate policy based on a rigorous assessment of the current climate profile for Enugu.

Chukwumerije Okereke, senior adviser to the governor and president of the Society on Climate Policy and Sustainable Development, said the policy and action plan would drive the mitigation steps deliberately initiated by Governor Peter Mbah’s administration.

He added that the priorities were to increase the generation of renewable energy to serve millions of people and empower economic resources in the state.

The climatologist also said the draft policy would help build climate resilience to tackle flooding gully erosion and address other challenges.

(NAN)