An environmental expert, Mr. Gafar Odubote has urged Nigerians to adapt and adopt renewable energy to address the effect of climate change.
Odubote, who is the network coordinator of the environmental non-profit organisation Let’s Do It World (LDIW) Africa region, made the call in an interview with journalists in Lagos.
He said the fight against climate change should go beyond mitigation to engaging in adaptation.
“We can actively address climate change actions by engaging in climate change adaptation besides mitigation.
“Climate change adaptation is the process of adjusting to the current and future effects of climate change.
“It is completely different from mitigation which is the prevention or limitation of climate change effects.
“With adaptation, we are not just reducing the [degree of emission of] greenhouse gasses but making them practically non-existent,” he said.
Also, Odubote called on corporate organisations and individuals to adopt the use of renewable energy sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
He urged individuals to practice sustainable lifestyles to adequately adapt to climate change effects.
“Corporate organisations can begin climate change adaptation by adjusting their business models to adapt to climate change and reduce imminent natural disasters.
“The use of renewable energy sources instead of burning of diesel to run their offices and machinery is one major way of adaptation to climate change.
“It is time we start thinking of more ways to adopt renewable energy as a means of climate change adaptation.
“Our building models should also be designed and constructed to adapt to climate change effects. The construction materials and the use of solar energy is paramount.
“Our infrastructural development should be tailored in line with climate change adaptation in mind,” Odubote added.
He stressed that the measures remain the right step for all and sundry in curtailing the effect of climate change in the country.
Odubote called for behavioural change among Nigerians to address climate change effects, agency reports said.
“We must also cultivate behavioural change toward climate change. It should not be perceived as a myth.
“In mitigation, all we preach [is] the reduction of greenhouse gases through sustainable lifestyle and practices.
“We should further encourage more afforestation activities and increase the budgetary allocation for the forestry department.
“If we can replenish our environment through adaptation, we can over time overcome the challenges of climate change,” he said.
