The Laudato Si Movement of Nigeria (LSM-NNIGERIA) has called on governments, civil society groups, and most especially, religious leaders to support the endorsement of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FFNPT) to help address the harmful impacts of this deadly substance on the environment and public health.
Despite numerous scientific studies that revealed that burning the world’s current fossil fuel reserves would result in emissions seven times higher than what is feasible to keep global warming below 1.5ºC, the group finds it worrisome that many governments—including those who identify as climate leaders—continue to approve new coal, oil, and gas projects, in contradiction to the objectives of the Paris Agreement.
The national coordinator of the group, Bonny Rex Oboh, expressed his displeasure over such inhuman conduct, saying it is alarming and unacceptable given that these anomalies are occurring at the expense of people to benefit self-serving business owners.
Oboh, who spoke briefly after a peaceful procession with other concerned stakeholders in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, to commemorate the 2024 Global Day of Action on the FFNPT, added that the unchecked use of fossil fuels is not only wreaking havoc on ecosystems but also exploiting vulnerable communities, depriving them of their livelihoods and rights.
In one of his messages, Pope Francis tasked global leaders to consider a swift transition away from dangerous fossil fuel reliance. Following this call, the environmental rights campaigner urged the Knights and Ladies of St. Mulumba and St. John International, as well as the Ladies Auxiliary, to step up as true defenders of justice and faith to speak boldly and act decisively to confront this national and global crisis.
He drew attention to the Holy Father’s statement in his apostolic exhortation Laudate Deum that global emissions are still rising in spite of numerous negotiations and agreements. So, he is asking well-meaning Nigerians to demand immediate and concrete action to halt the worsening climate crisis. According to him, this action must be urgent as the world prepares to attend this year’s climate conference (COP 29) in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.
The Laudato Si Movement in Nigeria, he assured, remains committed to advocating for a just and sustainable future for all.
“Let us raise our voices in unity, calling on our faith leaders and government to endorse the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. Together, we can protect our common home,” Oboh said.
In the same vein, Ms. Augustine Ojapah, the Fossil Fuel Campaigner, Laudato Si Movement, Nigeria, validated Pope Francis’ call to swiftly, systematically, fairly, and justly end fossil fuel consumption, leaving no one behind.
“As we Laudato Si Movement Members in Nigeria take action today to call on our faith leaders and government to sign the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, we need to complement the Paris Agreement with a specific international binding treaty to end the era of fossil fuels,” she said.
Barrister Angela Odunukwe, the Deputy Youth Animator of the Laudato Si Movement in Nigeria, believes that caring for Mother Earth is a collective responsibility. The Pope Francis call, she observed, is a call to every person on the planet to care for the earth.
“As we take action today to call on our faith leaders and government to sign the fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty, every one of us has a role to play,” Odunukwe stated.
The lawyer went on to explain that this is where ecological conversion comes into play and that people must realise because they are earth stewards who must accept responsibility and take action for climate justice.
The Season of Creation is a Catholic celebration that marks the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology beloved by many Christian denominations.
By Etta Michael Bisong, Abuja
