The German Government is into partnership with Nigeria to combat climate change and related issues in the country, the Ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs Annett Gunther, has said.
Gunther, who said this in an interview on Monday, May 20, 2024, in Abuja, added that the perennial floods in parts of Nigeria is a global challenge, aggravated by the climate change phenomenon.
She noted that all hands must be on deck to tackle the root causes of climate issues, adding that decarbonisation, and zero emissions would help to solve the problem not only in Nigeria but globally.
The ambassador added that Nigeria has an ambitious goal in its energy transition plan, developed under the previous administration to ensure zero emission until 2060, adding that, if properly implemented, it can be impactful.
She said that “in our cooperation talks, we are interested in how to help Nigeria to achieve that goal.
“We therefore have opened a hydrogen diplomacy office called German-Nigerian hydrogen diplomacy office where experts organise meetings, conferences, discussions and bring together stakeholders in the area of renewable energies and particularly on hydrogen.
“Even though gas is currently the primary source of energy and power, we have to chart the way forward. We need to have these discussions to reach our climate goals earlier or as soon as possible.’’
The envoy explained that weather had become unpredictable and difficult for agriculture to thrive.
“In our development cooperation, we have programmes to support farmers in developing drought resilient crops.
“We are also aware that the effect of climate change reduces the sources of income for people, as well as durable land for farming,’’ the ambassador said.
Gunther further disclosed that plans were underway to address the issue of shrinking resources, as the German Government work toward mediating conflicts between communities.
By Chinenye Offor
