Chief Sam Onuigbo, a former House of Representative member, has identified large-scale coordinated climate action as the pathway to sustainable environment globally.
Onuigbo said in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, July 19, 2024, that though global efforts at tackling climate change had intensified there was need for continuous improvement collaboratively.
“The world seems to be coming to a consensus that large-scale and coordinated climate action is the only path to a sustainable future.
“So, in spite differing opinions, we were able to agree, at COP28 in Dubai, to a just and gradual phase-out of fossil fuels, and the tripling of global renewable energy capacity by 2030.
“While I fully understand the implications of fossil fuels phase-out for a hydrocarbon dependent state like Nigeria, we must also remember the cost of inaction and grave danger of stranded critical assets.
“What is important is to ensure that our transition is done in a just and equitable way,” he said.
Onuigbo said parliamentarians could play a crucial role in addressing the challenge by ensuring government accountability and effectiveness.
He said they could also provide vital knowledge link with constituents in ensuring a country’s response and resilience to climate change.
“Parliamentarians also have opportunity to promote the voice of citizens at home and during international negotiations.
“This aptly captures the critical role of legislators in the battle against climate change.
“No country will effectively meet its climate change goals and obligations without legislators making the laws, providing oversight, engendering knowledge sharing with their constituents, and generally holding everyone accountable.
“The United Kingdom set the ball rolling in 2008 with the first stand-alone climate change legislation. Other countries of the world followed suit,’’ Onuigbo said.
By Felicia Imohimi
