With the ongoing effects of climate change experienced worldwide, the need for political leadership in propelling sustainable development and efficient climate policy has grown increasingly crucial.
Political leaders can set targets and establish policies that encourage organizations, and individuals to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, support the implementation of clean energy technologies, such as wind and solar power, and invest in research and development to find new ways to reduce emissions.
On a global scale, political leaders also have a role in shaping international cooperation and diplomacy on climate change. This can be through their participation in global climate negotiations, contribution to funding mechanisms to help developing countries adapt to climate change and promotion of international agreements and treaties that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Political Will in Climate Change
Political will is essentially the determination and commitment of the government to achieve a particular policy goal or set of goals, even in the face of obstacles and opposition.
Political will is crucial in addressing climate action because it requires bold and decisive action from governments, including the implementation of policies and measures to reduce environmental pollutants and hasten impact adaptation. This can involve making difficult choices and taking actions that may be politically unpopular in the short term, but which are necessary to achieve long-term sustainability.
Without strong political will, it can be difficult to mobilize the resources and support needed to address climate change effectively as it is possible for the government to be hesitant to enact policies either because they are perceived as economically or politically costly, or they lack the resources or technical capacity to implement climate policies effectively.
However, when governments demonstrate strong political will, it can inspire public and private sector actors to take action as well. This can create a positive feedback loop, with governments, businesses, and individuals working together to achieve climate goals and drive the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable future.
Challenges Faced by Nigeria in Addressing Climate Change
Although the challenges that Nigeria faces in addressing climate change are diverse and interrelated, addressing these challenges will no doubt require a sustained effort from the government, civil society, and the private sector, and a focus on developing innovative and context-specific solutions.
Some of these challenges include:
1. Limited Resources
Nigeria’s limited financial and technical resources can hinder the implementation of climate initiatives and restrict the scale of impact.
For example, Nigeria launched its energy transition plan in August 2022 as part of the government’s Economic and Growth Recovery Plan. The goal was to shift the country’s energy mix from fossil fuels to renewable sources and increase access to modern, reliable, and affordable energy services for all citizens.
A goal like this requires a significant investment in renewable energy infrastructure, which may be beyond the capacity of many individuals and businesses in Nigeria. This limits the potential for the widespread adoption of sustainable solutions.
2. Low Awareness
In Nigeria, many people, particularly those in rural areas, lack awareness of climate change and its impacts. This can hinder efforts to mobilize public support for climate initiatives and create momentum for change.
A lack of awareness can also make it difficult to achieve behavioural change, such as adopting energy-efficient practices, reducing waste, and promoting sustainable agriculture.
3. Political Instability
Nigeria’s history of political instability has contributed to a lack of consistent policy and frequent changes in administration. This can hinder the ability of the government to create and implement long-term climate policies and initiatives. Political instability can also lead to corruption, which can undermine the effective use of resources for climate initiatives.
4. Dependence on Oil
Nigeria’s economy is heavily dependent on oil, which is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. This dependence can limit the country’s ability to shift to a low-carbon economy and adopt sustainable solutions. Diversifying the economy and reducing dependence on oil would require significant investment and time.
The Level of Political Will in Nigeria
On the positive side, some political leaders in the country have readily taken steps to address climate change.
This is very well portrayed in the development of a National Climate Change Policy and Response Strategy (NCCPRS), the establishment of a Climate Change Department within the Federal Ministry of Environment, and the implementation of renewable energy policies and projects. For example, the government has set a target of generating 30% of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030, and it has launched the Nigerian Electrification Project (NEP) to increase access to electricity in rural areas through the use of renewable energy sources.
In addition, Nigeria has taken steps to reduce emissions from the forestry and agriculture sectors through the implementation of sustainable land use practices, afforestation and reforestation initiatives, and the reduction of emissions from livestock.
However, Nigeria is still facing significant climate change impacts such as increasing temperature, rainfall variability, and sea level rise, which call for urgent action. The country is experiencing a range of climate-related challenges, including more frequent and severe flooding, droughts, and desertification, which are impacting agriculture, health, and livelihoods.
Overall, Nigeria’s level of political will to address climate change is mixed, with some notable successes but also ongoing challenges that need to be addressed to achieve effective climate action. There is a need for stronger political commitment and decisive actions to address the urgent and complex challenges of climate change in Nigeria.
The Importance of a Political Will in Tackling Climate Change
1. Driving Policy Change
Climate change requires comprehensive and sustained action by governments, including developing and implementing policies and regulations that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, encourage sustainable practices, and promote adaptation to the impacts of climate change. Political will is essential to driving policy change, including the allocation of resources and the establishment of legal and regulatory frameworks that support climate action.
2. Mobilizing Resources
Addressing climate change requires significant resources, both financial and human. Political will is necessary to mobilize the necessary resources, including government funding and private sector investments, to support climate action.
3. Inspiring Public Action
Political Will can also inspire public action and engagement, including individual behaviour changes and community-based initiatives. When governments demonstrate strong political will, it can create a sense of urgency and momentum around climate action, leading to broader public support and action.
Other steps Nigeria has taken towards Climate action
The Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), Nigeria’s dedicated climate change strategy, defines Nigeria’s goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20% unconditionally and up to 45% conditionally by 2030. Moreover, the plan calls for enhancing early warning systems, establishing climate-smart agriculture, and increasing the country’s adaptive ability in order to make it more resilient to the effects of climate change.
The recent inauguration of Nigeria’s Climate Change Council, NCCC, by President Buhari demonstrated a step in the right direction towards tackling the effects of climate change on the nation. The council is responsible for creating guidelines and plans for addressing climate change impacts such as extreme weather, sea level rise, and desertification.
The NCCC is especially pertinent at this time since Nigeria is one of the nations most susceptible to the consequences of climate change, and those effects are already being seen throughout the whole nation. Nigeria and its people may now look forward to a sustainable future thanks to the creation of the Climate Change Council.
Parting Thoughts
As the government plays a huge role in any country, overall, their input is of importance in our journey to mitigating climate change. In a country like Nigeria, a high level of political will is inevitably essential to tackling the urgent and complex challenges of climate change. This will require bold and decisive action by governments to drive policy change, mobilize resources, overcome short-term interests, engage in international cooperation, and inspire public action.
Author: Etherberth Agbikimi