The 27th session of the Conference of Parties (COP27), organized by the group of nations that have signed the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which took place from 6th to 20th November 2022 in the green city of Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, has a close relationship with GHI’s mission; to support the advancement, adoption, and implementation of sustainable policies and frameworks in order to protect and conserve our environment.
One of the goals of COP is mitigation: uniting to limit global warming to well below 2 c and working hard to keep the 1.5 c target alive. As a strong advocate for SDG13 (climate action), GHI assumes the responsibility of promoting climate action in Nigeria. Our approach includes pushing for climate actions among policymakers, organizing events to educate the general public, and implementing projects in line with the SDG 13 goal.
The Global Goal on Adaptation was one of the significant outcomes of COP26. Extreme weather events from floods, rise in sea level, and desertification have become an everyday reality of lives in Nigeria. GHI is bringing awareness to the activities that lead to these environmental crises and how we can adapt to new practices that reverse the effects of climate change.
GHI’s approach through partnerships to make an impact on a bigger scale is related to COP 27’s goal of collaboration to enhance and facilitate agreements in negotiations for the Presidency of COP27 to achieve tangible results in a balanced manner. GHI has partnered in the past with organizations such as the ministry of environment, the French and German embassy, the H2O mechanics, etc. It seeks to partner in the future with government organizations, private organizations, academia, and other nonprofits advocating and implementing SDG 13.
According to COP 27’s goal of collaboration, “the advancement of partnership and collaboration ensures the world is adopting a more resilient, and sustainable economic model where humans are at the center of climate talks”.
One thing that sparked GHI’s interest in the recently concluded COP is the Carbon Trading Scheme outlined by U.S climate envoy John F. Kerry. According to earth.org, the scheme aims to widen carbon credits sale with the objective of enhancing renewable projects in developing countries. It would permit companies to claim carbon credits for investing in clean energy and decarbonisation projects all over the developing world. The credits are based on decarbonisation projects and will not be accessible to fossil fuel companies. Nigeria’s minister of environment, Mohammed Abdullahi, expressed Nigeria’s support for the scheme.
On November 14 (Water day), the COP27 Presidency, in partnership with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), launched the Action on Water Adaptation and Resilience Initiative (AWARe) to address water security and adaptations African communities can adopt to decrease water loss, propose and implement policy methods and promote cooperation.
The World Resources Institute (WRI) and partners also launched the African Cities Water Adaptation Fund (ACWA Fund) that will channel U.S $5 billion towards urban water resilience solution projects that are implemented in a strategic and innovative way in 100 African cities by 2032. The Fund will support local leaders to use trending resources by understanding climate-water risks and socioeconomic impacts; identifying, prioritizing, and preparing projects; structuring deals and connecting to grants and capital; and scaling delivery by standardizing project development manuals, deals, and contracts.
These measures that will be implemented to enhance climate action and water-security will directly or indirectly support what GHI stands for and what it aims to achieve. GHI is open to collaboration with all stakeholders in promoting a climate-friendly earth.
GHI is currently implementing the U.S $2 million USAID-funded project for Improved Sustainability of WASH services in Kebbi and Sokoto States, Nigeria, aimed at reducing waterborne diseases.
Aisha is a communications assistant at GHI headquarters, Abuja. She is a humanitarian at heart, she loves helping others as it makes her feel accomplished. She is strongly against acts that promote global warming; as such, she loves gardening.
