Climate Change Conference: FG warns delegates against negative decision

The Federal Government has urged delegates to the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference slated for November to desist from taking decisions that undermine the nation’s development.
Dr. Bukar Hassan, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of the Environment, gave the advice on Tuesday in Abuja.
Hassan spoke at the Technical Briefing on Preparation for United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change of the Conference of Parties 22.
Hassan was represented by the Director of Press of the ministry, Yusuf Isiaka.
COP22 will hold between November 7 and 18 in Marrakesh, Morocco.
COP22 comprises of countries that have common interests to protect and project on climate change.
Hassan urged the delegates to be on guard to safeguard the body from taking an international decision that will negatively affect the nation’s source of livelihood and development.
Hassan said: “I request from you to be focused, specific and constructive and make all necessary inter-Ministries, Departments and Agencies consultations, and brainstorm on the relevant negotiation texts to ensure efficient and effective representation in COP 22.
“In today’s meeting we are expected to have an update on the current negotiation statue and other related issues, brief on national preparation and disseminate information on logistics, accommodation and visa.”
The permanent secretary said the meeting came at a time when President Muhammadu Buhari was showing keen interest by signing Paris agreement on climate change.
According to him, the President has asked relevant stakeholders to come up with concrete sustainable low carbon climate resilient development strategies and programmes for post 2015 development agenda.
The Director of Climate Change, Dr. Peter Tarfa, said the purpose of COP22 was to translate the Paris agreement on climate change into action.
Tarfa said Nigeria had in collaboration with UNDP developed its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution, adding that Nigeria was expecting to translate it into Nationally Determined Contribution.
He said President Muhammadu Buhari, state governors and representatives from the National Assembly would attend the level session of the conference on November 15.
Hadiza Elayo, a technical aide to the Minister of the Environment, said Nigeria would hold three side events at the upcoming COP22.
Elayo said Nigeria’s delegates are expected to discuss issues bordering on exploring alternative sources of financing climate change, building legislative support for climate change action and youth led innovation and advocacy for climate change action.