- Utsev noted the broad impact of climate change on food sources, infrastructure, livelihoods, health, and the future
Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, urged immediate and collaborative efforts to tackle the escalating challenges of climate change during the two-day national workshop on a state action plan on climate change in Abuja on Tuesday.
Emphasizing the urgency of collective action, he highlighted that no nation is exempt from the effects of climate change, which transcend borders, ideologies, and political realms.
Utsev noted the broad impact of climate change on food sources, infrastructure, livelihoods, health, and the future, citing water as one of the most vulnerable sectors facing rising temperatures, extreme weather conditions, and depletion of natural resources.
“The signs of climate change are becoming more distinct, and the time for climate action is now,” said Mr Utsev.
He referenced Nigeria’s experiences, such as the floods of 2012 and 2022, as undeniable proof that climate change was a tangible reality.
The minister attributed climate change primarily to greenhouse gases and synthetic chemicals and called for swift, decisive, and collaborative efforts.
He said engaging stakeholders at all levels, including governance, development partners, and the private sector, was crucial to developing holistic solutions that leave no one behind.
Mr Utsev said the impact of climate change on the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector affected not only human life but also economic growth, food, and energy production.
He urged participants to approach the workshop with optimism and purpose.
“Together, we can rise to the challenge of climate change and recreate a world that is healthy, equitable, and more resilient for economic prosperity,’’ he said.