Kano State Government has restated its commitment to addressing the scourge of climate change in the state.
The Executive Secretary of the State Watershed, Erosion and Climate Change Management Agency, KN-WECCMA, Dr Muhammad Khalil, gave the assurance at the validation of its Climate Change Policy on Friday in Kano.
He said that the exercise was organised by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, in collaboration with UNICEF and the Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE).
Khalil said the policy aims to promote low carbon, climate resilience, gender responsiveness, and sustainable socio-economic development in the state.
The KN-WECCMA boss said that the state had clearly shown its commitment to the development and evolution of a climate change-conscious society towards laying the foundations necessary to counter the threat.
The executive secretary expressed hope that the tripartite efforts would contribute in no small measure to curb the threats of climate change in the state and the region as a whole.
He stressed that the occasion was a critical step in their effort to confront the existential threat posed by climate change.
According to him, the validation marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of sustainable development and climate resilience not only for Kano State but also for the broader region.
He explained that the realities of climate change were no longer distant or abstract across the Sahel and Northern Nigeria.
Khalil added that the policy would serve as a guiding framework for taking concrete action to protect the environment and secure the future of Kano State.
“The climate change policy document, when finally approved by the governor, will help the state in sourcing fund from international organizations to combat climate change and also help in climate mitigation and adaptation.
“The Climate Change Policy will address the increased extreme weather events and aligns with the National Climate Change Policy (2021-2030),” he said.
Earlier, UNICEF’s WASH Officer, Kano Field Office, Stella Terver said the policy would guide the state government’s decisions on public education, monitoring systems, and sustainable development programmes.
Terver added that the development would help prepare the state for future climate challenges.
She further said that the policy aims to reduce emissions, enhance climate resilience, and integrate climate considerations into state planning.
The WASH officer called for a collective commitment to fostering a safer, healthier environment for children.
NAN
