By Osaigbovo Iguobaro Benin
A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Initiative for Climate Education and Energy Awareness, ICEEA, has urged Edo state government to articulate a policy to ensure effective adaptation of resources like water to check the impact of climate change.
The Founder of the Organization, Mr. Ofure Osehobo disclosed this at the weekend in Benin City, the Edo state Capital.
He explained that such measure which is in line with global standard, should be domesticated in Africa at large and Nigeria in particular, including Edo state where the level of vulnerability of climate change is palpable.
Osehobo, a journalist said the group came to the conclusion based on the findings of recent survey in the state.
He said the survey was a capacity needs assessment in the area of climate change awareness and how it relates to Edo state of Nigeria.
On what informed the survey he said ICEEA among others wanted to know how important the issue of climate change is at the state level.
He clarified that it was also to determine how much is communicated about climate change and assess the current level of accurate information and positive attitudes “We also wanted to decide who should be targeted in priority in a Climate Awareness Programme”.
“This was in fulfillment of our obligation to create and promote public awareness and participation in addressing the challenges of climate change”.
On the approach used by the ICEEA for the survey which was concluded last month, he said 20 individuals each from among government officials, community based organizations, civic leaders, journalists and Business persons were made to answer a questionnaire.
The other findings of the survey he added are human activities and natural variability are both believed to be causes of climate change.
But human activity is solely responsible for recent changes in climate.
