As most of the world eyes out proceedings at the COP27 climate change meeting in Egypt, in Nigeria thoughts are turning to the fast-approaching general elections and many voters are calling on political leaders to play a greater role in protecting the environment and helping to save it from global warming.

RNI reporter Aisha Jamal spoke to Maiduguri citizens, most of whom said political aspirants needed to pay more attention to climate actions to ensure a safe environment for all now and in the future.

Abdulkareem Modu said: “The climate change issue is not something to be taken lightly. As the general elections are approaching, all politicians are doing is making sure they gather a lot of supporters, pasting posters and billboards all over the state and engaging with the youth to ensure they win the seats. But we want more than that. We need change because previous promises about a cleaner environment have not been met and nothing has changed.

“Lack of employment, insecurity, inflation, hunger, floodings, failed food production and all other things are directly or indirectly linked to what’s happening around us, the climate and our environment. So, we want political aspirants to change their thoughts on politics and work hard to ensure a safer environment.”

“We mostly cannot farm and, in the few places we are allowed to farm, the recent major flooding washed all our crops away,” said Abatcha Ahmed. “Hunger, no jobs, no school and we still have not seen any improved action on climate change by politicians. They are around when there is an election approaching, but afterwards we do not see them until the next election.

“Politicians need to be more aware of the environment and take climate change seriously. We want long-term change. Food, jobs and money are important but politicians must play a role in improving our environment. Climate change is affecting the entire world. I want political aspirants to change their focus this time around and improve life for everyone.”

Muhammad Suleiman, who works in the geography department of the College of Education Waka Biu, told RNI that climate change was a long-term problem which had a close relationship with politics in terms of policies, implementations, development and climate actions.

“The climate challenge is a threat for every single living being, not just humans. And it is happening mainly because of the actions of humans. Politicians can say what they like, but until they implement changes that will reduce global warming and help make the planet safer by addressing climate change, we will not take them seriously. Many more actions need to be put in place to reduce the effects of climate change.

“Politicians need to be aware of climate threats and change their campaign styles accordingly. Rather than the regular campaign promises of building schools, hospitals, bringing in money, creating jobs and other basic needs, they need to instil climate awareness and actions into their campaigns. If the environment is not safe, no one can enjoy even the basic things of life.”

Suleiman said climate actions required cooperation from all levels of society.

“Down here our people are used to cutting trees, burning plants, wood and coal. Many do not realise that this adds to the dangers of climate change. Many might not even have heard of climate change. When the planet is so fragile, climate change can lead to excessive flooding, wildfires and extreme temperature changes, among other hazards. It is the one thing that is affecting the entire world. Politicians need to acknowledge this and include climate change in their campaigns.

“World leaders should give more priority to climate actions rather than just looking for votes and how to generate money. Times have changed and the world needs to act together – and fast – to ensure a safe environment for now and in the future.”

Suleiman said politicians needed to pay more attention to the problems the nation was facing. They should put in place policies and laws to ensure no one is allowed to do anything that can harm the environment. This should come from the top down; from national government to state level. Traditional leaders and other authorities should also be informed so that they can inform citizens.

He said when political leaders ignored the climate threats they increased the dangers to humans, other forms of life and properties. Everything would be at risk, plants would die, frequent flooding would occur and food insecurity would worsen.

“Politicians and policymakers should make the public aware of the dangers of climate change and then work with the public to address climate change.”

Suleiman said he would advise policymakers to introduce “climate education” as a subject in school curriculums because children and generations to come should know about the effects of climate change.

“I believe the government should employ people who will work only on climate change issues, on and off the field, so that more importance will be given to global warming. This will encourage those working to alleviate it to find lasting solutions to help curb the effects of climate change, not only here but in the whole world.”

AISHA SD JAMAL