80% of Climate Change Victims Are Women and Children, Asserts Nigerian Minister

At the UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh, Nigerian Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim highlighted that 80% of climate change victims are women and children, urging for targeted interventions. She emphasized women’s crucial roles in agriculture and food systems and discussed the significant health risks and socio-economic impacts stemming from climate issues. The Minister praised the Nigerian government’s climate policies aimed at empowering women in sustainable practices.

Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the Minister of Women Affairs in Nigeria, recently revealed at the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP16 in Riyadh that 80 percent of the global victims of climate change are women and children. This statistic highlights the immediate need for targeted interventions to combat the adverse effects of climate change on these vulnerable populations. The Minister emphasized the necessity for enhanced investments in women and children as part of these efforts.

The Minister underscored the significant role women play in global food systems, noting that they contribute to 70 percent of food processing and 60 percent of smallholder farming worldwide. She stated, “Given their significant contributions, empowering women to participate in land restoration and sustainable practices is essential.” This empowerment is crucial in addressing not only climate change but also ensuring food security and sustainable land use.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim further discussed the health dangers women face from traditional cooking methods, which significantly threaten their life expectancy. She explained that women who use wood or charcoal for cooking inhale pollution equivalent to that of 40 cigarettes per meal. Additionally, she asserted that Nigerian women, who constitute over half of the population, are vital to the green economy, being responsible for 70 percent of agricultural activities.

The Minister detailed the dire socio-economic impacts of land degradation and desertification in Nigeria. In the Northeast, climate change exacerbates existing conflicts in the Lake Chad Basin, leading to millions being displaced and an uptick in sexual and gender-based violence. The Northwest faces agricultural challenges due to expanding desertification, while coastal communities in the South suffer from rising sea levels. Meanwhile, the Southeast battles gully erosion.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim recognized the Nigerian government’s climate initiatives, commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his recent Climate Change Act and the establishment of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC). She praised the introduction of Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Implementation Framework for 2023–2030, which is designed to mitigate climate change through innovative solutions.

The Minister also highlighted the Climate Gender Policy’s role in empowering women in climate action. “Empowering women to participate in climate action catalyses innovative solutions and builds community resilience,” she asserted. She called upon international organizations and development partners to equip women with the necessary resources to address climate challenges effectively.

The ongoing UNCCD COP16 emphasizes the need for collaboration among global leaders to tackle urgent environmental concerns, with Nigeria’s involvement showcasing its dedication to combating desertification and fostering inclusive climate initiatives.

The discussion on climate change and its disproportionate impact on women and children is gaining traction globally. Women, particularly in developing countries, are often more vulnerable to the effects of climate change due to socio-economic inequalities. Their prominent roles in agriculture and food production highlight the importance of including them in climate action strategies. The UNCCD COP16 serves as a platform to bring attention to such issues, while encouraging significant investments towards mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on vulnerable groups, particularly women and children.

In conclusion, addressing climate change’s severe implications requires urgent and focused interventions, particularly for women and children who constitute the majority of its victims. Empowering women not only mitigates these effects but also strengthens community resilience against future challenges. The Nigerian government’s efforts, including the enactment of critical climate-related policies, reflect a commitment to inclusive climate action. Collaborative efforts among international entities and local stakeholders are essential to drive forward these initiatives effectively.

Original Source: businessday.ng