Climate change: Interfaith leaders call for transition from dirty fossil fuel to clean energy

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Climate change: Interfaith leaders call for transition from dirty fossil fuel to clean energy

Religious leaders from various faiths have united in support of transitioning from fossil fuels to clean energy as a strategy to address global warming.

The leaders voiced their commitment to this energy transition on Monday during a conference held at the Barcelona Hotels in Abuja.

The conference, titled “Multi-faith National Dialogue on Medium and Long-term Climate Goals,” was organized by GreenFaith Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, Faud Adeyemi, the Chief Imam of the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, emphasized the need for collaboration among faith leaders to combat the impacts of climate change.

Mr Adeyemi, represented by Ibrahim Idris, a director at the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, described environmental degradation as a sin and stressed that faith leaders must fulfill their responsibilities.

“I challenge you to return to your communities with renewed purpose. Educate, advocate, and lead by example. Together, let us be the voice of change, guiding Nigeria towards an equitable, just, and sustainable future for all,” he stated.

“Faith leaders have always held a unique position of influence in Nigerian society. We are trusted voices, often serving as pillars of strength and guidance in our communities.

“This places a profound responsibility upon us to not only raise awareness but to lead the way in advocating for a transition to a clean energy future that leaves no one behind,” he added.

In his presentation, Reverend Father Atta Barkindo, the Executive Director at The Kukah Centre, urged participants not to limit discussions on climate change to the Niger Delta.

He pointed out that the level of environmental degradation in the North has reached a crisis point and called for coordinated responses.

“We must not restrict the conversation to just the Niger Delta. Travel from Maiduguri to Damaturu, down to Chad, and you will see aggressive degradation.

“You will see carcasses of camels and cows that have died due to lack of water. In some places in the northeast, even digging a borehole will not produce water.

“The impact of this extractive industry is not limited to the physical environment but extends to the social environment. We have witnessed the displacement of communities as people compete for limited resources,” he explained.

“Since oil was discovered in Nigeria in the 1950s, the country has relied on fossil fuels and neglected other sectors of the economy, including farming and animal husbandry. We have yet to make significant investments in infrastructure and healthcare.

“That’s why former Head of State Yakubu Gowon stated that the problem is not money but how to spend it. Our land, once fertile, now bears the scars of oil exploration, which has poisoned water and darkened our skies. Communities are torn apart by environmental degradation,” he said.

Setting the ground rules for the dialogue, Meryne Warah, the Global Programme Director of GreenFaith, emphasized the importance of collective action to drive change.

Ms Warah’s speech was delivered by Pius Oko, the Programme Manager for GreenFaith Africa.

“Remember the power of our collective faith to inspire change, advocate for the vulnerable, and guide our leaders in this critical time.

“Today, we are not only envisioning a better future but are committed to taking bold steps to bring that vision to life,” Mr. Oko stated.

The event was attended by representatives from various faiths, traditional rulers, and civil society organizations.