Oilwatch Africa and Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) have advocated an end to expansion in fossil fuels exploration to check the adverse effects of climate change.
The groups noted that curtailing fossil projects was fundamental to bring about the needed changes to reject false climate solutions and ensure an inclusive solution.
A statement on Friday by the Media/Communication Lead at HOMEF, Kome Odhomor, said the groups gave the advice at the sidelines of the just-concluded COP-28 in the United Arab Emirate.
According to the statement, the advocacy included the call for payment of ecological debt owed to the global South, elimination of energy poverty, and a rejection of land grabbing or green colonialism.
It quoted the Executive Director of Kebetkache Women Development Center, Emem Okon, as highlighting the challenges and issues women face due to extractive activities.
The statement said: “Grassroots women in the Niger Delta are very vulnerable to environmental degradation. Women contribute immensely to the local economy with a heavy reliance on environmental resources.
“This exposes them to the disruptive impacts of land grabs, gas flaring, and oil spillages.”
It also noted that women are excluded from decision-making processes thus complicating their dilemma. As women face violence due to fossil fuel extraction and climate change, there is a need to integrate their roles, concerns, and interests in decision-making.
In addition, the Project Officer in charge of the Youth Desk, Ukpono Bassey, called for youth involvement in the fight against environmental degradation.
Bassey said, “This is the time for youth to be involved in leadership. After 28 COPs, it is evident that the elders have fallen short. The baton must be passed to the youth who are ready and compelled to take charge.
“The time for change is now – a change that ensures a sustainable future for generations to come.”
In her contribution, Odudabasi Asuquo, Project officer, Oilwatch Africa, maintained that it was unacceptable to continue the climate debate without phasing out fossil fuels.
She regretted that there is a mad rush of fossil investments in Africa, assaulting sensitive ecosystems and vulnerable communities and risks saddling them with toxic stranded assets and also cited examples of communities in Uganda, Senegal, Namibia, and Botswana that need global solidity to ensure ecological justice.
The Coordinator of Fishnet Alliance, Mr. Stephen Oduware, highlighted the various challenges faced by fisherfolks through diverse false climate solutions.
