The Save the Children International (SCI) Nigeria has launched Generation Hope campaign to enhance climate actions and secure commitments from the federal government, stakeholders and partners to invest in child-sensitive interventions.
Country Director Save the Children International, Famari Barro at the launch of Generation Hope Campaign in Abuja, in Abuja said SCI is committed to building climate resilience for children, their families, and communities through shock-responsive measures.
Barro, who was represented by the Director of Advocacy, Campaign, Communication and Media, Amanuel Mamo, further assured to drive political commitments and accountability to address the imminent climate crisis, limit global warming, and promote effective mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Barro said temperature increases, variable rainfall, rising sea levels, drought, desertification, extreme weather events, and loss of biodiversity are just some of the challenges this great nation is grappling with.
According to Barro, women and children, who are the most vulnerable, bear the brunt of these adverse effects, adding that many children have experienced and are experiencing the devastating impact of climate change first-hand, such as extreme temperatures, flooding, erosion, landslide, and drought – resulting in an increased inequality, displacement or migration of communities, crop failure, low food production/hunger, extreme poverty, malnutrition, conflict and lack of access to basic social and development services including education, health and protection services.
Also, the SCI Advocacy, Campaign, Communication and Media Director, Amanuel Mamo, explained that in Save the Children Initiative, “our three breakthrough areas of Protection, Learning and Survive are facing a barrage of challenges due to the climate crisis.
”Climate change is occurring at rates faster than anticipated and its effects are clearly felt everywhere in the world, with a disproportionate impact on vulnerable children and women.
“We have a tradition of branding our campaigns according to global trends. In recognizing the impact of climate change on almost all aspects of children’s lives, the new campaign, Generation Hope, was launched in 2022.”
Mamo, who was represented by Advocacy, Campaign and Policy Manager Save the Children International, Ifedilichukwu Ekene Innocent, called for urgent action on the climate crisis and inequality to create a safe, healthy and happy future for children.
Director Department of Climate change, Ministry of Environment, Dr. Iniobong Abiola -Awe said climate change not only cut across continents but also with our beloved nation, Nigeria.
She said they have experienced rising temperatures, erratic weather patterns and the devastating consequences of floods, drought and land degradation.