Taraba State Government says environmental sustainability will be prioritized

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo 

The Taraba State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Hajiya Aishat Barde on Thursday said the state remained committed to environmental sustainability and climate action agreements it entered into both at the local and global level.

In a chat with journalists in Jalingo, Barde said the state government has adopted climate change mitigation measures such as subsidizing clean energy alternatives, planting trees, and promoting energy efficiency to reduce the impact of climate change on the environment and humanity.

The Commissioner explained that her Ministry has embarked on a public campaign to educate citizens about climate change, its effects, and practical steps to mitigate its impact and called on the citizens to heed the protocol on heat wave preparedness, water conservation, and sustainable practices.

According to her, “We have established early warning systems to help alert citizens on extreme weather events and provide timely information on temperature changes, health risks, and necessary precautions.

“Government is developing a climate action plan for the state that outlines strategies for mitigating the impacts of climate change. These plans include measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy, and enhance resilience.

“We have also embarked on community-based initiatives to raise awareness, promote sustainable practices, and encourage climate resilience among the rural people. In addition, we are encouraging tree planting and green spaces to reduce urban heat island effects,” she said.

On the damages caused by miners in the state, Barde said the government was committed to holding miners accountable for environmental damages, adding that legal actions and rehabilitation efforts are underway to recover and restore affected communities.

While commending Governor Agbu Kefas for his commitment towards the Greening Taraba Project, Barde said the tree-planting initiative campaigns across the 16 Local Government Areas were aimed at combating deforestation across the state.