As the world is celebrating World Humanitarian Day, Save the Children International(SCI) has called for a renewed effort by government and other stakeholders in fostering a meaningful exchange on what the climate crisis means to people, its impact on Nigeria, especially in the North East, and possible action that can be taken to reduce the impact on people who are already facing a humanitarian crisis.
The independent Humanitarian Organization made the call through its Acting Country Director, Shannon Ward, as it joins the world to celebrate the World Humanitarian day marked every 19th August annually.
She said Save the Children had expressed dismay that climate emergency is wreaking havoc across the world at a scale that the humanitarian community and people on the front lines cannot manage.
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Consequently, Shannon ward noted that, following climate-related disasters, the number of people in humanitarian need could double to over 200 million by 2050, and humanitarian funding needs could increase to US$20 billion annually by 2030.
According to her, “As we celebrate the World Humanitarian Day, it is important to remember that the combination of climate change and conflict pushes people out of their homes, disrupts food production and supplies, amplifies diseases and malnutrition, and weakens health-care services”.
“Children have contributed the least to the climate crisis, and yet we know that they are paying the highest price. In addition, climate change increases risks of violent conflict by amplifying poverty and economic shocks while wreaking havoc across the world at a scale that people and humanitarian organizations on the frontline cannot manage”.
She, therefore, warned that Climate change is real, saying Nigeria should learn from other countries and strengthen its early warning system and disasters management mechanism in the Country.
She explained the Humanitarian organization is in solidarity with people affected by climate change and associated disasters.
“We lend our voice and support to #TheHumanRace – the race against the climate crisis, where no one should be left behind, including girls, boys, women and all those who are already facing humanitarian crises especially in North-East Nigeria”
“With the level of flooding we experienced in some parts of Nigeria, and the conflict in the North East, I feel we need to do more to prevent anything that could lead to people being displaced from their communities and source of livelihood; which will eventually push the humanitarian workers on edge”.
