Over 193 United Nations member states attended the Conference of Parties conference on Climate Change tagged COP 17 in Durban, South Africa. The end-game was simple, how to agree on a document that supersedes the Kyoto protocol which expires in 2012. How did we get to this point? The COP in 1997 agreed on a document called the Kyoto Protocol, which sets out guidelines in which nations make strong but voluntary commitments to reducing their Green House Gas (GHG) emissions. Part of the guidelines stipulate that big carbon emitters like the U.S, Australia, Canada and the Euro zone make stricter commitments to cutting down their own green house gas emissions. While some countries termed as “Developing” mostly in the BRIC such as China and India, were given a little more leeway in their own emission reduction obligations.
Here lies the crux of the matter as the U.S immediately refused to ratify the agreement. Claiming it would not be a part of any agreement that does not hold China responsible for its own GHG emissions. It is important to note that though at the time the U.S led as the world’s largest emitter, China, then termed as “Developing” was not far behind and currently leads as the worlds largest emitter (though the U.S still tops it on per capita emissions).
Thus then began the merry dance of modern day climate change negotiations. Since the Protocol was a voluntary agreement, nations are not bound to compliance. That in itself has also been a sticking point in climate negotiations, as some argue the need to have a legally binding agreement that forces countries to cut down their GHG emissions.
So while the egg-heads debate “dots” and “I”s at the COP, the present realities of climate change are becoming more evident for all to see. Vulnerable continents like Africa though low emitters by global standards bear the punishing brunt of its effects. The continents coastline might be unrecognizable in the next 50 years from present day due to rapidly increasing sea level rise from melting glaciers in the polar caps. Already Island countries around the world like Tuvalu have started drawing up evacuation measures. Nigerian cities along the coastline will be well advised to have an exit strategy against such a terrible scenario.
In Nigeria the effects of climate change have already begun to hit closer to home. As a veritable source of life and livelihood; the Lake Chad, has already shrunk to 35% of its original size since 1975 alone. Local farmers already complain that it is becoming increasingly difficult to ascertain when to begin their planting season as the weather has become increasingly unpredictable; this in itself an effect of climate change.
So what is Nigeria doing about it? Nigeria is a signatory to the Kyoto Protocol and other Agreements, and is thus obligated to meet its responsibility in the stated Agreements. It has made some progress in meeting it obligations on the REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and land Degradation), F.N.A (Financial Needs Assessment) and the National Adaptation Strategy Plan of Action (NASPA), but more can still be done. As efforts are being made to mitigate the effects of climate change, priority assistance should also be given to the most vulnerable in assisting to adapt to its immediate effects.
Nigeria’s House of Assembly has passed a bill on the creation of a National Climate Change Commission. The Commission is to be responsible for housing and providing a framework through which all climate change related issues are addressed in Nigeria.
The Honourable Minister of Environment Mailafia Hadiza was also bold in making this declaration to a global audience in Durban as part of Nigeria’s contribution to addressing climate change. But this Bill has been with the President for over a year now, awaiting his ascent and is still yet to be signed into law. Lets hope the President remains committed to implementing his own Transformation Agenda and ensuring sustainable development by signing the Bill.As we are well aware, the coastal areas which include many parts of the South-South region that houses’ Nigeria’s economic petroleum backbone will be well at risk of inundation.
Does the current deal made at Durban save the planet? Maybe not, but it is an important step in showing governments that the current diplomatic processes without a “Legal Force” are inadequate in curbing sustained CO2 rise in the future. It is also an opportunity for nations such as Nigeria to show leadership in taking control of its own destiny.
