Tertiary institutions tasked on environmental sustainability
The Executive Director of the Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN), Barrister Chima Williams, has called on tertiary institutions to move beyond academic discourse and take practical steps toward addressing environmental challenges and climate change.
Williams, the 2022 Goldman Environmental Prize winner for Africa, made the call while delivering the keynote address at the 2026 International Multidisciplinary Hybrid Conference on Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike (FUNAI), Ebonyi State.
He described climate change as a present and urgent reality, noting that rising temperatures, droughts, flooding, biodiversity loss and threats to food security are already affecting communities globally. He stressed that environmental sustainability goes beyond ecology and is closely linked to development, justice and human survival.
Williams acknowledged global efforts such as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement but said their impact has been limited, with developing countries continuing to bear the greatest burden.
Highlighting Nigeria’s situation, he pointed to widespread environmental degradation, including oil pollution in the Niger Delta, desertification in the north and flooding in urban areas.
“Across our country, communities face severe environmental degradation from oil pollution, gas flaring, deforestation, erosion, flooding, desertification, and the growing impacts of climate variability. The Niger Delta remains one of the most environmentally impacted regions in the world, while northern Nigeria continues to confront desert encroachment and water scarcity. Coastal communities face increasing threats from erosion and rising sea levels, while urban centres struggle with flooding caused by poor planning and inadequate waste management. Examples abound!”
He, however, noted that the climate crisis presents opportunities for innovation, urging a shift toward sustainable development, cleaner energy and ecosystem restoration.
Williams encouraged collaboration across disciplines and called for practical solutions that extend beyond conferences, adding that environmental justice is about protecting both nature and people.
He also proposed the establishment of a Students Environmental Assembly Nigeria (SEAN) chapter at FUNAI and announced two awards to promote environmental responsibility among students.
The conference featured a tree-planting exercise led by the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Environment, alongside stakeholders, as part of efforts to promote climate resilience and sustainability.
Post a Comment