'Prioritise competence in appointment of environment minister' — CSOs urges Tinubu

<h2>Civil Society Groups (CSOs) have urged the Federal Government to appoint somebody knowledgeable about environment and right channels for international financing as minister of environment for the country to mitigate climate change.</h2>, <p>The group added that there is the need for the FG to appoint somebody that understands the sector, to head the ministry of environment.</p>, <span>President Bola Tinubu Presidency</span>, <p>The CSOs made the call in Abuja on Friday, July 21, 2023 during an event to mark the Climate Emergency Day celebrated annually on July 22.</p>, <p>Mr Michael David, Executive Secretary Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEF), said there was the need to have somebody that understands the sector to head the ministry of environment.</p>, <p>“We need the right people in the right offices and that is why we are advocating a capable minister of environment, someone with understanding and knowledge of financial flows.</p>, <p>“Someone that can attend to some of these global conferences and negotiations and get the right deals for the country.</p>, <p>“The country needs resources to build resilience to climate change. There are resources that can be mobilised,” he said.</p>, <p>According to him the country has less than five years to act on climate issues before the temperature goes beyond 1.5 degrees Celsius.</p>, <p>“As was agreed at the Paris Conference scientifically it appears that the temperature is already going beyond 1.5 degrees Celsius.</p>, <p>“If we don’t act within the short time we have, it means the temperature would go above two degrees and this would have impact on the global economy and our health.</p>, <p>“The whole world is seeing the impact of climate change and Nigeria is not immune to it, in 2022 Nigeria witnessed the impact of the flood had impact on our food security, our health, economy and education.</p>, <p>“In 2023 we are already witnessing flooding and other environmental issues. We have to wake up to the new reality of climate chan