Delta’s Commitment To Green Economy

GOVERNOR Emmanuel Uduaghan has re-assured Deltans of his administration’s commitment to the realization of the goals and ideals of the state’s green economy initiative. The attainment of green economy globally is one of the United Nations’ oint crisis initiatives (JCI) launched by the UN Systems Chief Executive board in early 2009.

Through a United Nations Environmental Programme initiative, which harps on improved human well-being, social equality, significant reduction in environmental risks and ecological scarcities, low carbon emission, resource efficiency, reduction in loss of bio-diversity and ecosystem degradation, Governor Uduaghan has clearly become one of the most visible crusaders of the ideals of a green economy and improved environmental practices both nationally and internationally.

The governor’s  position on achieving a green economy is very much in line with his desire to refocus the state’s economy from the near-total dependence on oil to the development of other key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and tourism, using environmentally sustainable practices and technology.

The governor’s commitment to deliver on his administration’s  green economy initiative stems from the need to turn the tide against the occurence of ecologically problems such as environmental degradation and biodiversity depletion arising from oil exploration activities. The pollution arising from continued gas flaring in the oil producing comunities is, therefore,  a key issue  that is luckily receiving the state government’s attention.

The pursuit of the green economy initiative is, no doubt, very timely, laudable and deserves the support of all stakeholders. Importantly, the Federal Government must begin to seriouly enforce laws against gas flaring in the Niger Delta region.

Gas flaring is known to have grave impact on biodiversity and the entire environment  and worsens the depletion of the ozone layer and the attendant problem of climate change.

The green economy initiative and environmental sustainability campaign is one important way towards getting the initiative to practically impart on the state.

In issues concerning the environment, everyone is a stakeholder and should be involved. Renewed commitment to environmental goals is expected as well as greater resolve to make our environment more sustainable for now and  for the future.

While people must participate more actively in tree planting, they should be aware of various  environmental hazard as a result of incessant tree felling alone. The gains inherent in the green economy initiative are for the benefit of the larger society. All hands should, therefore, be on deck to make its attainment a reality.