Mr Abdulrasheed Isah, a lecturer in Nile University’s Economics Department and Assistant Director of the Center for Corporate Relations, was invited by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ms Catriona Liang CB, to a high-level reception at her official residence ahead of next year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, United Kingdom. The event had ambassadors from commonwealth countries as well as government, business, academics, and civil society leaders working in the environmental sphere in attendance.
During the event, experts underlined the threats of climate crisis globally, and particularly its impacts on local communities through reduced agricultural yields, forced migration, and loss of biodiversity. It was agreed that there is an urgent need to strengthen the resilience of the locals through greater climate adaptation strategies in order to boost sustainable development in vulnerable areas. This sentiment was echoed in Mr. Isah’s address which went thus: “climate change poses a significant threat to humanity and universities need to be actively involved in speeding up climate action through research, teaching, and policy advocacy, in collaboration with other stakeholders. My participation at this event has strengthened my commitment to use my knowledge and network towards ensuring a sustainable future for all.” Other issues discussed during the event included climate finance and policies, renewable energy, and environmental advocacy.
