2023 International Clean Air Day Program, Nigeria

In commemoration of the 2023 International Clean Air Day themed “Together for Clean Air” Mega Impact Foundation in collaboration with Coalition of Clean Air Thinkers CCAT Africa, the Delta State Ministry of Environment and other key stakeholders organized a one day High Level Roundtable Conversation On Achieving Low Carbon And Climate Resilient Development in Niger-Delta Nigeria; The 3rd edition of CCAT-Africa and Mega Impact Foundation International Clean Air Day commemorative event brought stakeholders together to develop an approach, solutions and a roadmap to integrate climate change actions to complement the Government’s effort at improving its plans at implementing emission reduction, structural and systemic human behavioural changes in the hope of achieving its Sustainable Development Goal of building a State Beyond Oil.

Chris Bruntlett, Marketing and Communications Manager at the Dutch Cycling Embassy through a virtual presentation spoke extensively on “Embracing Inclusive Mobility for Climate Resilient Development”; the presentation by DCE highlighted the impact of networks on our physical, social and mental well-being, provision of child- friendly cities, the prosperity of cities with special focus on Nigeria where the cost of owning a car in terms of maintenance, parking and depreciation is staggering especially as it relates to the average income. The presentation also covered transport and climate resilience which gives people choices to move round the city without solely depending on cars whilst improving greening our city and improving our air quality.

The roundtable provided a unique window of opportunity for participants to discuss (1) The impact of climate change on the economy of the State (2) Economic growth agendas to generate inclusive economic growth in the short and medium terms (3) Initiating and fostering collaboration between stakeholders while ensuring that the State implements its climate action projections in the longer term; Infrastructure investments made over the next 10-15 years will determine whether the 2015 Paris Agreement’s objective to stabilize the global climate can be achieved.

Keynote Address by the Commissioner, Ministry of Environment as well as Contributions by representatives of other Ministries, Civil Society Organizations, Corporate organizations and the Media were focused on proffering solutions to mitigate climate change in Delta State, as well as develop a transitioning plan that promotes Economic growth and Policy Reform to achieve a Zero-Carbon ecosystem in the State whilst incorporating evidenced based solutions for climate interventions.

The Initiator, Ms. Florence Ogonegbu during her closing remark emphasized on the multi-faced benefits of a strong synergy amongst major players in climateaction in the state which she explains can lead to stronger collaborations and greater opportunities to secure funding from international and local donor agencies and developmental partners towards achieving clean air , she also used the opportunity to welcome participating organization who had shown interest in joining the Coalition of Clean Air Thinkers (CCAT-Africa).