Environmental advocate Nnimo Bassey has issued a stern warning regarding the disappearance of Nigerian coastal land into the Atlantic Ocean. He attributes this loss to worsening coastal erosion and climbing sea levels. Speaking at the West African Climate Justice Movement conference, Bassey emphasized that West Africa faces severe climate threats including erratic rainfall, desertification, and forced migration.
Bassey, who serves as the Director of the Health of Mother Earth Foundation, argued that the region currently lacks a unified voice in global climate discussions. He stated that West African nations must act collectively to effectively address these challenges. Without strong regional solidarity, individual efforts remain ineffective against the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable populations who contribute the least to global emissions.
The activist also challenged current international climate strategies, labeling projects like carbon trading and geoengineering as deceptive solutions. He warned that such schemes often lead to land grabs by foreign companies, citing instances in Nigeria where large forest areas were handed over for carbon credits. Bassey called for a broad alliance of farmers, labor unions, and youth groups to push for genuine climate justice. Professor Youba Sokona echoed these sentiments, urging for a regional strategy based on equity, sustainable development, and direct cuts to greenhouse gas emissions by major polluters.
