Group Stresses Need for Just Energy Transition Plants Over 200 Mangrove Trees in the Community.
Katherine Abayomi
The transition from the fossil fuel-dependent system to an energy-driven system has continued to generate debate and attract the attention of stakeholders all over the world. Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre, has restated the need for communities in the Niger Delta to immediately key into the new system to save the lives of the inhabitants of the region.
Addressing the media in Ibaka Town, Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, Kebetkache’s Project Officer, Dr. Confidence Otikor, highlighted the benefits of energy transition, which include a cleaner environment, improved air quality, reduced pollution, job creation, socioeconomic benefits, and enhanced energy security for the community.
Dr otikor speaking during the town hall meeting on awareness creation on “Energy Transition” urged the Ibaka community and by extension other communities in the Niger Delta region to embrace the global shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, noted that renewable energy sources reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change. She stated that the proposed energy choice changes how energy is produced, distributed, and consumed.
The project officer said the call was in furtherance to the group’s approach to sustain awareness campaign for cleaner environment in the region. Stating that women play a vital role in sustainable land management, conservation, and climate resilience, which have a far-reaching positive impact on the environment and should be duly considered in the transition processes to ensure that their concerns are not left out.
She disclosed that BothEnds supported Kebetkache’s intervention in the communities to address the challenges of ecosystem degradation and gender inequality, which are prevalent in the area.
Dr Otikor who facilitated the lecture said the Niger Delta “endures severe land degradation due to oil spills, continuous gas flaring, soil erosion, deforestation, and the extensive network of oil pipelines in the region. The loss of mangrove forests and available land from coastal erosion has led to diminished agricultural productivity, threatening the sustainability of the environment”.
Hence, the advocacy for a Just Energy Transition is crucial and highlights the need to consider everyone while planning the strategy or transition. Meanwhile, shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources in a way that is equitable and inclusive is the best practice.
Facilitators who were present at the town hall meeting also emphasised the need to switch to more sustainable energy sources, as well as the inclusion of women to ensure that the energy transition is both gender-responsive and sustainable.
As a conservative measure to mitigate the effects of oil pollution, over 200 mangrove trees were planted at the waterfront in the Ibaka community, aiming to tackle degradation and the high rate of deforestation within the coastal region. This is intended to restore the ecosystem for a better livelihood and a healthier environment.
