In a historic and united show of solidarity for the Niger Delta a region that contributes to an average of 5.9 percent the real total GDP of Nigeria in oil exploration according to recent statistics had a sign of relieve as Puregreen Africa Initiative launched its 58,500 trees against climate change program for Niger Delta in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Following the presentation collaboration by Puregreen Africa Initiative official representative Mr. Omez M. Godspower to Dr. Alamene Azawei Head of Department Crop and Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture Niger Delta University Wilberforce Island Amassoma Bayelsa State.
The program which will see Puregreen Africa Initiative plant at least 58,500 trees across cities in the Niger Delta region against climate change. Studies have revealed that the Niger Delta region of Nigeria is only three meter above sea level and the coastline is dynamic in nature which renders hundreds of coastal communities exposed and vulnerable to climate change risk and hazards. The region is faced with seasonal flooding, increase in temperature, high precipitation, erosion, river Stalinization.
Studies and papers has shown related subjects of social, economic and environmental drivers of climate change in the Niger Delta and their recurring and predicted impacts. Inadequate enforcement of environmental laws, lack of data on climate change, insignificant or insufficient state fiscal budget on climate change (low climate change funding) lack of political will and low interest of political leadership, absence of state policies aimed to enhance climate change adaptation and mitigation, persistent cases of oil spills and gas flaring by multinational oil companies, low public awareness on adaptation and in adequate technical capacity.