By Victor Itodo Abuh
PARTICIPANTS at the 2026 Social Impact & Climate Action Initiative Conference have warned that climate change remains a major threat to environmental sustainability, food security, public health and socio-economic development, calling for urgent and coordinated action to address the growing crisis.
The conference, organised by the Journalists for Sustainable Development Initiative (JSDI), was held on Tuesday at the National Centre for Women Development, Abuja, under the theme, “Social Impact & Climate: Mobilizing Action for Environmental Sustainability.”
The event brought together policymakers, government officials, development partners, environmental experts, journalists, academics, civil society organisations, youth leaders and other stakeholders to discuss practical solutions to Nigeria’s environmental and climate challenges.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the conference, participants observed that climate change continues to have far-reaching consequences on livelihoods and national development.
The communiqué stated: “Climate change continues to pose significant threats to environmental sustainability, food security, public health and socio-economic development.”
Participants also identified indiscriminate disposal of plastic waste as a major contributor to environmental degradation, noting that it leads to pollution, blocked drainage systems and flooding across communities.
The conference stressed the importance of the media in advancing climate action, describing journalists as critical agents of public enlightenment and behavioural change.
According to the communiqué, “The conference recognizes the critical role of the media in driving public awareness and behavioural change and emphasizes that journalists must continue to promote environmental education and amplify climate-related issues through responsible reporting.”
The gathering further underscored the need to empower young people to take leading roles in climate governance, innovation, environmental advocacy and the implementation of sustainable development policies.
Participants also highlighted the importance of afforestation, ecosystem restoration, sustainable waste management, responsible industrialisation and stronger collaboration among government institutions, development partners, the private sector, civil society organisations and local communities.
At the end of its deliberations, the conference resolved to promote practical and measurable climate action at both national and community levels, strengthen environmental awareness through sustained media advocacy, encourage responsible waste disposal to reduce plastic pollution, support tree planting and ecosystem restoration and expand youth participation in climate governance.
The conference also resolved to foster stronger partnerships among stakeholders and encourage citizens to adopt environmentally responsible practices that would contribute to a cleaner, safer and more resilient society.
Participants commended the contributions of speakers, panellists, partners and attendees, while calling on governments, institutions, organisations and citizens to translate conference discussions into concrete actions.
The communiqué concluded by urging stakeholders to work collectively to advance sustainable development and protect the environment for both present and future generations.
