by Grace Appolos, HTCI Fellow
Climate change remains one of the most pressing global challenges, yet there is a discernible gap between the scale of the problem and how people in leadership are addressing it. Despite numerous international agreements and commitments, the actions taken by global leaders often fall short, highlighting a lack of political will and inadequate regulatory frameworks. This leadership deficit is glaring in places like the Niger Delta, where environmental degradation continues, unabated.
Worldwide, leaders pledge to mitigate climate change effects—promising reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and support for renewable energy projects. However, the execution of these promises often lacks urgency and efficacy. For instance, the 2015 Paris Agreement saw almost every nation agree to limit global warming and enhance climate change mitigation technologies. Despite this, global carbon emissions continue to rise, with many countries failing to meet their pledged emission reduction targets. This gap between commitment and action points to a troubling lack of genuine political resolve.
Niger Delta: A Case Study in Regulatory Failure
Bringing this home to the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, we see the consequences of weak governance and leadership, presenting itself in the form of environmental degradation that has led to series of conflict. Defined by the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR, 2009), environmental degradation from conflict is defined as the reduction of the capacity of the environment to meet social and ecological objectives and needs. This region, rich in biodiversity and natural resources, has suffered decades of oil pollution due to spills and inadequate regulatory oversight. The Nigerian government and oil companies operating in the area have repeatedly failed to implement stringent regulations to protect the environment. This lack of strict enforcement has not only led to significant ecological damage but also social unrest among the local communities who suffer the health and economic impacts of this degradation. Despite several judicial rulings on the catastrophic environmental and health impacts of gas flaring, regulatory measures such as the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021 have fallen short of expectations. Instead of abolishing the practice entirely and mandating that excess gas be managed in more environmentally discreet ways—as is done in more regulated environments—the Act continues to permit gas flaring, subjecting it only to fines. These fines are often nominal for oil-rich companies, effectively making it a cost of doing business rather than a deterrent.
Climate Change: The Uneven Burden
The irony of the climate crisis is that while the highly-industrialised countries are the primary contributors to global warming, countries in Africa and certain parts of Asia bear the brunt of the environmental, social, and economic impacts. The Niger Delta is a poignant example of this disparity. Its ecological landscape makes it one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change in the country. Coupling this vulnerability with the environmental degradation the region is confronted with presents a devastating picture of environmental injustice.
In view of this, the capacity of the Niger Delta to address or adapt to climate change is severely compromised, making it one of the biggest bearers of the climate change burden.
Towards Genuine Leadership and Commitment
Addressing these issues requires more than traditional approaches to leadership. Innovative leaders must step forward with a commitment to transparency, accountability, community engagement, and sustainable practices that go beyond short-term economic gains. For a change in trajectory, global and local leaders must transition from mere rhetoric to actionable, enforceable policies that address both immediate and long-term environmental challenges. This includes honouring international commitments, implementing local laws that strictly regulate environmental practices, and ensuring these laws are enforced to protect ecosystems and communities alike. True leadership in climate action must reflect a balance between development and sustainability, ensuring that future generations inherit a healthier planet. This will be a good start.
