Climate change: Serious threat to children, vulnerable persons – Don
By Ibrahim Mohammed
Prof. Abel Adebayo of Modibbo Adama University (MAU), Yola says climate change is a serious threat to children and vulnerable people due to their vulnerability in many ways.
Adebayo who specializes in climate change and climatology stated this at the media dialogue advocacy on climate resilience in Adamawa organised by the state government with support from UNICEF.
The activity was coordinated under Accelerating Sanitation and Water for All (ASWA) III Project, funded by the Government of Netherlands
He said the climate change led to serious challenges that resulted in affecting the livelihood of children in the state.
Adebayo said, climate change was already altering the state’s weather and agricultural patterns, with rising temperatures that affect farmers productivity.
According to him, the consequences of climate change on children include; heat-related diseases and deaths, malnutrition, hunger, displacement and disruption of education.
“When food is affected, both women and children will suffer, it will affect their health status as well as education, which is their right,” he said.
Aisha Yusuf, Desk Officer ASWA III project, Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) said, the project has impacted the state, positively.
She said, these resulted in the declaration of Open Defecation Free (ODF) under the Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programme, in three LGA.
According to her, considering the effects of climate change resilience, it will now be integrated into WASH interventions.
Mr Emmanuel Esly, General Manager RUWASSA said, the agency with support from UNICEF was working to ensure two more LGA are ODF before the end of 2026.
He appreciated the state government, UNICEF and the Government of Netherlands for their interventions in the sector.
Mr Shagari Bello and Istifanus Garba from Fufore and Numan Local Government Areas shared their experience on the effects of the flood in their respective communities.
They urged governments at all levels to intervene in order to secure the future of their children
