World Environment Day: FCFRMI Provost, Emeghara Champions Climate Action, Environmental Protection

The Provost, Federal College of Forestry and Resources Management, Ishiagu (FCFRMI), Ebonyi State, Dr. Ursula Amaka Emeghara, has called for urgent and coordinated action to address climate change and environmental degradation across Nigeria.

In a message to commemorate the 2026 World Environment Day on Friday, Dr. Emeghara said the global observance, themed; “Climate Action” with the campaign slogan “#NowForClimate,” serves as a reminder that the time for decisive environmental action is now.

She noted that climate change has become a pressing reality with far-reaching consequences for lives, livelihoods, ecosystems, and economies, warning that rising temperatures, flooding, desertification, biodiversity loss, coastal erosion, and other extreme weather events continue to threaten sustainable development.

According to the Provost, environmental challenges vary across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. While the North-East and North-West grapple with desert encroachment, drought, land degradation, and water scarcity, the North-Central region faces increasing deforestation, flooding, and unsustainable land-use practices.

She added that the South-West continues to experience urban flooding, coastal erosion, and environmental pressures linked to rapid urbanization, while the South-South region remains burdened by oil pollution, gas flaring, mangrove degradation, and the environmental impact of extractive activities.

 

Dr. Emeghara expressed particular concern over the environmental challenges facing the South-East, including severe gully erosion, deforestation, biodiversity loss, indiscriminate waste disposal, unsustainable mining practices, and climate-induced flooding.

 

She noted that in Ebonyi State and other parts of the region, gully erosion has destroyed roads, homes, farmlands, and critical infrastructure, while declining forest cover continues to weaken the environment’s capacity to absorb carbon emissions and withstand climate-related disasters.

“As a forestry and natural resources institution located in Ishiagu, we are particularly concerned about land degradation, quarrying activities, and the steady depletion of forest resources within our communities,” she said.

 

The Provost stressed the need for increased environmental education and awareness, describing environmental literacy as essential for promoting responsible stewardship of natural resources, especially among young people.

 

She also advocated aggressive afforestation and reforestation programmes, sustainable land and water management practices, investment in climate-smart agriculture, and accelerated adoption of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and biomass.

 

Dr. Emeghara further called for stricter enforcement of environmental laws to curb illegal logging, pollution, and environmentally harmful activities, while emphasizing the importance of research and innovation in developing local solutions to climate and environmental challenges.

She underscored the role of communities, traditional institutions, women, youth groups, faith-based organizations, and civil society in achieving environmental sustainability.

The FCFRMI Provost also appealed to local and international development partners, donor agencies, environmental organizations, research institutions, government at all levels and the private sector to strengthen collaboration with Nigeria in promoting sustainable forestry, biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, environmental education, renewable energy development, and ecological restoration.

She reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal College of Forestry and Resources Management, Ishiagu, to producing skilled manpower, research-based solutions, and innovative approaches needed to support environmental sustainability and national development.

“Climate action is a shared responsibility. Every tree planted, every forest protected, every river preserved, and every environmentally conscious decision contributes to a healthier and more sustainable future,” she stated.

Dr. Emeghara urged Nigerians to embrace collective responsibility in protecting the environment, stressing that the challenge is no longer whether climate change exists, but how swiftly and effectively society responds to it.