Draft new climate plans, UN urges nations

The United Nations (UN) has again called on countries around the world to prepare fresh national climate action plans that will help keep the global temperature rise within 1.5 degrees Celsius. This move, according to the UN, is important to prevent more dangerous climate disasters across the world.

The call came during the celebration of International Mother Earth Day, which held on Monday, April 22, 2025. The event was marked across many countries, including Nigeria. International Mother Earth Day was first established by a UN General Assembly resolution in 2009 to remind everyone of the urgent need to protect the planet and its ecosystems.

Speaking at the Abuja event, the Director of the United Nations Information Centre, Mr. Roland Kayanja, said countries must act fast to protect the earth and secure the future. Kayanja, who was represented by the Digital Media Assistant at the UN Information Centre, Ms. Bolanle Olumekor, pointed out that powerful nations, especially those in the G20 group, must lead the way.

He said it is important for all nations to find ways to tackle pollution, stop the loss of biodiversity, and raise enough funds to carry out serious environmental protection projects. Kayanja added that with strong efforts, 2025 could become a very important year to heal the planet and make life better for future generations.

At the same event, the Director-General of the Tinubu Campaign Organisation, Dr. Umar Yakasai, also spoke on the need for everyone to take care of the environment. Dr. Yakasai encouraged Nigerians and people all over the world to plant more trees, protect nature, and take actions that would leave the planet safer and healthier for children yet unborn.

He reminded the audience that the earth is the only home humanity has, and everyone has a duty to protect it from harm. He stressed that simple steps like tree planting can go a long way in fighting against climate change and reducing the dangers facing the world.

The Director of Parks and Recreation in Abuja, Mr. Roland Echee, also added his voice. He spoke passionately about how important Mother Earth is to survival and growth. Mr. Echee said government officials, private businesses, and ordinary Nigerians must all work together to adopt more sustainable practices that will not destroy the environment.

In her own remarks, the President of the Association of Flower Nurseries and Landscaping Practitioners of Abuja, Mrs. Fatima Kachallah, urged more Nigerians to join in planting trees and taking care of plants. She said trees not only make the environment beautiful but also help to fight climate change by absorbing harmful gases from the atmosphere.

Mrs. Kachallah stressed that there is an urgent need for more education about the environment, especially among young people. She advised schools, community leaders, and religious bodies to teach the importance of conservation, recycling, and clean energy.

Meanwhile, many stakeholders who attended the event said protecting the earth must be a daily effort, not just something to talk about once a year. They called for stronger environmental policies and better enforcement of existing laws to reduce illegal logging, pollution, and other harmful practices.

As the effects of climate change continue to show through extreme weather events, floods, and droughts, many Nigerians say it is time to move from talking to action if the country wants to protect its natural resources and secure a better future.

The UN continues to stress that without strong and urgent action, the world risks more deadly disasters like stronger hurricanes, deadly heatwaves, rising sea levels, and food shortages.