The Climate Change Education and Action Programme has stated that Anambra state is the headquarters of gully erosion in Africa and remains the worst hit by climate change in Africa.
Elochukwu Ezenekwe, Africa’s foremost climate change expert and Head, Climate Change Education and Action Programme stated that Anambra had suffered the worst damage from climate change impacts in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.
He stated this on Thursday August 4, during an enlightenment/education session at the Government House, Awka, the Anambra State capital.
He said, “Climate change hits us in Africa through various extreme weather and climate-related events that include drought, flooding and gully erosion. Drought and desertification are the least destructive and easiest to manage.
“Flooding is more destructive but usually allows for recovery of houses and properties when the waters recede.
“But for gully erosion, the damage is comprehensive and total. Be it classrooms, community health centres, houses, crops, farmlands, roads, electricity infrastructure, livelihoods and all, everything collapses into the very deep gullies and nothing is recovered.
“Anambra State suffers from flooding and is also the headquarters of gully erosion in Africa, hence there is need to prioritise or even outrightly declare a climate change emergency in the state.”
The Chief of Staff to the Governor of Anambra State, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi, commended the climate expert and the non-governmental organisation for enlightening the government on the challenges and inherent opportunities that could be explored.