I recently returned from a transformative week in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, where I witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of fossil fuel production and climate change on local communities. Now, as I prepare to attend the 29th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the Framework Convention on Climate Change in Baku, Azerbaijan, I am more committed than ever to advocating for increased international climate finance and resisting any attempts to backtrack on the agreements made to transition away from fossil fuels.
During my time in the Niger Delta, I visited the village of Goi, where residents were forced to flee after an oil spill from a Shell pipeline contaminated the land and water, destroying mangrove forests and displacing families. This is just one example of the many environmental disasters that have plagued the region since the discovery of crude oil in 1956. The health risks posed by exposure to hydrocarbons in crude oil, such as Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), are severe and have led to a range of illnesses in local communities.
I had the privilege of attending the Niger Delta Climate Change Conference organized by the Lekeh Development Foundation, where a diverse group of stakeholders came together to discuss the urgent need for a just energy transition and climate resilience in the region. From academic researchers to grassroots leaders, the conference highlighted the importance of holding oil companies accountable, prioritizing renewable energy investments, and centering the voices of women and youth in decision-making processes.
One key outcome of the conference was the launch of the Fossil-Free Niger Delta Campaign, which calls for an end to fossil fuel extraction in the region and resistance to any attempts to resume oil production in impacted areas. The communiqué issued at the close of the conference urged the Nigerian government, international partners, oil companies, and civil society organizations to prioritize environmental cleanup, support renewable energy initiatives, and ensure accountability for past harms.
As I prepare for COP29, I am acutely aware of the disconnect between the actions of major oil and gas corporations and their professed commitment to climate goals. Despite claims of supporting the Paris agreement and achieving net zero emissions by 2050, many of these companies have backtracked on their climate targets and continue to prioritize fossil fuel production over environmental concerns.
At COP29, it is crucial that we amplify the demands of communities in the Niger Delta for climate justice, corporate accountability, and a transition to renewable energy. The world must uphold its commitment to phasing out fossil fuels and provide the necessary financial support for Global South countries to mitigate and adapt to climate change. As we navigate the negotiations in Baku, my colleagues and I are dedicated to advocating for a sustainable, just future that prioritizes the needs of communities most affected by the fossil fuel industry’s actions.
