Nigeria is already experiencing the effects of climate change. There are variable and extreme weather events: increased temperatures, variable precipitation, floods, droughts, desertification, land degradation and loss of biodiversity. There is soil erosion and floods caused by increased durations and intensities of rainfall in many parts of the country. These changing weather patterns are already disrupting livelihoods, leading to even deeper impoverishment and conflicts over the dwindling resources.

These extreme weather events are expected to increase, even if the world reaches the 1.5 degrees Celsius scenario with stronger commitments to reduce carbon emissions globally. This means that Nigeria needs urgent and stronger adaptation measures and also plays her role in the mitigation efforts. All sectors of society are affected and negatively impacted, and this calls for social mobilization to combat the challenges posed by climate change. All this is happening at a time when the country, like others globally, is dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, a public health emergency that has also impacted livelihoods negatively.

There is an urgent need to act decisively to protect people from both COVID-19 and the existential threat of climate disruption. Saving lives and livelihoods requires strong action advised by science that will address the pandemic and the climate emergency. 

To achieve climate resilient and green economic recovery, The Creative Youth Community Development Initiative- Solution17 for Climate Action and the United Nations Information Centre for Nigeria (UNIC) is calling on doers, creators, innovators, scientists, students, youths, entrepreneurs, and technologists to design sustainable solutions to support Climate Change adaptation in Nigeria. Application opens on June 5, 2021.