YEAC-Nigeria Urges Climate Action on World Environment Day
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre, YEAC-Nigeria, has joined the global community in marking the 2026 World Environment Day, calling for urgent and collective action to address climate change and environmental degradation.
According to the Executive Director of YEAC-NIGERIA, Fyneface Dumnamene, this year’s celebration, themed “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” highlights the need to draw solutions from nature in tackling pressing environmental challenges such as pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change.
In a press statement released on Thursday June 4, 2026, the organisation emphasised that nature remains a powerful ally in combating these challenges.
It pointed to the vital role of mangroves in the Niger Delta in storing carbon and protecting coastlines, as well as the importance of renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower in building a cleaner and more sustainable future.
YEAC-Nigeria, however, expressed concern over the continued environmental degradation in the Niger Delta, citing issues such as gas flaring, oil spills, flooding, and the loss of livelihoods among local communities.
Despite these challenges, the group noted growing signs of progress, including the emergence of community solar mini-grids, waste-to-energy initiatives, and youth-driven climate advocacy campaigns, which it said demonstrate that a just energy transition is achievable.
Speaking on the significance of the day, the Executive Director of YEAC-Nigeria, Fyneface Dumnamene, stressed the need for immediate action.
“We cannot build our future by destroying nature. World Environment Day 2026 challenges us to return to natural solutions, invest in climate resilience, and ensure that youths and communities in the Niger Delta are not left behind.
For climate. For our future. The time to act is now,” he said.
The organisation called on the Nigerian government, oil companies, and international partners to accelerate the cleanup of polluted sites and put an end to gas flaring in the region. It also urged increased investment in community-led renewable energy projects, as well as the creation of green jobs for youths and women.
Additionally, YEAC-Nigeria advocated for stronger climate adaptation measures to safeguard vulnerable communities from flooding and rising sea levels.
As World Environment Day is observed annually on June 5, the group encouraged citizens and stakeholders to take decisive steps toward environmental sustainability, urging everyone to be inspired by nature and act now for the climate and future generations.
