Activist Urges Government to Prioritize Climate Change Adaptation

By Denilson Deneki

Bentiu – The Civil Society Coalition on Natural Resource (CSCNR) recently held a one-day training session in Bentiu, Unity State to raise awareness about climate change adaptation.

The event, attended by various stakeholders including legislators, chiefs, Civil Society Organizations, and representatives from different groups, aimed to highlight the importance of integrating climate change adaptation into national development priorities.

Gizam Moses, Programme Officer of CSCNR, emphasized that climate change poses a significant threat to human livelihoods, affecting various aspects such as farming, herding, fishing, and settlement. He stressed the need for collective efforts to combat climate change and empower communities to take action, through initiatives like tree planting, discouraging deforestation, and promoting energy efficiency.

Moses also pointed out that many climate change adaptation strategies, as outlined in South Sudan’s National Adaptation Plan and Intended Nationally Determined Contributions, can be implemented using local resources.

He called on the National Government to prioritize climate change adaptation, citing the severe impacts of climate change experienced in recent years.

Hon. Medan Khan Bany, a Member of Parliament representing Mayon County in the Transitional State Legislative Assembly, expressed support for raising awareness about climate change adaptation and implementing measures to address deforestation. He pledged to propose a resolution to ban deforestation and promote tree planting efforts in the region.

The workshop concluded with a call for continued collaboration between government entities, civil society organizations, and community members to address the challenges posed by climate change and prioritize adaptation measures in national development agendas.