US climate change envoy visits Nigeria

Special Envoy for Climate Change, Dr Jonathan Pershing, would on Wednesday undertake a tour of a solar energy project in Abuja.

A statement from the Public Affairs Unit, US Embassy, Abuja, on Tuesday said that he would also discuss the importance of climate and clean energy cooperation in the US-Nigeria relations, with Nigerian authorities.

It stated that the visit was part of meetings with Nigerian interlocutors on climate and clean energy cooperation, adding that the envoy would meet Federal Government officials, businessmen, and civil society members.

The envoy, the statement said, was also expected to discuss opportunities for leadership by Nigeria in the implementation of the Paris Climate Change Agreement.



“The international community came together last year to make the Paris Agreement a success, and now, have a number of opportunities to continue that cooperation and progress, and work to make Paris, and its ambitious goals, a reality.

“Dozens of countries have already either joined the Agreement or have committed to joining this year, with entry into force before the end of the year as a goal,” it stated.

According to the statement, Pershing is an internationally renowned climate change and energy expert.

“He most recently served at the U.S. Department of Energy as the Senior Climate Change Adviser to Secretary Moniz and Principal Deputy Director of the Office of Energy Policy and Systems Analysis.

“In this capacity, among other responsibilities, he was actively involved in the design and implementation of U.S. climate and clean energy policy, including the clean power plan.

“His mission is innovation, and work on climate resilience,” the statement said.