COP30: Shettima Urges World Leaders To Act, Not Talk, On Climate Change

By ANITA KNIGHT

VICE-PRESIDENT Kashim Shettima has called on world leaders to turn climate pledges into concrete action, urging them to take “reasonable steps” to tackle global warming and its devastating effects.

Speaking at the opening of the Heads of State Summit at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, Shettima said the world must shift “from pledges to performance, from ambition to action.” Representing President Bola Tinubu, he reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to cutting emissions by 32 percent by 2035.

He outlined Nigeria’s climate agenda, including a National Carbon Market Framework, a five-year Carbon Market Roadmap, and fiscal incentives to promote clean energy and industrial innovation. Proceeds from carbon credits, he said, will support communities affected by floods, droughts, and desertification.

Shettima added that Nigeria’s “decade of gas” strategy will balance natural gas use with solar and off-grid electrification to boost rural access and sustainability.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the world has failed to stay below the 1.5°C limit and must act swiftly to prevent catastrophic consequences. Brazil’s President Lula da Silva and the Prince of Wales, William, also urged collective global action, emphasizing collaboration, justice, and courage in confronting climate change.