International Policies on Climate Change
It is great that the United Nations have taken into consideration the fact that climate change is real and its impacts on human systems. The efforts are noticeble and great. Starting with the UNFCC, Kyto Protocol, Paris Agreement and the Doha Agreement shows inclusive commitment.
In my country the national development strategy (NDS 1 & 2) embraces climate change. There was a deliberate policy of establising the Enivironmental Management Agency around 2005 to drive the environmental issues and climate change being one.
EMA also participates in the adaptation fund and implements adapataion and resilience projects with communities, civil society and private sector to enhance adptation and reslience.
The government is also promoting use of renewable enegry, like the introduction of zero taxes on imported solar systems and accessories.
One limitation on driving climate change policies and strategies in developing countries is beauracracy and also politisisation of projects whereas cliamte change bears nor political sides.
Here is a condensed, professional version of those responses tailored for a Nigerian professional context.
1. Effective Policy: Nigeria Energy Transition Plan (ETP)
The ETP (2022) stands out as a data-driven roadmap to achieve net-zero by 2060.
Success Factors: It moved climate action from "environmental theory" to "economic strategy" by identifying specific investment verticals ($1.9 trillion) and securing high-level political backing to integrate it into national planning.
2. Struggling Policy: Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialization Program (NGFCP)
Despite being a priority, routine gas flaring persists due to systemic bottlenecks.
Barriers: Low non-compliance penalties (making flaring cheaper than abatement), lack of midstream infrastructure to transport captured gas, and inconsistent regulatory enforcement.
3. Sufficiency of International Frameworks
The Paris Agreement is a vital catalyst but remains insufficient in its current form.
The Gap: It lacks "teeth" for enforcement. For the Global South, the primary failure is the Finance Gap—the inability of the framework to ensure developed nations meet their $100 billion+ annual funding commitments for adaptation.
4. Influence of Extraneous Factors
Political: "Policy somersaults" (instability) during government transitions disrupt long-term climate projects.
Economic: Nigeria’s heavy reliance on oil revenue creates a "resource curse" barrier to rapid green diversification.
Social: Policies like subsidy removal prove that climate action fails without social safety nets to protect the poor from inflation.
5. Lessons from Bangladesh
Bangladesh provides a blueprint for proactive adaptation that Nigeria can mirror.
Key Lessons: Transitioning from reactive disaster relief to 100-year strategic planning (Delta Plan 2100) and the success of locally-led adaptation, which empowers coastal communities to build resilience using indigenous techniques rather than waiting for top-down aid.