World Environment Day: NITP calls for nature-based solutions to combat climate change

By Tolu Temidire

The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has called on governments at all levels, professionals, private organizations, and citizens to embrace nature-based solutions and climate-resilient physical planning as part of efforts to address the growing impacts of climate change across the country.

The call was made in a statement issued to commemorate the 2026 World Environment Day, themed “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”

The statement was signed by the Institute's Public Relations Secretary, Dr. Chiahemba Nor, on behalf of the National President, Dr. Ogbonna Chime.

The Institute noted that Nigerian cities are increasingly facing the devastating effects of climate change, including flooding, extreme heat, coastal erosion, and air pollution, warning that many of these challenges are exacerbated by poor urban planning and environmental degradation.

According to the statement, “Our cities are on the frontlines. Flooding, extreme heat, coastal erosion, and air pollution are no longer distant threats but are already affecting our daily lives. Many of these impacts of climate change are worsened by unplanned growth, loss of green spaces, poor drainage, and weak enforcement of physical development plans.”

NITP said the 2026 World Environment Day theme highlights the critical role of nature in tackling climate change and ensuring a sustainable future.

“The theme underscores the vital role of nature in addressing climate change and securing a sustainable future for generations to come. It reminds us that healthy ecosystems, green spaces, forests, wetlands, and biodiversity are not only environmental assets but also powerful tools for climate resilience and sustainable development,” the statement said.

The Institute emphasized that planners have a significant role to play in creating livable, inclusive, and climate-resilient communities through sustainable land-use planning, environmental conservation, green infrastructure, and climate-smart urban development.

“As professional planners, NITP recognizes that the creation of livable, inclusive, and climate-resilient communities requires planning approaches that work in harmony with nature,” it stated.

The Institute further advocated for climate-resilient physical planning policies that protect floodplains, wetlands, and urban forests as natural buffers against environmental disasters.

It also called for the development of compact and connected cities, adoption of waste-to-resource systems, and stricter regulation of practices that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

NITP urged authorities to ban or regulate climate-harmful activities such as open burning, uncontrolled landfills, and unsafe building practices that worsen flooding and heat conditions.

The body also called for the strengthening of planning institutions to ensure climate adaptation and mitigation measures are fully integrated into national development strategies.

“Together, let us be inspired by nature to take bold actions for the climate and build a healthier, greener, and more resilient future for all,” the statement added.

The Institute reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sustainable urban and rural development as part of efforts to safeguard the environment and enhance the quality of life for present and future generations.