Port Harcourt Climate Week 2025: Maiden edition of climate week concluded in Port Harcourt

The maiden edition of the Port Harcourt Climate Week which held in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital between Wednesday, August 27 and Thursday, August 28, 2025 at the Justice Mary Odili Judicial Centre, concluded with resounding success, uniting stakeholders in fight against climate change.  

Organized by Aspire Climate Vanguard, a frontline climate and environmental – focused organization, the dynamic two-day event brought together climate advocates, youth innovators, policymakers, government representatives, industry leaders and researchers to address pressing climate challenges in Port Harcourt and beyond under the theme: “Innovation, Justice and Community Action.”

Two impactful keynote addresses set the tone for each day’s event.   In the first, titled “Justice and Adaptation: How Niger Delta Communities Can Lead Change,” Matthew Burkaa, SAN, emphasized the need for equitable climate policies that prioritize the Niger Delta’s vulnerable communities, which face disproportionate impacts from climate change due to their proximity to oil operations and coastal ecosystems. He called for legal reforms, public awareness and education, strengthened judicial attitudes and enhanced regulatory framework as solutions to the challenges faced in accessing environmental justice in Nigeria. His speech highlighted the need for empowering local voices and integrating indigenous knowledge into national climate frameworks, which resonated with the event’s justice-focused theme and inspired attendees to advocate for inclusive solutions.

The second keynote, “Building Resileint Cities: Turning Climate Risks into Opportunities” by Professor Frank Ugiomoh, drew focus on urban resilience. Ugiomoh explained that cities like Port Harcourt could transform climate risks, such as flooding and rising sea levels into opportunities for sustainable development, calling for innovative urban planning, including green infrastructure and nature-based solutions to enhance resilience. His insights sparked discussions on re-imagining Port Harcourt, commonly referred to as “Garden City”, as a model for green and climate-smart cities in Nigeria.

The event also featured panel discussions, which brought together diverse stakeholders to explore various topics including climate justice, adaptation, green jobs, youth innovation, green economy, climate finance, and many more.  Youth hackathon pitch sessions also showcased innovative solutions from young entrepreneurs, engaging attendees and reinforcing the call for smart, local solutions to climate challenges.

Earlier in her welcome address, Chioma Aninwe, the director of communications at Aspire Climate Vanguard, highlighted the critical need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders in tackling the ever-increasing climate risks that confront the city of Port Harcourt and its residents. She called for community-focused innovations and solutions in the face of the present climate crises.

Attendees, including environmental experts, students and professionals expressed satisfaction at the event’s organization for its inclusive approach, engagement opportunities and the new insights they had gained. These shared experiences underscored a collective commitment to building climate resilience in Port Harcourt, bridging local knowledge with global climate

 strategies.

Hosted in the heart of the Niger Delta, a region acutely vulnerable to climate impacts such as flooding and sea-level rise, the Port Harcourt Climate Week, 2025 served as a critical platform for fostering dialogue and actionable solutions tailored to local realities. With a focus on empowering communities and promoting equitable climate strategies, the summit underscored the urgent need for collaborative efforts to build resilience and drive sustainable development in the face of escalating climate risks.