The Rhetoric Of Green Economy And The Politics Of Environmental Change In The Niger Delta Region

Abstract

The green economy pathway to sustainable development championed by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has been largely rhetorical. There is no rapid connection to create an opportunity to build consensus, especially as countries who themselves are at the forefront of climate change are somewhat responsible for environmental change in the Niger Delta region. These countries ought to bring pressure to bear on the international oil companies (IOCs) for their actions. Indeed, developed countries have greater responsibilities for environmental protection, but their implied action through companies established by them in developing countries creates unbearable socioeconomic conditions. This paper argued that the problem of environmental change in the Niger Delta is further compounded by some deep seated political undertone the manifestation is the basis of food shortages, poverty, low agriculture productivity and violent conflicts. The issue of environmental change is far more complex political and to approach it from purely academic, scientific, technological, geographical and economic perspectives without the political argument is a fallacy. The paper concludes environmental change occur within the historical complexity of oil and gas politics.