As the world marks Earth Day 2026, Nigerian Environmental Society (NES) has warned against worsening ecological challenges in Anambra State, calling for immediate and collective action to safeguard the environment.
In a message to commemorate this year’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” the Chairman of NES Anambra State Chapter, Dr Emman Ude Akpeh, said the future of the environment depends directly on the decisions people make daily.
He pointed to persistent threats such as flooding, erosion, plastic pollution, and poor waste management practices, warning that these challenges continue to endanger livelihoods and ecosystems across the state.
According to him, while the environmental outlook remains concerning, the capacity to reverse the damage lies firmly in the hands of citizens, institutions, and government actors.
He stressed that meaningful change would require deliberate actions, including adopting sustainable lifestyles, reducing waste, and supporting policies that prioritize environmental protection.
Akpeh also underscored the importance of education and community engagement, particularly among young people.
He noted that long-term environmental sustainability depends on raising awareness and building responsibility at the grassroots level.
The NES Chairman further called for stronger collaboration across sectors to deliver practical and lasting solutions, emphasizing that isolated efforts would not be enough to address the scale of the crisis.
Reaffirming the commitment of the Nigerian Environmental Society, he said the group would continue to drive advocacy, public education, and environmental action in the state.
Akpeh urged residents to move beyond rhetoric and take responsibility for protecting the planet, warning that delay could worsen existing environmental risks.
He concluded that the moment demands urgency, stressing that the power to secure the planet lies with everyone and must be exercised now.
