Environmental Crisis Causing Security Challenges – University Don
The Dean, Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences (FEES), Bayero University, Kano, Professor Aliyu Salisu Barau has described the incessant maltreatment of the environment as one of the factors igniting security crisis in Nigeria and other countries. He said if drastic measures are not taken the future looks bleak.
Speaking at the 1st interdisciplinary hybrid conference on sustainability and ecological resilience in the Muslim world with the theme: Addressing Global and Local Environmental Crises” Islamic Perspectives and Muslim Experiences held in Kano, Prof Barau said we are already engulfed by multiple ecological crises that amplify massive social insecurity and economic collapse that loom large everywhere. He said without necessarily sounding pessimistic, the future of human prosperity is gloomy.
The University Don noted that the human race has thrown away responsibility and accountability for the planet that God entrusted us with for intergenerational use and sharing. He said since centuries ago, colonization sowed the seeds of ecological destruction for gains of the few. He said the current neo-colonial and unfair global trade regimes reinforce that at the detriment of the majority of human race.
According to him, in many countries, the per capita luxury CO2 emissions of 10% of their population is higher than the essential emissions of the 90% of poorer population. He said over the decades, we have witnessed efforts put in place by governments, international institutions, universities, media and civil society to save the planet. Nevertheless, the crises keep rising steadily, deeply and irreversibly disturbing. For instance, since the last five years, every year is hotter than its predecessor and this is seriously threatening our lives, wellbeing, mental health and resilience to diseases
Prof Barau insists that as land degradation escalate globally, security threats, droughts, floods, storms and other climate extreme events push us off a clip and points of no return.
Chief Host and the Vice Chancellor of BUK, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, said “this conference is not a merely an academic exercise; it is a call to action. We must harness the power of faith to inspire collective action and create a world where environmental sustainability is not just an ambition, but a lived reality.”
“As a leading institution of learning and scholarship in Nigeria, we are committed to using our platform to bridge the gap between knowledge and action, between faith and practice. We believe that through collaboration, dialogue, and a shared commitment to the principles of Islam, we can build a more just and sustainable future for generations to come,” said the Vice Chancellor, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas.
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Chairman of the occasion, Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed said environment has been a topical issue of discussion for over two decades and is being discussed at several international and national fora to address its sustainability. He said neglecting the environment is neglecting the wellbeing of people, while protecting it is protecting their lives.
Prof Rasheed, commended the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences for organizing the conference which would address one of the critical issues affecting the people. He added that environmental sustainability was firmly embedded in Islam as Quar’anic verses and Prophet Muhammad’s traditions (Hadiths) talked about environmental cleanliness and protection.
Prof Rasheed, who is the immediate past Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), explained that from Islamic perspectives, God created a balanced world which must be preserved and protected by man through justice, adding that people must be environmentally conscious.
The workshop brought together scholars, scientists, experts, environmentalists, clerics and other stakeholders from diverse inter-displinary fields to discuss and brainstorm on the climate change and environmental sustainability.
Presenting the first keynote address titled: Qur’an, Sunnah and Climate Crisis: From Theology to Action, Mr Kamran Shezad stated that it would not be a business as usual as people must change the way they do things as the world is undergoing an environmental crisis.
While citing several Qur’anic and Hadith injunctions on the need to preserve the environment and personal hygiene, Mr Shezad advocated the need for greening the mosques and houses as part of Islamic faith..
Mr Kamran, who is Director, Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Society, Birmingham University, UK, said in recent times, there have been significant effort in Islamic world to change the narrative citing the example of Al-mizan that strengthens international, national and local actions that combat climate change and the threats to the planet
Other initiatives to combat environmental challenges are Bahu Trust Masjid in UK, Madarassa syllabus, an Islamic inspired climate guides, Eco Conscious Guide to Ramadhan and Birmingham Qur’an academy.
Presenting the second keynote address, Professor Omar Hasan Kasule, said change in the behavior can significantly impact the environment, adding that the focus should first be on individual rather than the whole society.
Prof Kasule, who is the Chairman Research Ethics Review Board, King Abdallah Bin Abdulaziz University Hospital, Riyadh, noted that the attention of the world has been shifted to acquiring sophisticated machines without corresponding balance of environmental preservations.
He stated that environmental crisis has been on for centuries and that people should turn to Quran to find the solutions to environmental challenges.
Goodwill messages were presented by the Commissioner of Environment, Kano State, Honourable Nasiru Garo and Branch Manager, TAJ Bank, Kano, Aliyu Bakari.
Highlight of the opening session was a commentary of a film called Sacred Island by Professor Abdallah Uba Adamu, which was watched by the participants.
