INCORPORATING ISLAMIC PRINCIPLES IN DEVELOPING ROBUST POLICIES ON CLIMATE CHANGE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper examined the legal issues related to climate change, particularly the incorporation of Islamic principles in developing robust policies on climate change in Nigeria. This is because climate change challenges also transcend historical legal approaches and require judges to incorporate not just the views of different parties, but also the interests of the collective and future generations, particularly an Islamic-oriented view to that effect. This paper applies doctrinal legal research methodology to examine and analyze Islamic principles in developing climate change policies in Nigeria. Specifically, the paper analyses the following questions: to what extent do the legal frameworks on climate change in Nigeria address climate change challenges? How do Islamic principles influence climate change policies in Nigeria? What role does Islam play in mitigating climate change and promoting sustainable development? Therefore, this paper found, among other things, that there are inadequate climate change policies and enforcement mechanisms in Nigeria among other findings. On the basis of these findings, the paper concluded that integrating Islamic-based principles and ethics can promote more inclusive and justice-oriented climate change policies. Finally, the paper recommends that involving all climate change stakeholders in addressing the challenges of climate change will go a long way in strengthening the policies and further reduce the activities leading to environmental changes.