World Earth Day: HOMEF calls for urgent action against climate, ecological crisis

The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) has urged urgent global action to accelerate the transition to clean energy, cut carbon emissions, and restore degraded ecosystems as the world marks Earth Day 2026 under the theme “Our Power, Our Planet.”

The organisation in a statement on Tuesday, said rising climate shocks, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation show that incremental responses are no longer enough.

It stressed that protecting the planet is central to economic stability, public health, and national security.

Nnimmo Bassey, executive director, HOMEF, said humanity already holds the power to reverse environmental decline but must choose stewardship over extraction-driven systems. 

He said the relationship with nature must shift from exploitation to restoration and care.

Bassey noted that ecosystems remain the foundation of life, supporting air, water, and food systems. He warned that continued environmental destruction undermines food security and threatens future generations, stressing that inaction would leave behind irreversible damage.

HOMEF called for practical climate actions, including tree planting, reduction of single-use plastics, adoption of zero-waste practices, and stronger support for community-based conservation systems.

The organisation also raised concern over persistent environmental disasters in Nigeria, including the Ororo 1 oil well fire off the coast of Awoye in Ondo State, which has reportedly burnt for six years, and the Ofiomina Ama wellhead fire in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, ongoing for two years. 

It said such incidents reflect weak regulatory response and delayed remediation efforts.

HOMEF urged government authorities to urgently decommission hazardous sites, end recurring oil pollution events, and prioritise full environmental rehabilitation of affected communities.

It added that Earth Day should move beyond symbolism to sustained commitment toward ending fossil fuel dependence, conserving biodiversity, protecting water systems, and restoring ecological balance.