Since 1973, June 5 has been celebrated annually as World Environment Day (WED). This day is dedicated to raising awareness and promoting actions to address various environmental issues, including marine pollution, overpopulation, global warming, sustainable development, and wildlife crime, among others.
This year’s theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution,” highlights the urgent need to tackle plastic pollution, a significant environmental challenge of our time. Plastic pollution refers to the accumulation of plastic items and particles, such as plastic bottles, bags, and microplastics, in the environment, particularly in oceans, rivers, and landfills. The widespread use of single-use plastics, inadequate waste management systems, and the persistent nature of plastic materials contribute to this global issue.
Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), the operator of the joint venture between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and CNL, supports this global initiative as it aligns with our commitment to protecting the environment while providing affordable, reliable, and ever-cleaner energy that enables human progress.
Jim Swartz, CNL’s Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), explains that this year’s theme is consistent with the company’s values and environmental principles, which are anchored on considering the environment in decision-making, minimizing our environmental footprint, operating responsibly, and stewarding our sites.
According to Jim, “At Chevron, our commitment to environmental stewardship is reflected in the responsible design, development, operation, and retirement of assets. We strive to implement business practices that support effective waste management activities and reduce the potential environmental, health, and safety impacts associated with plastic waste. We continue to assess and implement the reduction of single-use plastic water bottles by providing water dispensers. We have also invested in waste management equipment to shred, crush, and compact waste for recycling and re-use by third-party service providers. These actions have prevented our used plastics from leaking into our immediate natural environment.”
Jim stated that CNL’s Operational Excellence Management System delivers industry-leading performance in process safety, personal safety and health, environment, reliability, and efficiency. “Our focus on the environment during decision-making lays the foundation for sound environmental management. The company protects the environment through the entire lifecycle from responsible design, development, operations, and asset retirement,” he stated.
CNL’s CMD noted that CNL is advancing its lower carbon strategy by focusing on lowering the carbon intensity of its operations and by implementing methane detection and reduction capabilities. “CNL utilizes high-tech Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) cameras for detecting fugitive emissions, and in the past 10 years, CNL has reduced routine gas flaring by over 97% in its operations,” he highlighted.
In 1992, Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), in partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), established the Lekki Conservation Centre. This 78-hectare facility serves as a center of excellence in environmental research and education, providing a sanctuary for the rich flora and fauna of the Lekki Peninsula.
In 2005, CNL began supporting an annual postgraduate research scholarship for PhD students in environment and conservation, instituted by the NCF. Additionally, the company hosts the annual S.L. Edu Memorial Lecture to promote environmental management awareness and partners with the Lagos State Government and NCF to sponsor the annual Walk for Nature event, aimed at creating awareness for nature conservation and sustainable environmental management.
Olusoga Oduselu, CNL’s General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, emphasized the importance of protecting and conserving biodiversity. “We have a long history of working in collaboration with communities, industry groups, regulators, and conservation groups to identify and protect biodiversity in parts of the world where we operate. For over 60 years, the company has remained an active agent of sustainable development and a strong advocate of partnerships in support of the environment”.
As the world focuses on beating plastic pollution, Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) will continue to partner with stakeholders to raise public awareness and create the transformative environmental change needed to advance towards a more sustainable world. This commitment aims to beat plastic pollution for ourselves and future generations,” says Jim Swartz.
