The Japanese government says it has released 10 billion dollars to address environmental degradation in Africa through a programme called "Cool the Earth" just as she pledged to support Nigeria in her efforts to check the negative effects of the degradation.

The Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Toshitsugu Uesawa, who dropped this hint when he paid a courtesy visit on the Minister of Environment in Abuja at the weekend, said apart from the financial assistance, his country will add technical cooperation to tackle environmental issues in Nigeria.

He said the initiative is not about environment alone, but a comprehensive approach that will help address education, agriculture, water problems and industrialization.

He said:"Comprehensive approach is very important to climate change because it affects water, industrialization and agriculture which in turn affects the climate."

Responding, the Minister of Environment, Mr. John Odey said climate change has done a great damage to the country,noting that "we have to move very fast."

The Minister welcomed the Japanese gesture saying it will help build mutual relationship between both countries, saying that the gesture will go a long way to address some of the prevailing environmental crisis confronting the country.

He said his Ministry is charged with the responsibility to sustain the environment, preserve the biodiversity and sustainenance of the ecosystem, adding that the mandate has necessitated the Ministry's collaboration with the Japanese government.