For Immediate Release
October 22, 2009

Contact:
Marnie Grumbach, Communications Coordinator, Preti Flaherty
(207) 791-3000
E-mail: mgrumbach@preti.com
Web Site: http://www.preti.com

A leading international climate change expert from Nigeria told a Portland, Maine audience earlier this week that developed countries need to do more to help developing nations combat the effects of climate change.

Dr. Ayobami Salami, the Director of the Institute of Ecology & Environmental Studies at the Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria, made his remarks Oct. 19 at Preti Flaherty (www.preti.com) as part of the firm’s inaugural session of “Climate Matters” – a speaker series focused on climate change issues. The regional law firm’s Climate Strategy Group hosted the event.
In his address, “The View of Copenhagen from a Developing Nation”, Dr. Salami reviewed the particular vulnerability of Nigeria to the effects of climate change. He explained how climate changes, such as declining rainfall and desertification, are causing significant economic effects on Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country. He also spoke on his efforts to raise awareness among Nigerian policymakers of climate change impacts and the importance of developed nations assisting developing nations in gaining access to technology and funding.

Attorney Steven A. Hudson, who practices with Preti’s recently formed Climate Strategy Group, said the issues raised by Dr. Salami may create opportunities for U.S. companies who want to be part of the solution.

"There is a growing consensus around the scope of assistance funding from the developed nations to the developing nations, which may help address the needs identified by Dr Salami,” Hudson said. “These funds may also create opportunities for those companies interested in providing expertise or technology for renewable energy or other climate change projects."

Hudson, one of the authors of Maine’s Regional Climate Change Initiative Law, believes that businesses should engage on climate change issues in order to “do climate change right,” and to identify opportunities and minimize risks associated with climate change public policy.

Preti Flaherty created the Climate Strategy Group to assist businesses in responding to climate change initiatives and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The attorneys utilize their expertise to help clients deal with both the risks and opportunities presented by climate change. For more information, visit the group online at http://preti.com/Preti-Flaherty-Climate-Strategy-Group.

Preti Flaherty has offices in Portland and Augusta, Maine, Concord, N.H., Boston and Washington, D.C. With more than 85 attorneys, the firm counsels clients in the areas of business law, energy, environmental, estate planning, health care, intellectual property, labor and employment, legislative and regulatory, litigation, technology and telecommunications. More information about the firm is available at www.preti.com.

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