Young-people

Involvement of the Young Generation to Push the African Climate Agenda

by with No Comment News

Part of the solution in raising climate crisis awareness is involving the youth more, and this can be done through the education system. There are countless other ways, like mobilizing youth in cities and villages, with the government and other entities funding them for different climatic projects. 

Nigeria has its share of climatic calamities like rising sea levels, plastic pollution, and deforestation affecting the West African nation. Conversely, the country is taking steps to change the current situation by bringing the education system on board. The ‘Green Earth Initiative’ is one of the projects involving student competitions.

The project aims to raise awareness about the need for climate action and encourage students to become powerful advocates and writers in the climate action community. The group is calling for financial aid for the success of the ambitious project, where participants will get participation awards and certificates.

On the East side, you’ll find 10-year-old Karen Wanjiku Kimani, a young climatic pioneer from Kenya and a winner of numerous awards for her efforts. “As future generations, it is important that we are not overlooked in some of the programs or activities regarding protecting the planet. Our leaders must catch us young. After all, we will be the ones to gain or suffer tomorrow due to the policies and actions being implemented today.” Karen talking to African Development Bank

Another avenue for the Kenyan youth to be involved in the nation’s long-term plan to plant 5 billion trees by 2030. The project means every Kenyan should plant 300 trees. With the youth mobilized in the formulated SHAMBA SYSTEM, they can help reduce the government’s cost, which is projected to be 600 billion. Moreover, the initiative can solve the staggering youth unemployment in Kenya. 

Through the words of Karen Wanjiku, the youth are actively involved as they are the ones to feel the impact of not conserving our planet. More efforts like that initiated in Nigeria are essential for creating awareness and are needed around African school systems. This is a long-term solution for climate change in Africa.

surge

Nigeria: Need for faster Climate action as ocean surge continues

by with No Comment News

Nigeria’s climate and environmental conditions are worsening; Cases like the Ocean Surge calling for respective entities to act. With the focus shifting from politics after the election, it is critical to look into how the country can save its environment, and enhance a better climate for future generations.

One recent phenomenon of alarm is the ocean surge in Aiyetoro Community, Ondo state, and the community is calling for help. The wake of April 20th saw an additional 200 households submerged, displacing many and destroying property. 

The damage is projected to continue, with half the area now submerged. As an annual repetitive occurrence, there’s a definite need to find long-term solutions. 

Nigeria also needs to improve on waste management strategies, ranking 9th in plastic pollution globally. The country has an approximate plastic waste of 2.5 million tonnes, a feat most blame on the higher population in the cities, not forgetting Nigeria is the most populated in Africa. 

The country, however, needs to set up better plastic solutions, including bans. A case study they can follow is as implemented in Kenya (August 17th, 2017) on restricting single-use plastic bags, a decision bearing fruits at the moment. 

The government also needs to instill stricter regulations on polluters. Several, especially in Lagos, have been polluting the environment, actions which have been mostly ignored. It was, however, not a lucky day for Pure Biotech Company, a cassava processing factory around Benue State, whose activities were stopped. The plant operates without a Functional Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), dumping untreated waste directly into River Benue.

Pollution in the Western-African country is worsening, adding to the already bad situation regarding deforestation rates. Continuation of such activities will lead to more adverse climatic tragedies like the ocean surge in Ondo. The reinstated government should prioritize climate and continue pushing for the African climate agenda, an avenue for all continent’s nations to go 100% green.