Climate change, driven by greenhouse gas emissions from human activities, is a global crisis manifesting in rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, severe weather events, and sea level rise. These changes pose significant risks to ecosystems, human health, food security, water resources, and economic stability.
In Nigeria, the impacts of climate change are evident in desertification, land degradation, increased flooding, and reduced agricultural productivity. Enugu State faces challenges such as disrupted agricultural activities, soil erosion, land degradation, and an increased prevalence of waterborne diseases due to altered rainfall patterns and rising temperatures.
South Saharan Social Development Organization with support from ActionAid understanding this challenge took the initiative to implement a one-day sensitization outreach and climate policy dialogue session at the Faculty of Environmental Studies, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus. The aim of the event was to enhance environmental sustainability, raise awareness, and encourage proactive environmental stewardship among students. This is crucial for promoting sustainable development and building resilience against the adverse impacts of climate change.
Participants were enlightened on how to protect the environment in their own way. They were educated on practical steps that would protect the environment such as recycling, tree planting, and animal breeding as a way to improve biological conservation of endangered species.
Okoh Happiness, a part 2 student shared, “Before now, I never thought I had a part to play in improving or supporting the environment. I always thought it was the government’s responsibility. But now, I see how I can improve environmental sustainability and biodiversity by breeding grasscutters rather than focusing on consumption.”
Okweye Blessed, a final year student shared, “I have been enlightened to how much impact planting trees have on our environment. Rather than looking for walls or boards to sign my name on, I could invest by planting a tree.”
Grace Okeke a third-year student shared, “I didn’t know plastics had so much impact on the environment. After the session, I realized that beyond even cleaning the environment, I could make money by the side doing it. I am grateful to SSDO and ActionAid for the training.
Because of SSDO and ActionAid’s intervention, more students participated in the dialogue session which provided more insights and recommendations from a youth perspective for the ongoing Enugu State Climate Change Policy. There’s also an increased involvement of students in environmental initiatives and activities on campus and in the wider community.
Ikechukwu Favour, the faculty president was excited about the impact of the initiative. “Because of the SPA II programme by ActionAid, we are proud we will be turning out more enlightened and empowered youths. They won’t just be looking for employment but are positioned to be employers of labor themselves.”
The students asked questions, got clarifications, and proffered solutions based on how climate issues affect them.
