Internationally Acclaimed Climate Expert Empowers Enugu Youths in Urban Greening and Climate Advocacy
ENUGU/Nigeria: In a remarkable two-day event that spanned from August 15th to August 16th, Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, a globally recognized authority on climate issues and recipient of the esteemed International Visitors Leadership Programme (IVLP) Impact Award, orchestrated an intensive training program for more than 30 youths in Enugu State. This initiative, centered on Urban Spaces Greening and Climate Advocacy, sought to equip young leaders with the knowledge and tools necessary to tackle climate change challenges in their communities.
Day one of the program delved into the theme “Climate Change: Science and Policy,” while the focus shifted to “Effective Climate Change Communication” on the second day. The distinguished Prof. Okereke, during the event, shared insights into the IVLP participant selection process. He underlined that participation in the IVLP is by nomination and annual selection, managed by personnel at US Embassies worldwide. Notable past IVLP alumni include global figures such as Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand, President Nicolas Sarkozy of France, and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher of the United Kingdom, to name a few.
Dr. Daniel Ugwu, a guest speaker from David Umahi University of Health Science, elaborated on the intricate connection between climate change and air pollution. He emphasized that both these issues stem from greenhouse gas emissions, with improper waste disposal and unchecked burning of refuse dumps emerging as primary culprits of urban air pollution. Among the suggested remedies for combating air pollution were heightened awareness campaigns and the revival of eco-friendly traditional practices.
Prof. A. Moneke, Director of the Centre for Environmental Management and Control at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, zeroed in on the pressing problem of gas flaring and its impact on air quality. Moneke stressed that air pollution in Nigeria contributes to premature deaths and various illnesses. He advocated for the expansion of young climate leader training to encompass regions like the south-South geopolitical zone, where gas flaring poses significant environmental challenges.
Dr. Chinwe Ogunji of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ebonyi State and Mrs. Ogechi Nwonye, Executive Director of Eco-Cyclers, concurred that the unique essence of communicating climate change lies in its inherent call to action, urging individuals to mitigate its effects. They proposed climate change education as a potent means of raising awareness and instigating environmental protection efforts.
Mr. Arum Nnamdi, Director of the Climate Change Department at the Enugu State Ministry of Environment, highlighted the specific climate impacts faced by Enugu State, including desert encroachment, erosion, and flooding. He underscored the necessity of urgent action, such as tree planting, to mitigate these threats.
The pivotal moment of the training came with the visit of Enugu State’s new Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Prof. Sam Ugwu. In a significant gesture, he expressed his readiness to collaborate with young climate activists to enhance the state’s environmental condition. He affirmed his commitment to bolstering environmental legislation to fortify protection efforts.
In a closing statement, Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke revealed the next phase of the project, which involves planting trees in urban Enugu and conducting climate change education in select secondary schools. He encouraged participants to devise climate action campaigns as practical implementations of their newfound knowledge.
The project’s funding stems from the United States Department of State, with implementation overseen by Meridian International.
