Climate Change Experts Empower Youth in Enugu State for Environmental Action

In a transformative two-day event held on August 15th and 16th, more than 30 young individuals in Enugu State were equipped with knowledge and skills in Urban Spaces Greening and Climate Advocacy.

The event, spearheaded by an internationally recognized climate change expert and Awardee of the prestigious International Visitors Leadership Programme (IVLP), Prof Chukwumerije Okereke, aimed to instill a deep understanding of climate science, policy, and effective communication strategies.

The first day of the event was dedicated to “Climate Change: Science and Policy.” Participants delved into the complexities of climate change, examining its scientific foundations and the vital policies required to combat its effects.

Prof Chukwumerije Okereke, with his extensive experience, shed light on the selection process of the IVLP, emphasizing that participants are nominated and selected annually by staff at US Embassies worldwide.

Notable alumni of the IVLP include global leaders like Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand and President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan.

On the second day, the focus shifted to “Effective Climate Change Communication.” This crucial aspect of climate advocacy was explored by experts in the field.

Dr. Daniel Ugwu of David Umahi University of Health Science emphasized the link between climate change and air pollution, both stemming from greenhouse gas emissions.

He highlighted that improper waste disposal and indiscriminate burning of refuse dumps are major contributors to air pollution in urban areas. Solutions, he suggested, include raising awareness and reviving eco-friendly traditional values and practices.

Prof A. Moneke, Director of the Centre for Environmental Management and Control at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, addressed the issue of gas flaring and its impact on air quality.

He noted that air pollution in Nigeria contributes to untimely deaths and ailments, particularly in the South-South geopolitical zone, where gas flaring is a pressing concern.

Prof Moneke advocated for tree planting as a health-promoting alternative to the concrete slabs that contribute to urban heat.

Dr. Chinwe Ogunji of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ebonyi State and Mrs. Ogechi Nwonye, Executive Director of Eco-Cyclers, stressed the importance of climate change education and its call to action.

They emphasized that effective communication involves connecting human activity to climate change and raising awareness about the impact on everyone.

To communicate climate change effectively, the experts recommended understanding climate change thoroughly, engaging in open dialogue, and demonstrating the links between human actions and climate change.

Mr. Arum Nnamdi, Director of Climate Change Department, Enugu State Ministry of Environment, highlighted the environmental challenges faced by the state, including desert encroachment and erosion in areas like Udi, Nsukka, and Igbo Etiti.

He noted that flooding affects communities in Aninri and Oji River Local Governments during the rainy season.

A significant moment during the training was the visit of the new Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Enugu State, Prof. Sam Ugwu.

He expressed his commitment to partnering with young climate activists to improve the environmental condition of the state.

Prof. Ugwu assured participants that the Enugu state environmental law would be strengthened to provide strong legal backing for environmental protection.

In closing, Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke shared the project’s next steps, which include tree planting in Enugu’s urban areas by the young leaders and climate change education in selected secondary schools within the city.

He encouraged participants to design their own climate action campaigns as a way to implement their newfound knowledge.

The project, funded by the United States Department of State with Meridian International as the implementing partner, promises to ignite positive change in Enugu State by empowering a new generation of climate advocates and environmental stewards.