By Yemi Olakitan
The Earth Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation, also known as Earth Advocates, are gearing up for the 28th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Dubai.
In preparation, they recently hosted the 2023 Environment Symposium for secondary schools in Lagos State, emphasizing the pivotal role of youth in combating climate change.
Comrade Yussuf “Tunji Kelani,” Executive Director of Earth Advocates, highlighted the outcomes of COP27, emphasizing the global impact assessment of climate change and the challenges faced worldwide.
He pointed out that certain influential countries, including China, Russia, and the United States, backed out of the agreements made during the 2015 COP21 conference, hindering the implementation of crucial agreements.
In response to this, Kelani stressed the need for the youth’s active involvement in driving efforts to achieve climate-related goals, particularly in areas such as renewable energy, agriculture, and food security.
The upcoming COP28 aims to engage and challenge young people, professionals, business owners, and government representatives from various nations to fulfill their responsibilities and adhere to accords.
Kelani emphasized the significance of prioritizing youth engagement from the secondary school level, allowing students to comprehend the effects of climate change, initiate green initiatives in their schools, maintain trees, and establish climate change clubs.
Olumide Idowu, co-founder of the International Climate Change Development Initiative (ICCDI Africa), highlighted the challenges in attaining the UN Paris Agreement.
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He stressed the critical role of young people in mobilizing and actively participating in climate-related issues, differentiating between activism and advocacy.
Idowu encouraged youth engagement in climate-related education and awareness, fostering knowledge transfer and inspiring societal shifts.
He urged a broader perspective on climate change, seeing it as an opportunity for innovation and business ventures among the youth.
Climate change advocate Mrs. Ebere Iwuagwu called on the Lagos State Government to revive the Climate Change Club program for schools, emphasizing the need for ongoing support to keep young people informed about global issues.
The symposium also touched on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the interconnectedness of people, planet, prosperity, partnership, and peace.
Approximately 169 nations have committed to realizing sustainable development in their national plans by 2030.
Prominent speakers at the event included Mr. Taiwo Adewole, CEO of WasteXchange and a recycling consultant, and Mr. Thomas Emmanuel, an environmentalist.
Representatives from educational institutions such as Lagos State College of Health Technology, Yaba; Ansar-ud-deen Girls College, Itire; Christ Divine Favour College, Yaba; and Ansar-ud-deen College, Isolo, were also in attendance.
The 2023 Environment Symposium, themed “Understanding and Protecting the Environment Series XI,” underscores the commitment to educating and empowering the youth for a sustainable future.0
