Nigeria Climate Action and the Youth Population

Nigeria has a total land area of 983,213 km occupied by about 200 million people. The interaction of these millions of people with their environment has left an indelible mark on the landscape. Urbanization, deforestation, desertification, overpopulation and all kinds of pollution are some of the resultant effects of a human's interaction with his /her environment. These changes occur as the people attempt to acquire their seemingly endless desire for food, shelter, recreation and infrastructural facilities. The hunger and desire for food have overridden every sense of responsibility and care for the source of food (the environment). Environmental degradation is increasing at an alarming rate, and the poorest people in our world are mostly affected. Increased human consumption and demand are fuelling environmental degradation, putting pressure on the world’s scarce natural resources.
Climate change is one of the most problematic and most terrifying issues that the earth is facing right now, hence the need to understand the severity of the situation and try to make it all better.

Most of Nigerian’s population fall between 0-14 years representing 42.54%). This demographic group are not just the future leaders but also the population with the highest tendency of being affected by the terrible effects of climate change. It is amazing to note that this population of persons are the least engaged in the issues of climate (change) action in Nigeria. The subject of climate change is not often discussed in most youth circles and platforms due to poor awareness amongst the age group, this is particularly true as most educational levels do not have themes or topics related to climate change. A student can go through primary to tertiary institutions without any formal education about climate change or its effect except for students whose courses directly deal with the subject. .
The most popular activity when climate action is mentioned is tree planting, unfortunately, most young people do not even understand the reason and need for tree planting or its contribution to climate change mitigation. The main sectors of Nigeria Intended Nationally Determined Contributions is focused on Agriculture, Forest, Energy, Industry and Commerce, Sadly though, these sectors in Nigeria are still based on the traditional path of fossil fuels and activities that increase the risk of climate change. The Youths population are the drivers of the afore-mentioned sectors and contribute more to the problems of climate change through their activities.
Youths globally are known for their strength, creativity and innovations which is capable of changing the narrative of any given society. This is key to any reasonable sustainable climate action mitigation, particularly in Nigeria. Youth inclusiveness will bring about tangible contributions to sustainable climate action in Nigeria; They can deploy their strength, creativity and innovation to create alternative pathways to the existing system that threatens our very existence.
Climate change does not recognise who you are, where you come from or what you have to do to make a living: climate change is out to destroy all men. Hence, the importance of the youth movement in dealing with the issue. Youths need more information, to build more knowledge, to learn what is causing climate change and how youths can adapt. High schools, universities, polytechnics and colleges have a big role to play, climate change must be embedded into curriculums so that students can learn more about its causes and effects. Media, influencers and relevant government agencies also play a key role in educating the youth population on climate change.

Young people are Nigeria’s future; – if they understand more about climate change and its effect on the nation's health, environment and economy, it will motivate them to join their young peers across the world to own the issue and act.
The Youth Climate Movements have become the most reasonable way to have sustainable climate action in Nigeria and Africa. Youths must arise and join the global movements in tackling climate change problems.

RoW church leaders conference

Our desire for organizing this conference is to see that church leaders understand the importance of relationships restored with God, with each other and balance with creation restored. To see Christians united across Nigeria in action as part of a movement for change that gets to the heart of the problem of poverty and shifts the balance of power, so that the poorest and most vulnerable people are treated with justice and love.
The event started 9:30 am on Thursday 19th March 2020 with the arrival of participants, registration and breakfast. The session opened officially by 10 am with an opening prayer, welcoming of visitors and introduction.
The session started with after welcome address by the Country Director of Tearfund was Contextual Analysis of Nigeria by Ben Osawe, he gave a good background to the issues that will be discussed subsequently in the meeting. It was followed by a group discussion asking the question what is the situation of your environment?. With three groups formed from the participants, leaders and secretaries were selected, the discussions helped the participants to discuss factors of environmental problems and to envision a new environment.

The next session was taken by Dr Stephen Daniyam discussing the topic of the Church as light in the 21st century. This session focused on the Biblical concept of the Church as Light and the historical narratives impacts made by the church in a contemporary world. Many Church leaders were inspired to holistic development or mission as seen commanded by Jesus.
The Next Session was taken by Prof. Danny McCain discussing the topic: Church as salt in the context of a broken Environment. This session was an eye-opener for many church leaders bringing the deep theological discussion on the environment to bear and laid the 3 principles of Preservation, Conservation and Restoration of the environment and indeed all God’s creation. The session was inspiring and challenging for participants, questions were asked and several discussions on action followed.

This great event has birth a movement of church leaders who are now committed to solving environmental issues. This group has met monthly to discuss group engagements and have trees planted at every meeting. So far, over 200 trees have been planted in till Jan 2021, this is particularly exciting as it promotes actions that are able to proffer immediate and simple solutions to environmental problems.

Nigeria Campaign on Waste

Waste remains a major problem in most parts of Nigeria particularly with the increase in rural to urban migration.
Many state actors are not equipped with the right training and tools to handle the increasing waste crisis most urban settlements face today.
Renew our world Nigeria has organized youth rallies and training on waste management to aid create awareness and improve waste management within the urban settlement.
Working with Renew our World, ExploreNaija organized Jos trek which further emphasized to the public the need to be environmental stewards.

Carbon Fast: Living Differently

What are you giving up this lent? Could you fast from carbon with #renewourworld? We’ve got some great resources and ideas to help you reduce your impact on the planet and love your neighbour with your lifestyle.