Environmentalists have said that there is an impelling need for Nigerians to act and address the harmful factors contributing to global warming.
They made the call during the Community Engagement and Mobilisation on Climate Change Adaptation [CEMOCCA] project flagged off at the University of Ibadan. The project cuts across the six geopolitical zones of the country including Minna, Calabar, Dutse, Gombe, and Owerri.
The Chair of the Southwest project, Prof. Olajumoke Morenikeji, who is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of KolaDaisi University, Ibadan (KDU-I), explained that the project creates climate change awareness among schools, and involves training of teachers and students.
The professor also disclosed that climate change smart clubs have been formed in the selected southwest schools, with teachers serving as guides, adding that the climate change smart clubs will make an impact on communities and schools in the zone.
‘’This project is on climate change effects, adaptations, and mitigations. We have schools representing the public, private, and special needs schools. We are using them as a point of contact to all the schools in the southwest,” Morenikeji said.
She said: “Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, primarily caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. These activities increase greenhouse gases (like carbon dioxide and methane) in the atmosphere, trapping heat and leading to global warming.
“Climate change results in rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems, as well as agriculture, and human societies. While natural factors can influence climate, the rapid changes observed in recent decades are largely due to human activity.
“There will be lots of projects on climate change, adaptation and mitigation. These selected schools will teach other schools in the southwest zone about climate change. We want to inculcate climate change consciousness in young minds so that they can protect the environment.’’
‘’We are facing challenging times due to climate change, as the entire world is heating up. Seasons have become unpredictable, making it difficult for farmers to know when to plant their crops. These students will learn and contribute to protecting the planet from further harm.
Story was adapted from the Guardian.
