Recent climate reports have sounded alarm bells, indicating a concerning trend of escalating temperatures globally. The Earth’s warming trend has led to a surge in droughts, heatwaves, wildfires, and other detrimental climate effects, culminating in 2024 being declared the hottest year in history
In response to the urgent need to mitigate human-induced environmental degradation, stakeholders convened in Afrike II community of Bekwarra Local Government Area, Cross River State, for a climate change sensitization organized by ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) in collaboration with Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI).
The event brought together community leaders, including the Clan Head, women’s leaders, men’s leaders, youth leaders, school teachers, and children, to deliberate on actionable strategies to combat climate change.
A few months ago, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) issued warnings regarding the health risks associated with climate change, including dehydration, skin diseases, respiratory disorders, and heat-related illnesses.
The World Health Organization (WHO) further underscored these concerns, projecting a potential annual death toll of 250,000 by 2050 due to malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress alone, with estimated health-related costs reaching billions of dollars annually by 2030
During the sensitization exercise in Afrike, participants were educated on the local activities contributing to climate change and the adverse effects on both humans and the environment. Emphasis was placed on the role of tree planting in mitigating climate change impacts.
To kickstart community involvement, 30 children were provided with economic tree seedlings to plant within their surroundings. Additionally, they were equipped with tree planting jotters to monitor the growth and progress of their trees, with promises of incentives for those whose trees thrive.
The initiative not only aimed to raise awareness about environmental conservation but also sought to foster sustainable development by promoting the cultivation of economic trees beneficial to the community’s future.
In response to the initiative, Honourable John Oti Olah, a former Councillor of the ward, and Fidelis Agbor, the community youth leader, expressed gratitude to AAN and BRCI for their efforts in raising awareness and facilitating the tree planting exercise. They pledged to implement the knowledge gained and actively discourage harmful practices such as bush burning and deforestation.
As communities like Afrike II take proactive steps to address climate change at the grassroots level, collaborative efforts remain pivotal in safeguarding the planet for future generations.
Recent climate reports highlight escalating global temperatures, designating 2024 as the hottest year in history. This trend has exacerbated droughts, heatwaves, and wildfires. In response, ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) and Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI) organized a climate change sensitization in Afrike II, Cross River State, involving community leaders and members to discuss actionable strategies against climate change.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have also raised alarms about the health risks, projecting significant annual death tolls and substantial health-related costs due to climate change effects. During the event in Afrike, participants learned about local activities contributing to climate change and the importance of tree planting as a mitigation measure.
As part of the initiative, 30 children were provided with economic tree seedlings to plant and monitor, with incentives for successful growth. The project aimed to foster environmental conservation and sustainable development. Community members like Honourable John Oti Olah and youth leader Fidelis Agbor expressed gratitude and commitment to applying the knowledge gained and preventing harmful practices such as bush burning and deforestation.
These grassroots efforts underscore the importance of collaborative actions in mitigating climate change for future generations.
