In a dynamic partnership aimed at nurturing the next generation of climate advocates, a climate change expert, Professor Chukwumerije Okereke, has joined forces with the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI) Centre for Climate Change and Development (CCCD), and Eco-Cyclers to organise a two-day training event for young climate enthusiasts in Enugu, the capital city of Enugu State, Nigeria.
The intensive training initiative aims to increase awareness about pressing environmental issues such as air pollution, deforestation, and climate change. By emphasising the importance of urban green spaces, the programme intends to ignite a passion for climate action among young individuals.
Professor Chukwumerije Okereke, the event’s orchestrator, Chair of SPP, and Director of AE-FUNAI CCCD, expressed his intent to bolster the capabilities of emerging climate leaders. He affirmed that the training is meticulously crafted for high school students, recognising their potential to spearhead the climate change movement among their peers. Okereke envisions a future where these youth are instrumental in cultivating greener, healthier environments.
Central to the training’s curriculum is a deep dive into urban air pollution and the role of urban greenery in countering the challenges of climate change and air contamination in urban areas. Okereke is optimistic that this educational endeavour will nurture a network of climate leaders primed to amplify climate action advocacy and tackle environmental challenges head-on.
Highlighting the broader impact of the event, Okereke underlined its role as a platform for young voices to engage governments and stakeholders, urging accelerated efforts to combat and mitigate the far-reaching consequences of climate change.
Scheduled to unfold between Tuesday, August 15 and Wednesday, August 16, 2023, the training spans diverse activities including informative lectures, real-time air quality measurements, and tree planting initiatives in select secondary schools across Enugu.
This transformative initiative is made possible through the International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP) Impact Award, funded by the United States Department of State in collaboration with implementing partner Meridian International. As the training approaches, the stage is set for young minds to flourish as the torchbearers of climate action and environmental stewardship.
