Cambridge Climate Lecture holds in UNIBEN
NEWS DIGEST – The first ever Cambridge Climate Lecture held yersteday, 21st of April in Nigeria at the University of Benin. The lecture which was centered around the urgency of climate action was tagged; ‘CLIMATE CHANGE IS NOW’.
It featured speeches from Oliver Morton ( A renowned British writer ), Lisa walker (CEO, Ecosphereplus), Sir David King ( A professor of Physical chemistry at Cambridge University) and Renee Karunungan ( Head of Outreach, Climate Tracker).
The lecture resonated the cause, effects and impending crisis of climate change. It also provided platform for interaction, networking and hands-on-policy-formulation geared at averting the impending doom.
Borokinni Joshua, the host of the event in Nigeria, Kickstarted the event by explaining the concept of the lecture, sharing opportunities involved in climate action such as the Cambridge climate frontline program and most importantly taking his stance on climate action which he grouped into three divisions- Climate finance, Climate policies and Climate advocacy.
In attendance was Bassey Ezekiel of Sustyvibes who was keen about the role of private organizations in climate change. He also stressed the need to use incentives as a means of engaging the grassroots for a long-term success.
The interactive session saw Abiodun ( A Msc. student at the University of Ibadan ) engage the participants in a thought-provoking discussion about the role of endogenous knowledge in climate change. Alex ( A climate Journalist ) stood up to bell the cat let loose by Abiodun by unraveling the treasure embedded in engaging majority leaders in clans and rural areas. He further stated that ‘since these people hearken to the words of their leaders, there will be little objection from them if this same leaders bring the gospel of climate change to them’
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Uthman Samad, A mainstream and Campus Journalist from OAU, while speaking on “Role of Journalism in Climate change” went a long way Buttressing how Journalists can create awareness through their stories and feature Stories on the Effect of Uncultured ways of disposing Refuse and high length taken by industries to destroy the
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John Attah, A Msc. student of climate change at the federal university of agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB) was quick to follow up the interaction commencing by correcting some existing claims such as flooding being climate change. He further went on the enlighten the participants about climate action and it’s connection with other social and economic issues using real life stories as a supporting mechanism. He rounded off by stating the difference between climate change and climate variability.
The event was graced by the International Youth Alliance for Family Planning Nigeria coordinator, Offor Hope Jeremiah who extensively deliberated on the nexus between climate change and sexual health stating that it has a direct influence on demography, displacement of people and mortality rates.
Sarah, a gender equality activist and feminist added that there is a constant need as humans to learn, unlearn and relearn narratives stressing on the effect of climate change on the female gender
Momodu Afegbua, a writer and political analyst stated that climate change is the cause of the Fulani herdsmen crisis due to drought in the north east leaving them to migrate which results in clashes with farmers in the southern region
Omola Daniel, A unionist, educationist and youth leader emphasized on the need for the government to formulate policies that foster climate action adding that the youths have an indispensable role to play in order to achieve a world free of climate change hazards
The event was brought to a close by a commitment to action as the participants chanted ‘CLIMATE ACTION ! NOW ! NOW! ‘ to show the urgency of the need to change the current narrative on climate change. A red carpet session, networking and refreshments followed suit.
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