Close
Search
Menu Menu

African climate youth activists gather ahead of COP27

Credit: Sada El Balad
By
Nairobi, Kenya
2 energy + Add Energy
What is energy?
Want to show your appreciation? Give an article “Energy” and it will help us know what you like.
0 comments
0 comments

Kenya hosts hundreds of youth climate activists from Africa for the second edition of Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice, a platform headed by the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA).

Young African climate change activists have been given an opportunity to voice their concerns ahead of Egypt’s COP27 in November.

Hundreds are currently gathering at Nairobi’s Kenyatta University for two weeks to voice their concerns.

The Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice (NSSCJ) educates both passionate stakeholders and young climate activists by empowering them with more knowledge on climate change and providing practical skills to fight for climate justice on a global stage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNrSoWyQpAU

Africa still remains the most endangered continent according to reports by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), despite emitting the least greenhouse gases at 2-3%.

Climate change has disrupted normal rainfall patterns in most regions, affecting the continent’s biggest economy – agriculture.

During the opening ceremony, the Acting Executive Director of the Pan African Climate Justice

Alliance, Mr. Charles Mwangi said, “Our destiny is in our own hands. We must equip the youth to engage with their governments and demand effective and adequate policies that will cater for their low carbon future.”

The organisation is taking major steps in ensuring the climate justice conversations in the future are led by young activists who are well equipped with knowledge and the capacity to drive change.

For the two-week symposium, activists will engage with fellow established climate campaigners, researchers, experts, and academicians on sustainability goals and the importance of green initiatives.

More than 700 young activists will also be following online.

Giving young Africans the opportunity to learn and engage ahead of COP27 will encourage inclusivity. This year’s event is expected to have a greater African turnout as it will be held in Egypt.

Climate change has affected various communities’ living patterns. From extreme weather conditions causing drought and famine in Northern regions, to flooding causing havoc in Southern areas, food supply chains are currently a major problem and thousands are facing extreme hunger.

For years, Africa’s youth has not been given a front seat at climate negotiations like COP. Gen Z has demonstrated the capacity to lead through online engagements and forums to create change and for leaders to act.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toR7obbtyBQ

One of the renowned young digital climate activists from Nigeria, Lucky Abeng, will be attending the conference. “Let the youth negotiate for themselves and bring on board ideas they think can work for them”, he said. He is also the Coordinator for the Commonwealth Youth Climate Change Network.

Beginning the climate change conversation in schools will make more of us aware of our environment and create positive, impactful practices.

Writer Nairobi, Kenya

I’m Derrick (He/Him), a Journalism and Mass Communication graduate from the Technical University of Mombasa, Kenya. Currently I write about trending topics and major issues affecting Africa for Thred, specifically concerning SDGs. View my Twitter here if you’d like to send me feedback.

Popular

Keep up with thred by signing up to our planet-positive newsletter!

More from thred.

Explaining the ongoing protests at US universities
Credit: CNN
People

Explaining the ongoing protests at US universities

Students across the United States are calling for their universities to divest in firms that benefit from Israel’s occupation and war on Gaza. The movement has sparked questions about student safety and free speech during an especially politically charged time. Protests against the war in Gaza erupted on Columbia University's New York campus last week, with similar demonstrations taking place at other institutions across the United States. Students are urging their...

By London, UK
Italy bill allows pro-life activists to enter abortion clinics
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
People

Italy bill allows pro-life activists to enter abortion clinics

Described as a regression to ‘medieval times,’ Italy's latest ruling exacerbates already challenging access to abortion and fuels the right-wing government's agenda to restrict abortions in the country. Italy’s far-right leader Giorgia Meloni recently passed legislation allowing anti-abortion activists and organisations to enter abortion clinics. The move is part of the broader package of initiatives introduced by the right-wing government, propped up by the EU’s post-pandemic recovery fund of which Italy...

By Kuala Lumpur, Indonesia
WHO approves new cholera vaccine
Credit: WHO
People

WHO approves new cholera vaccine

In a significant stride toward combating one of the world's most prevalent yet preventable diseases, the World Health Organization (WHO) has approved a new cholera vaccine. Cholera has plagued regions with inadequate sanitation and limited access to clean water for years. According to the World Health Organisation estimates, there are 1.3 to 4 million cases of cholera annually, resulting in 21,000 to 143,000 deaths globally. The majority of these cases...

By Nairobi, Kenya
Exclusive – Discussing rising eco-anxiety with Clover Hogan
Credit: Thred
People

Exclusive – Discussing rising eco-anxiety with Clover Hogan

I spoke with the environmentalist about society’s need to protect young people’s mental health in the face of our current climate crisis and how this frustration can be turned into constructive activism. If, during the last few years, you’ve experienced an overwhelming sense of concern regarding the current state of our planet, know that – by all means – you are not alone. Clover Hogan, now 24, often lies awake...

By London, UK
Accessibility