Zahra Ajetunmobi, a 13-year-old climate change activist, delivered a keynote at COP28 and was recognized by President Tinubu as ‘the future.’ She advocates for better waste management and infrastructure to combat climate change. Her passion for sustainable development commenced at a young age, emphasizing human impact on the environment.
Zahra Ajetunmobi, a 13-year-old climate change activist and advocate for child education, has emerged as a prominent figure in the environmental discourse of Nigeria. Her impressive involvement includes delivering a keynote address at the COP28 Climate Change Summit held in Dubai in 2023 and participating in this year’s United Nations General Assembly. President Bola Tinubu referred to her as ‘the future,’ which underscores the significance of her efforts in addressing climate change. In an exclusive interview with BBC Pidgin, Zahra articulated the pressing need for the Nigerian government to prioritize issues related to climate change.
Zahra’s passion for sustainable development began at the tender age of nine or ten, sparked by a lesson on Pink Farms in her school. She stated, “At the end of the lesson, my teacher put up a slide with all the 17 SDG goals and she instructed us to select one and relate it to the topic, which captured my interest and curiosity about the SDGs. I went home and researched it; that is how my passion for sustainable development started.” This early engagement has propelled her to become an influential voice in climate activism.
In her reflections on climate change, Zahra emphasized that human actions contribute significantly to this global challenge. She remarked, “We throw trash in the gutters, and where does the trash ultimately go? We do not know. Over the years, this trash releases harmful gases into the atmosphere, affecting weather patterns and everything else. We must improve our waste management and acknowledge that we cannot continue to litter everywhere.”
Zahra also advised the government to invest in better road infrastructure, highlighting that vehicular emissions from congested traffic contribute to climate change. She suggested that improving traffic flow could reduce the adverse effects on the environment. Zahra’s insights and recommendations reflect a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of human behavior and environmental sustainability.
The urgent matter of climate change is significantly influenced by human actions, and young activists like Zahra Ajetunmobi are increasingly stepping into leadership roles to advocate for sustainable practices. Her notable participations in high-profile events, such as the COP28 Climate Change Summit and the United Nations General Assembly, illustrate the rising voice of youth in global discourses on climate issues. Education on sustainable development goals (SDGs) plays a crucial role in fostering this awareness among younger generations, empowering them to influence public policy and environmental responsibility.
In conclusion, Zahra Ajetunmobi represents a new wave of youth activism aimed at mitigating climate change. Her advocacy for improved waste management and transportation infrastructure highlights some of the pressing environmental issues facing Nigeria today. As President Tinubu recognizes her as ‘the future,’ it is imperative that her insights and activism are supported to foster a more sustainable and climate-conscious society.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
