The Foundation for a Better Environment (FABE) has called for the introduction of early climate education to prepare young people for opportunities in the emerging green economy and strengthen environmental sustainability efforts.

The Founder, Temitope Okunnu, who spoke during the EcoSchoolsNG climate and circular economy summit yesterday in Lagos, said equipping school children with knowledge on climate change, waste management and circular economy practices would help build a generation capable of addressing environmental challenges while creating sustainable livelihoods.

Okunnu noted that targeting school children is essential because they represent the generation that will shape the future of the environment and the economy.

She added that the green economy is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, stressing the need to prepare young people to participate actively in it.

According to her, the programme, which began in 2020 through a partnership with ACT Foundation, runs as a 10 month intensive trianinh programme focused on climate and environmental education.

She disclosed that the initiative has so far impacted over 23,000 students across 112 schools in Lagos and Ogun states, equipping them with skills such as recycling, composting and upcycling.

Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said initiatives that focus on environmental awareness among children align with the state government’s sustainability and waste management policies.

Wahab who was represented by director, climate change of environmental planning department, Michael Bankole said teaching children about environmental responsibility could help drive behavioural change within families and communities.

He, however, encouraged young people to think creatively about recycling and upcycling waste materials can generate new solutions to environmental challenges.

Programme Manager at Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation, Abiodun Owo, noted that many students involved in the programme are beginning to turn environmental solutions into entrepreneurial opportunities by converting waste materials into useful products.