Nigeria joins others in global climate change protest

Ahead of the United Nations General Assembly and the Climate Action Summit tomorrow, Nigeria joins millions around the world to protest against climate change.

Thousands walked out of their schools, homes and workplaces in Europe yesterday to demand urgent action on climate change.

About 150 countries are participating in the global climate strikes this September. Some are protesting against new pipelines and mines, or the banks that fund them, while some highlighted the oil companies fuelling the problem and the politicians that enable them. 

Others spent the day in raising awareness in their communities and pushing for solutions to the climate crisis that have justice and equity at its heart.  

“Young people have woken up much of the world with their powerful ‘Fridays For Future’ school strikes for the climate. Now, millions of adults are joining in a huge wave that will kick-start renewed action all over the world.

“The urgency of the climate crisis requires a new approach and a just response centred on human rights, equity and justice,” the organisers say.

In Nigeria, the turn-out for climate strike protests in major cities is low, according to reports.

There will be a walk against climate organised by the Urban Tree Revival Team at Allen Roundabout in Lagos today. Lagos will be affected by rising sea levels due to its location.

More people are protesting in Abuja.

“We call on everyone to join us. We need a truly diverse and multi-generational movement, made of people from all ages and backgrounds, not just the youth. We need adults to stand up and call for action and to support young people to do things that young people can’t do. We should be fighting for our future,” a youth climate activist, Jerome Foster, said.

Fridays for Future activist from New York, Xiye Bastida, said “the protection of the environment should not be a movement or a moment in time; it should be part of our culture.