The world has yet to respond fiercely to the climate crisis
Two years ago, my local community and other neighboring communities in Lokoja experienced a flood disaster. Over thousands of people were displaced with less than 300 people dead, including houses and livelihoods destroyed. Health-related diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery emerged due to a lack of proper water management systems and poor hygiene. This life-threatening incident results from sea level rise, rivers overflowing their banks, and releasing stored water from dams. All these occurrences have been linked to the effect of climate change.
In recent years, climate change has been one of the biggest disasters of our time and in 2023 the impact of climate change has intensified with an urgent need for the world to cut down its carbon emissions.
“the biggest threat to security that modern humans have ever faced. “If we continue on our current path, we will face the collapse of everything that gives us our security”.
Attenborough in a UN meeting in 2021 on climate change
According to the IPCC’s report emissions from burning fossil fuels have irreversibly transformed the earth’s system by increasing global warming temperatures to about 1.2 degrees Celsius since the pre-industrial era. These changes have caused irrevocable damage to communities & ecosystems leading to the most recent extreme weather disasters evidence shows: the Dubai flood and Nigeria: Lagos flood
"We are not doing enough, and the poor and vulnerable are bearing the brunt of our collective failure to act"
Madeleine Diouf Sarr, Senegal’s top climate official and the chair for a group of least-developed countries that negotiate together at the United Nations
Although, in 2018, the IPCC determined that a 1.5 degree Celsius is considered safe and to achieve this target scientists suggested all nations cut their carbon emissions by 2050 and 2070 to avoid global warming beyond 2 degrees. Five years down the line, the world is yet to achieve either of its targets. Unless all nations deploy fierce measures by adopting new environmental policies and reviewing the already existing ones, global average temperatures could likely warm up to 3.2 degrees Celsius (5.8 degrees Fahrenheit) by the end of the century. Scientists, climate activists & policymakers have emphasised on the importance of “climate literacy for all” as part of its mitigation strategies.
The term “climate literacy” originated at a workshop organised by NOAA and AAA in 2007, aim was to develop a curriculum guideline for climate education based on seven guiding principle. Since then, the concept of climate literacy emerged as a bridge between climate science and environmental education. Though, the concept has been put forward by researchers to promote environmental awareness based on three guiding principles which are attitudes, values, and behaviour.
Climate literacy is an understanding of climate’s influence on you and society and your influence on climate.
A climate-literate person must:
- Understand the seven essential principles of all climate literacy.
- Know how to access information on climate and weather, and distinguish between credible and non-credible scientific sources based on the subject matter
- Be environmental & climate conscious
- Understand the importance of making informed decisions regarding climate change.
a. Education: Integrating climate literacy into K-12 curricula promotes scientific understanding of climate change, its implications, and the need for climate actions. Programs and curriculum geared at younger kids to promote early understanding and responsibility towards climate change. Most institutions are increasingly offering courses and degrees in climate science, policy, and sustainability. This trains a workforce to become global climate leaders who can solve climate issues across several disciplines.
b. Environmental awareness: Governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the media play a key role in creating climate awareness. Campaigns can be utilized as an advocacy tool to bring positive behavioral changes amongst marginalized group and communities therefore encouraging them to take climate action.
C. Policy & Governance: Policymakers who have vast knowledge and understanding of climate change are better prepared to develop effective policies and strategies that target mitigation and adaptation measures. This involves devising ways that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve climate adaptation & resilience strategies.
d. Global Partnership: Climate literacy is important for the negotiation and implementation of international climate treaties like the Paris Agreement. Understanding the scientific and economic ramifications enables member parties to establish realistic and successful climate action ambitious goals.
e. Sustainable Practice: Companies that are climate literate are most likely to implement sustainable practices, that measure or reduce their carbon footprint thereby contributing to their climate goals. This includes investment in green technology and sustainable supply networks.
f. Informed Decision: Climate literacy allows government and local leaders to make more informed decisions about disaster preparedness and management. It is crucial for establishing resilient communities that can endure and adapt to climate change. Communities that understand the impacts of climate crisis can mobilize climate action at the grassroots level by proffering local initiatives such as renewable energy initiatives or sustainable land use practices. This grassroots movement supports the implementation of policy initiatives.
g. Behavioural changes: Climate-literate people are more inclined towards making informed choices which can lead to behavioural changes. Understanding the influence of personal choices on the environment can lead to lifestyle adjustments that can minimize one’s carbon footprint, such as cycling, eating less meat, reusable plastic bags, and installing cost-saving technologies in homes.
h. Innovation technology: Deep knowledge of climate science and climate change impact drives investment in innovative technologies This includes renewable energy, carbon capture, and sustainable agriculture.
i. Research: Continuous research is critical for monitoring our climate impact. Climate literacy allows scientists and researchers to devise effective mitigation strategies.
- Empowerment: climate literacy brings about significant empowerment by encouraging youth, activists, and decision-makers to take substantial action against climate change on a regional, national, local, or community-based level. This develops a feeling of accountability and purpose.
- Equity and Justice:Climate literacy also promotes climate justice amongst underprivileged and vulnerable communities. It helps underprivileged groups and communities that are affected by climate change in advocating for their rights and needs.
- Global Partnership:Promoting global partnership and collective action requires a global climate literate populace that understands the magnitude of the climate crisis.
Barriers
- Misinformation:Attempts to increase climate literacy may be hampered by the dissemination of false information about climate change at local levels.
- Allocation of Resources:Programmes for outreach and education about climate change must have sustainable financial resources.
- Cultural and Political Barriers:In certain areas, adoption and integration of climate literacy may be impeded by cultural and political considerations.
In conclusion, one of the key tools for building a resilient and sustainable future is climate literacy. It gives people, groups, companies, and governments the responsibility, competence, and skills needed to solve the climate crisis.
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