Thanks to The The Future Project's Young Writers' Network, I got an internship at MADE Magazine, a Nigerian publication in the footsteps of GQ, FHM, etc. It was a great experience, to say the least!
My first task was to write an article on the Lagos State Climate Change Summit. It seemed very daunting. I hadn't attended the event, so I had no clue where to start from. But I called a few people up, and I did my best. I was very chuffed to hear that it would be published in the magazine's June 2010 edition (Volume 3 Issue 5). Here it is:
On the 2nd Annual Lagos State Climate Change Summit...
Carbon footprint, Greenhouse effect, conservation, deforestation… blah blah, who in these parts cares about all that scientific babble?
I could have sworn that I would never see the day when Nigerians would be concerned enough to sit, discuss and make plans concerning the subject of climate change. Clearly, I was wrong.
A Universal Concern
The truth is, this issue affects the entire human race now more than ever. Beneath the so-called scientific babble, there is a considerable threat to the planet. According to Professor Ademola Salau, who is the Climate Change consultant to the Lagos State Government, “even illiterates can see that the weather patterns are changing drastically. The rains and the heat are irregular”. He says the matter of climate change is a complicated one, affecting human life, politics, business, and the economy.
Lagos Goes Green
The Lagos State Government held the 2nd Annual Summit to tackle the issue of Climate Change from the 4th to the 7th of May at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island. Lagos State governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola insisted that the summit was “not a doomsday gathering but a serious wake up call to the biggest threat ever to confront the human race without discrimination”. People across the world made Lagos their home for the four days of the outstanding event. A few of the countries represented were Malaysia, Geneva, Pakistan, the United States and Mexico. A wide range of topics were discussed at the summit such as; how to adapt to climate change, best practice, financing mitigation activities and collaboration. All in all, it was a highly successful event that re-affirmed the leadership of Lagos state as responsive and forward-thinking.
In the style of a true Lagosian, who works hard and plays equally hard, the host, Governor Fashola held a dinner reception for all the participants at the end of summit. A high point was during a performance by Daddy Showkey, where the governor and his distinguished guests were arm-twisted into rising to their feet to groove to the beat; quite a sight to behold!
Other States Follow Suit
One highlight of the summit was the roundtable discussion by the governors of other states who attended. Each one spoke on a ‘Sub national Approach for Addressing Climate Change’. CNN correspondent, Brent Sadler, moderated the session, and he was able to get the governors to speak frankly, as opposed to their usual delivery of pre-written speeches. Governors Ali Modu Sherrif (Borno), Adams Oshiomole (Edo) and Namandi Sambo (Kaduna), who were at the summit, promised to join in waging the war against climate change. The governors of Abia, Delta, Niger and Ondo could not be present at the event, but showed their support by sending representatives.
The Power of One
Because climate change affects us all, we all have a part to play. The question is this – how can we, as Nigerian citizens, better relate to the environment in order to help solve the climate change problem? While joining a Tree-Huggers Society would be going too far for most, each one of us can contribute a small piece to the greater goal of a cleaner environment. Professor Salau says, “we can’t leave it all to the government. It requires collaboration and concerted effort”. Here’s some of his advice:
• Switch off electrical appliances like the lights, air conditioners and fancy gadgets when they aren’t in use. This will significantly reduce the emission of harmful gases.
• Dispose of waste properly.
• When you can walk a distance, don’t drive.
We will see these little drops add up. If you want to take his advice a step further you can plant a tree, or find a tree planter or a conservation agency to support, as trees absorb Greenhouse gases.
Sustainable Success
Plans are already in place to give next year’s edition of the summit a much broader scope and depth. The tag line of the program says it best: Join the green crusade – Keep Lagos State (and Nigeria) clean and beautiful. We will see the benefits of this phenomenal conference in the months and years to come, as we partner with the government by actively participating in the establishment of a greener Nigeria – pun intended!
(c) 2010, MADE Magazine
(c) 2010, MADE Magazine
No comments:
Post a Comment