Zahra Ajetunmobi, a 13-year-old climate activist, has gained recognition for her efforts in promoting sustainable development. Notably, she was acknowledged by President Bola Tinubu at the COP28 Climate Change Summit and the United Nations General Assembly. Her advocacy focuses on waste management and governmental initiatives to mitigate climate change impacts through improved infrastructure.
Zahra Ajetunmobi, a 13-year-old climate change activist and advocate for children’s education, has gained significant attention for her impactful contributions to the discourse on sustainable development. Recently recognized by President Bola Tinubu as ‘the future,’ Zahra recently spoke at the COP28 Climate Change Summit in Dubai and participated in the United Nations General Assembly. In an exclusive interview with the BBC Pidgin, she emphasized the importance of governmental efforts in addressing climate change challenges.
Zahra’s dedication to sustainable development ignited when she was approximately nine years old during a school lesson about Pink Farms, which inspired her curiosity about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “At the end of the lesson, my teacher put up a slide wey get all di 17 SDG goals and she tell us to choose one and relate am to di topic. So I kon dey very interested and very curious as na SDGs, so I go house and research about am, na like dat my passion for sustainable development take start,” Zahra explained.
In discussing the causes of climate change, Zahra remarked on the detrimental effects of littering and poor waste management practices. She stated, “Na we dey put trash for gutter, and wia di trash dey go? We no know. Ova di years, dose trash go start to dey release harmful gas into di atmosphere and dat go affect di whole weather, e go affect di weather patterns, evritin. So we suppose work on our trash management, and we suppose know say no fit just dey put trash evriwia.”
Additionally, Zahra urged the government to invest in infrastructure improvements, such as better road systems, to mitigate traffic congestion, stating that vehicle emissions from stationary traffic contribute significantly to climate change. She advocates for effective solutions that can create cleaner urban environments.
Overall, Zahra Ajetunmobi represents a new generation of activists who are proactively advocating for both environmental sustainability and improvements in public policy to combat climate change effectively. Her messages resonate with urgency as she challenges both her peers and authorities to take decisive action in addressing these pressing issues.
Zahra Ajetunmobi is a young climate activist from Nigeria who has recently emerged as a prominent voice in the fight against climate change. At only 13 years of age, she is already a keynote speaker at significant events such as the COP28 Climate Change Summit and the United Nations General Assembly. Her activism focuses on raising awareness about climate change and advocating for policies that support sustainable development and effective waste management. Her recognition by authorities, including President Bola Tinubu, underscores her impact and potential to influence future environmental policies in Nigeria.
In conclusion, Zahra Ajetunmobi exemplifies the potential of youth activism in driving awareness and action against climate change. Through her experiences and research, she has identified critical areas needing attention, such as waste management and urban infrastructure development. The recognition of her efforts by prominent figures like President Tinubu not only highlights her contributions but also serves as a call to action for governments and communities to prioritize climate-related issues. Zahra’s voice is a testament to the changing landscape of environmental advocacy, encouraging both immediate action and long-term planning for sustainable futures.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
