Meet 13-Year-Old Climate Change Activist Zahra Ajetunmobi: A Voice for the Future
Zahra Ajetunmobi, a 13-year-old climate change activist recognized by President Tinubu, emphasizes the importance of sustainable development and urges the Nigerian government to enhance waste management practices and improve traffic infrastructure in a bid to combat climate change. Her activism includes appearances at significant global events such as COP28 and the United Nations General Assembly.
Meet Zahra Ajetunmobi, a 13-year-old climate change activist from Nigeria and an advocate for child education. Recently recognized by President Bola Tinubu as ‘the future,’ Zahra has already made significant strides, serving as the youngest keynote speaker at the COP28 Climate Change Summit in Dubai and participating in this year’s United Nations General Assembly. In an exclusive interview with BBC Pidgin, she shared her vision for the Nigerian government’s approach to climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for better waste management and improved traffic infrastructure.
Zahra’s interest in sustainable development ignited when she was just nine years old during a school lesson about Pink Farms. Captivated by the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), she engaged in extensive research after the lesson concluded. “At the end of the lesson, my teacher put up a slide with all the 17 SDG goals and told us to choose one and relate it to the topic. I became very interested and curious about the SDGs,” Zahra stated.
She articulates that individuals play a crucial role in climate change, particularly through poor waste disposal practices. “People are the ones causing climate change. We put trash in the gutters, and where does the trash go? We do not know. Over the years, that trash starts to release harmful gases into the atmosphere, affecting weather patterns and everything around us,” she explained.
Zahra urges the government to prioritize road construction, citing how congestion and vehicle emissions contribute to environmental degradation. According to her, a well-planned transportation system could alleviate traffic and consequently lessen its environmental impact.
The rise of youth activists in the climate change movement has garnered global attention, drawing inspiration from influential international platforms. Young individuals like Zahra Ajetunmobi are stepping into leadership roles at key events such as climate summits and the United Nations General Assembly, advocating for urgent actions against climate change and emphasizing the importance of sustainable development. Their insights are crucial, particularly in nations grappling with significant environmental issues.
Zahra Ajetunmobi exemplifies the emerging voices in the climate change conversation, advocating for actionable solutions to environmental issues. Her recognition by President Bola Tinubu underscores her influence and the importance of youth engagement in climate activism. By promoting better waste management practices and infrastructure improvements, Zahra calls on her government to lead in the fight against climate change, serving as a beacon of hope for future generations.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
