By Oluwatoyin Hawal Momolosho, Ilorin

Pristine SACC held a climate change workshop aimed at empowering youths to take charge of environmental conservation, emphasizing the importance of mitigating the menace of climate change in the environment.

The workshop was held at Nokel Hotel, Ilorin, Kwara State, on the 24th of September, 2024. The theme of the workshop was titled “Bridging Art and Journalism: A New Approach to Climate Reporting,” delivered by Mrs. Abeedah Alabi, an expert in the field who has reported on many stories related to climate change.

Climate change refers to a significant and lasting change in the statistical distribution of weather patterns over periods ranging from decades to millions of years. It can be a change in average weather conditions or in the distribution of weather around average conditions (i.e., more or fewer extreme weather events). Climate change is caused by factors that include, but are not limited to, changes in solar radiation, volcanic eruptions, and human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.

According to Mrs. Abeedah Alabi, during her virtual presentation, she explained that climate change solutions need to begin with everyone, not just the government. This has been one of the problems Nigeria has faced over the years. To address this, everyone needs to start making solutions from their own places.

“For instance, if you notice a dustbin behind your house that needs to be taken care of, you can help your neighborhood by doing the necessary sanitation work,” Mrs. Abeedah stated.

The event brought together diverse professionals from various fields, including journalists, broadcasters, teachers, and more. This unique convergence facilitated a dynamic exchange of ideas, allowing participants to learn, unlearn, and relearn valuable lessons.

“You can assist others by sharing what they need to know about it, as your experience can help them learn,” she advised.

Solutions to Climate Change

According to Mrs. Abeedah Alabi, who is an expert in the field, advocating for environmental sustainability is crucial, especially in rural areas. Organizations like Sustainable Organization and some other NGOs are already working to educate people about climate change and sustainability.

“I had a personal experience where a rural vendor asked me to throw away a small nylon on the road. At first, she showed me the way to waste disposal, but later changed her mind and told me to throw it on the road. This showed me that people’s mindsets need to be addressed.”

“Organizations like Sustainable are making a difference using the internet and technology. Let’s work together to raise environmental consciousness,” Abeedah concluded.

We encourage Pristine SACC to sensitize journalists on climate reporting

One of the participants from the Pristine SACC who represented Trove Media online, Idris Abdulganiyu Yinka, expressed his appreciation to the organizers of the workshop and urged the NGO (Pristine SACC) to continue the program so that they can understand and learn more about climate change reporting.

“I really appreciate the organizers, Pristine SACC, for organizing such a beautiful and great program for us journalists. We encourage them to continue the workshop or program, whether weekly, monthly, or yearly, so that they can sensitize journalists and media practitioners on climate change reporting and environmental sustainability,” Yinka said.