RCE Kano Digital Youth Forum

1. Youth, environmentalism
and leadership
THEME: THE OPPORTUNITY FOR A GREEN RECOVERY IN THE POST COVID
19
DATE: 5TH OCTOBER 2020
ZOOM MEETING

2. Introduction
Indigenous people have been taking care of the Earth for thousands of years,
seeing that as a part of life and carrying out activities to protect the eco
system, a value I came to appreciate. For me, being an environmental activist
and a climate justice activist is not a hobby, it’s a way of life.
While climate change will touch the lives of many, younger generations will
be the ones to witness and experience some of the most extreme
environmental changes due to a warming planet.
 Actions today play an important role in shaping the future.

3. The environmental concerns
• Climate Change
As pointed out by a recent UN report, without ‘unprecedented changes’ in our actions and behavior,
our planet will suffer drastically from global warming in just 12 years. Greenhouses gases are the main
cause of climate change, trapping in the sun’s heat and warming the surface of the earth.
• Water
Water pollution is a huge concern for us and our environment. Not only is polluted water a huge
financial strain but is also killing both humans and marine life
• Biodiversity
Biodiversity is the most complex and vital feature of our planet. It is essentially every living thing and
ecosystem that makes up the environment. From the tallest giraffe to the smallest microorganism,
everything plays an important role in the maintenance of our world.

4. Youth and environmentalism
Environmental action could be one avenue for developing young people’s capabilities to
participate in science and democracy. “Youth environmental action” refers to a process in
which youth and adults co-create environmental and social change. This in turn builds
young people’s capabilities for further participation in personal and community
transformation.
Great leaders empower people to make decisions that support the goals and vision of
the community, ultimately developing smarter solutions. Their job is to inspire and coach.
Leaders coach to build a community that is fully participating, both responsibly and
accountably. Leaders create buy-in at every level and ensure that all members of their
community know that their contributions are important.
.

5. Roles of youth and the Importance of
Environmental Activism
Awareness creation on environmental sustainability
Environmental activism has caused an increase in environmental awareness among people. For instance, more people are aware of the effects of human activities on the
environment. Through sensitizations, youth deliver this role as they educate the public on effects of their actions and inactions.
Role in legislation
Environmental activism has played a crucial role in influencing the legislature to enact laws that aim to protect the environment. Activists may be within the government and
impose the change or even be involved in a campaign whose main aim is intimidating the legislature to enact a certain law. Thus, encouraging more aware decisions relating to
environmentalism.
 Impact on developers
It has also led many developers to carry out their development plans in mind that they will be faced with legal challenges in case they cause any environmental pollution.
Push companies towards Green and Lean Manufacturing
Through environmental activism, manufacturing facilities are forced to follow guidelines that are stipulated by Environmental Protection Agencies on issues concerning reducing
emissions, limiting carbon footprint, reducing wastage, enhancing energy efficiency, recycling of waste instead of using virgin materials, and employing eco-friendly innovative
technologies just to mention a few. All these are aimed towards green manufacturing as well as lean manufacturing.
Recycling campaigns
They advocate for re-use and the recycling of non-biodegradable products such as plastics, obsolete electrical equipment, and many others.

6. Ways Youth can achieve the goals
The desired outcome is for the ambassadors to have not just the knowledge but
also the skills, attitudes and values to act as powerful and effective transformative
change agents.
Ambassadors replicate these programs in their communities, in collaboration with
the relevant agencies, providing sustainability role models for other youth. Leaders
are not necessarily born; people can learn leadership behaviors. People who excel
in performing their job and who take full responsibility within their communities
are acting like leaders.
Someone who looks to find a better, smarter or faster way of making things
happen is acting like a leader. Yet some people are "born leaders," and they are
becoming ever more valuable.

7. How to implement
 Keep your garden or greenspace chemical free.
Cut down on your use of herbicides and pesticides. These chemicals kill butterflies, moths and other pollinating insects, such as ladybirds, beetles
and spiders – the natural enemies of your garden pests.
Shop locally, shop organically.
If you have the chance, buying fresh organic food is a great way to support local farmers, reduce your carbon footprint and support nature with
your food choices.
Re-use and Recycle.
Plastic Recycle Bin Reducing the amount of “stuff” you consume has the greatest benefits for the planet. It’s best to avoid waste in the first place,
so think more carefully about your purchases. Re-using items saves the natural resources and energy needed to manufacture new ones - as well as
saving money.
 Reduce your carbon footprint.
Carbon Footprint/Wellbeing
Even the smallest effort to reduce your carbon footprint can make a difference. On short journeys why not ditch the car in favour of walking or
cycling, could you car share with a colleague to get to work or use public transport instead?
 Inspire others.V
olunteer at a Public Event. Share your love of the natural world with those around you, encourage your family and friends to take part in outdoor
activities. Encouraging others to see the value and beauty of nature and its wildlife may be the most important way to help save it.

8. Conclusion
The youth are the future!
In fact, they are the future, they are the leaders of tomorrow, and they are the parents and grandparents of
generations to come. With the world facing challenges now more than ever, be it education, job opportunities,
environmental challenges, extremism, and terrorism, there should be tools and lessons learned, to be given to
them to make them stronger and know how to face whatever may come their way. The question,
"How can I make the world a better place?"
Is one, young people ask themselves these days. The fact is, Young people want to change the world, they are
usually aware of relevant issues that affect them and the world, but they wonder how to go about them- though
they are able to do one thing or the other according to their ability and means, But our potential is well beyond
that.
Through youth leadership programs, young people gain the skills and knowledge to lead civic engagement,
education reform, and community organizing activities.
We cannot do everything, but we can do something, and because we cannot do everything, we will not refuse to
do the something we can do.

9. Thank You