Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has called on Nigerian youths to lead the fight against climate change.
He delivered this message in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, during the Presidential Youth Retreat organized by the Youth Development Centre, a part of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL).
He encouraged Nigerian youths to contribute to the growth of the green economy to ensure a sustainable environmental future.
In his words, “Climate change is a reality, though some still believe it is a myth or not real, but we have seen it in flood, drought, and extreme weather conditions among others.”
Obasanjo attributed climate change to human activities, leading to issues like flooding, extreme droughts, pollution, and deforestation.
He emphasized that scientists have helped the world understand how humans have disrupted the balance of nature, including forests, hills, valleys, and animals.
Speaking further, he noted that human beings are now experiencing the consequences of this imbalance, including rising sea levels, flooding, drought, and food insecurity.
Obasanjo also highlighted the impact of fossil fuels on carbon dioxide emissions, which significantly contribute to climate change. He called for the adoption of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar power, and electric cars to reduce emissions.