Climate justice is a movement that advocates for fair and equitable treatment of all individuals and communities, particularly those who are most vulnerable, in the context of climate change.
Climate justice also emphasizes the fair distribution of the burdens and benefits associated with climate change while calling for a just transition to a sustainable future that does not disproportionately impact marginalized communities.
Furthermore, certain groups, often in low-income countries or marginalized communities, are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and these impacts can include; extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and disruptions to ecosystems which affects livelihoods and well-being of humans.
It is on this basis that Connected Development (CODE) with support from OXFAM organized a Community Media Collaboration for Climate Justice ( CMCCJ) to improve public awareness and understanding of the frontline when it comes to climate crisis.
Speaking at the event held in Abuja on the 30th November 2023, CODE’s Programs Manager, Hyeladzira James Mshelia stated that in 2022 Nigeria experienced one of the worst case of climate crisis in Akwa Ibom and River states respectively which was the case of flooding that destroyed lives and properties, adding that CODE went there to access the impact of the climate damage on the communities.
According to her, the climate justice project is an opportunity for CODE to form coalition of community based organizations and media, to empower affected communities and teach them how to track community projects using the FollowTheMoney models
She noted that it is to also ensure that the community engaged their MDA’s to find out the measures or actions taken by the government in regards to last year’s flooding to avoid a recurrence of the same climate crisis subsequently.
She further stated that community participation and inclusion is critical, as the movement emphasizes the importance of including affected communities in decision-making processes.
“It calls for the voices of those most impacted by climate change to be heard in policy discussions and solutions”, she said.
Speaking toThe Sight News Correspondent at the event, Raya Schifferle from the Switzerland Embassy, said climate justice addresses historical contributions to climate change, with an understanding that developed countries historically have been the major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions hence the movement calls for these nations to take greater responsibility for mitigation and adaptation efforts.
She further stated that recycling helps reduce the need for raw materials extraction and manufacturing processes, which can contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions, conserves energy and resources hence leading to a smaller carbon footprint.
Schifferle pointed out that she would launch a campaign in mid 2024 on Greenhouse Gas Emissions which would attract stakeholders, NGOs, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the media on advocacy education on the need for greenhouse gas emissions.
According to her, “Upcycling, Recycling and Downcycling plays crucial roles in managing waste and mitigating against climate change, while embracing these practices helps conserve resources, reduce energy consumption and minimize the environmental impact associated with the production and disposal of products”.
Zainab Isah Bello, one of the product exhibitors and a medical student of Baze University, revealed her passion for art work despite being a medical student.
Bello described her love for artistic works as an inherent passion for nature. Describing one of her works, Zainab said the art work was done from recycled bedsheets and portrayed support gotten from family and friends who stood by her to ensure she came thus far despite all the challenges.
One of the major highlights of the event was the green carpet runway showcase of recycled products by several exhibitors in attendance.
