A passionate environmental advocate, Samuel Otubu, recently spoke with The Africa Daily Post about their Climate Action and Tree Planting program, a movement aimed at inspiring young people to take action against climate change. The program, which focuses on educating students about the role of trees in combating climate change, has gained traction across local schools, where students are taking the Green Pledge and participating in tree-planting activities.
The advocate shared how their environmental journey began in January 2023 during a masterclass by the Eco-Friendly Africa Initiative (EFAI), where they learned about the critical issues surrounding climate change. Recognizing that many people were unaware of the human impact on the environment, they decided to take action and organize awareness programs in schools. The Green Institute fellowship further inspired them to turn their vision into reality.
The program’s success has been fueled by partnerships and contributions from both friends and school authorities, overcoming challenges such as funding and initial skepticism. Now, the advocate is focused on expanding the initiative and empowering more young leaders to continue the fight for a sustainable planet.
What inspired you to initiate the Climate Action and Tree Planting program, and how did you approach organizing it?
First and foremost, I truly appreciate the Green Institute and the Africa Daily Post for this wonderful opportunity to share my story and reasons for advocating for environmental preservation.
Climate change is upon us, and the challenges are glaring—wildfires, floods, loss of biodiversity, and more. Little did we know that the root causes of climate change and its devastating impacts lie in our actions and inactions as humans. Examples of human actions leading to climate change include deforestation, burning fossil fuels, and improper waste management, which creates landfills that produce methane—a potent greenhouse gas driving climate change. On the other hand, examples of human inactions contributing to climate change include neglecting reforestation and conservation efforts, failing to transition to renewable energy, and hesitating or refusing to adopt sustainable lifestyles. Actions like reducing energy consumption, using public transport, and embracing eco-friendly products can help reduce harmful CO2 emissions, yet they are often overlooked.
I first learned about all this in January 2023 during a seven-day masterclass organized by the Eco-Friendly Africa Initiative (EFAI). The masterclass focused on environmental journalism, storytelling, and education, providing valuable insights and skills in these areas.
But here’s the thing: we only have one planet, and it is our responsibility to protect it. I discovered that many people didn’t know this. Many didn’t realize we are the cause of climate change. Many were unaware of the sustainable practices they can adopt to reduce CO2 emissions, a major driver of climate change. Many didn’t know that trees serve as carbon sinks, reducing the amount of CO2 emissions released into the atmosphere.
I mean, right from when we were kids, we were told that as humans, we emit CO2 (carbon dioxide), which is valuable to trees, and in return, trees emit O2 (oxygen), which is vital to us as humans. Why, then, should we cut down these trees?
This realization inspired me to organize sensitization, awareness, and advocacy programs in high schools. I believed it wouldn’t be easy to reach our elders, but we could ground the younger generation with this knowledge, and they, in turn, would share it with their parents. I shared this idea in detail with the authorities of the schools I selected, and they all accepted and welcomed it.
I had this idea before now but wasn’t courageous enough to act on it. The Green Institute fellowship inspired me further and gave me the courage to implement my idea. I am forever indebted to this prestigious fellowship.
Can you share the most memorable moment from your events at GSS Kufang and ITF Staff School?
The most fascinating moments during these events were when the students and their teachers took the Green Pledge and engaged in a tree-planting exercise. Having been fully informed and understanding that the planet is the only heritage we have, they became very passionate when taking the Green Pledge, committing to adopt sustainable practices and ultimately become climate champions. These moments were adorable and truly inspiring.
How did the students and school authorities respond to the activities, especially the tree planting and Green Pledges?
The response from the students and school authorities was very positive and encouraging. They were genuinely enthusiastic, curious, and committed throughout the sessions. Many of them expressed how eye-opening the program was, especially learning about the role of trees as carbon sinks and how our daily activities connect to climate change.
The school authorities were equally supportive, emphasizing how important these lessons were for the students’ growth and environmental awareness. During the tree planting and Green Pledge activities, you could feel the excitement and sense of purpose in the air. Watching the students actively plant trees, knowing that this simple act could make a big difference in combating climate change, was truly heartwarming.
What challenges did you face while implementing the program, and how did you overcome them?
One of the primary challenges was sourcing adequate funding and resources to implement the program effectively. Organizing sensitization sessions, providing seedlings for tree planting, and creating informative materials required financial and logistical support. To overcome this, I leveraged partnerships with friends. One notable friend of mine who supported immensely is Solomon Chekwubechukwu Ebisi. Solomon is also a Green Fellow at the Green Institute. The schools also supported with refreshments. Their support, alongside personal contributions, made it possible to execute the program.
Another challenge was the initial skepticism from some school authorities who questioned the feasibility and impact of the initiative. To address this, I presented a detailed plan highlighting the program’s educational and environmental benefits. Sharing my personal story and the backing of reputable institutions like the Green Institute and the Global Alliance of Universities on Climate (GAUC) also helped build trust and buy-in from the schools.
What advice would you give to other young leaders who want to promote climate action in their communities?
To young leaders aspiring to champion climate action, my advice is simple: start where you are, with what you have, and be consistent. Climate change is a massive global challenge, but localized actions can create a ripple effect. Educate yourself on the issues, identify specific needs in your community, and craft realistic solutions. Partner with like-minded organizations like the Green Institute and Eco-Friendly Africa Initiative (EFAI), seek mentorship, and don’t hesitate to involve others in your journey.
Also, storytelling is powerful, share your vision, efforts, and successes widely. People are more likely to support what they understand. Importantly, embrace resilience; challenges will arise, but your passion and determination can overcome them. Remember, every action counts, and as young leaders, we are torchbearers of hope for a sustainable future.
What are your future plans to expand or sustain your environmental initiatives?
Sustainability is at the heart of my plans. Moving forward, I intend to establish a network of Young Climate Advocates in secondary and tertiary institutions. I aim to empower them to lead environmental initiatives in their communities. They will focus on tree planting, waste management, and renewable energy advocacy. This will ensure the knowledge gained is not only retained but also multiplied.
I also plan to collaborate with more organizations to secure funding and resources for larger-scale programs. Introducing workshops on green digital skills, such as green digital design, green digital marketing, green digital infrastructure, and carbon accounting & AI is another avenue I’m exploring. My goal is to build a generation of climate-conscious citizens who will act as stewards of the environment and ensure our planet is preserved for future generations.
