The rapidity with which the climate is changing today is posing a serious threat to the world with developing countries suffering the worst effect of climate change-related disasters despite contributing less to the global crisis. Cameroon is one of the countries facing the worst effect of climate change with an estimated 320,000 Cameroonians affected yearly by climate disasters like floods, landsides, water and food crisis etc., according to Cameroon’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). In the midst of this, children/youths, who represent over 60% of the country’s population, are bearing the greatest brunt, despite contributing almost nothing to the crisis.
In the North West and South West regions of Cameroon, for example flash floods and sporadic landslides have within the last decade led to the death of scores of children/youths. This has been compounded by increasing atmospheric temperature that has increased the rate of respiratory diseases, especially amongst young people. The United Nation Frame Work Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) calls for the active participation of youths in actions against climate change.
While youths and children over the world have refused to be passive victims of the climate crisis, those in Bamenda, Buea and other parts of Cameroon have been increasingly worried and helpless, with limited understanding about climate change and what to do to end the crisis, but not anymore! Continuous climate education and experiential climate action programmes by Voice of Nature (VoNat) and Meg Wah, with the support of Earth Rising Foundation, for the past over 3 years have empowered over 50 kids and young adults in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon, who are now taking front line actions against climate change.
Through house-to-house sensitizations and micro radio programmes, the youngsters have raise climate consciousness to circa 5000 persons in both the North West and South West regions. They have also written and published four open letters to key policy makers and local leaders raising their voices for climate and environmental justice, and suggesting key actions for environmental sustainability in the Bamenda Highlands.
Besides the advocacy, outreach and sensitization campaign for climate justice and climate solution, the young climate ambassadors have raised and planted over 500 trees in public spaces. They have equally planted over 4000 trees for the restoration of six water catchments in both regions, with many having individual tree nurseries and gardens in their homes.
The engagement of these youngsters in climate action, aligns with VoNat and Meg Wah’s strategic vision of raising over 500 young environmental ambassadors in Cameroon by 2025, who will champion the course for a greener, sustainable and safer planet. Plans are underway to extend this “EcoKids” programme to other regions of Cameroon for a much wider and greater impact.