How NGOs and Media Are Teaming Up to Combat Ozone Depletion and the Climate Crisis

A non-governmental organization, Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADeV Nigeria), along with EnviroNews, is actively addressing ozone layer depletion and climate change in Nigeria. They highlighted their mission during a virtual workshop geared toward promoting climate-friendly refrigerants and cooling technologies. This initiative aims to help Nigeria shift away from harmful substances used in refrigeration.

Dr. Leslie Adogame, the Executive Director of SRADeV Nigeria, emphasized the need for clear communication about climate change. He noted that both citizens and media members often lack understanding of these complex issues. “We aim to equip media professionals and civil society organizations with the tools necessary to engage the public and influence policy,” he said. This initiative seeks to bridge the knowledge gap through strategic awareness-building.

The workshop gathered journalists, civil society organizations (CSOs), and international experts to discuss the urgent need to phase out ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and harmful greenhouse gases, in line with the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. During an earlier meeting in Abuja, participants stressed the importance of using media and grassroots advocacy for this transition.

Jeremiah Ato from SRADeV highlighted the serious health and environmental impacts of ODS. Nigeria is making progress in eliminating chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). The country aims for a 67.5% reduction in HCFCs by 2025, with a complete phase-out by 2030. However, Ato warned that hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), often used as replacements, still pose a risk due to their high potential for global warming. “We are now racing against both ozone depletion and climate change,” he explained.

Michael Simire from EnviroNews discussed the critical role of environmental journalism. He said, “We must go beyond mere reporting; we need to inspire action and correct misinformation.” Journalists and CSOs must work together to share relatable stories that connect with people.

Experts from Brazil and Kenya also contributed to the conversation, sharing their experiences with climate policies. They noted that regardless of regional differences, the challenge of communicating complex climate information effectively is a shared struggle.

During the workshop, participants were divided into groups to brainstorm advocacy strategies, focusing on engaging women and youth in sustainable practices. Journalists practiced crafting clear and accessible headlines to make the Protocol’s goals more understandable to the public.

The media was encouraged to diligently cover Nigeria’s climate commitments, while CSOs were invited to launch grassroots campaigns advocating for certified technicians and eco-friendly appliances. These collaborative efforts represent a significant step toward establishing Nigeria as a proactive player in global climate action, prioritizing both environmental health and public awareness.

According to recent data from the United Nations, transitioning to climate-friendly refrigerants could prevent an estimated 1.5 billion tons of CO2 emissions by 2030, showcasing the importance of such initiatives on a global scale. It’s a pivotal time for Nigeria to position itself as a leader in sustainable practices, ushering in a cleaner, healthier future for all.

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climate change,NGO