Climate crisis is not an emerging issue, it has been in existence for as long as humans existed. How did the older generation cope then? What words of wisdom can they share with the youths? The Eco Anxiety Project-TEAP’s monthly webinar held on the 22nd of August, 2022 provided so much insight to these and more, the webinar which was on Inter-generational Wisdom on Coping with the Climate Crisis gave both the old and young generation an avenue to have this much needed conversation.
The webinar was hosted by Aniebiet Obot and was graced by 2 notable Climate Elders as they were referred to through the duration of the meeting: Climate Elder Desmond Majekodunmi, an experimental extension farmer and environmental activist; and Climate Elder Priscilla Achakpa, a Nigerian environmental activist with over 18 years expertise. The discussion started on a light note with Elder Desmond speaking on how his affinity towards the environment began at the age of 7 when he was able to get cashew fruit from a tree because it was well taken care of, and in return; it gave fruits.
“They were looking after nature, and nature was looking after them”
This statement stood out for me while Climate Elder Desmond made reference to the robust nature of Kenya’s agricultural sector as he took us through his journey. The statement reinforced the fact that the relationship between the environment (nature) is a collaborative and mutual one, what you give is exactly what you get. You choose to pollute your environment; you get rewarded with ecological crises. Choose wisely!
As a lady, Climate Elder Priscilla’s journey into the environment sector was an inspiring one, from being a primary school teacher to being a banker to being a civil servant to a missionary worker, and more. Her interest in climate was unwavering even with other diverse interests and field, that is worthy of praise. She started her campaign towards climate action in Kaduna and set up her organization in 1997, she has come a long way.
It is worthy of note that some climate emotions between these two generations are so similar; we both feel hopeful, sad, frustrated, and guilty about the climate crisis. We also see the urgent need to pay more attention to creating awareness and educating more people in rural areas.
“Love is the foremost entity we should deal with each other with”
You can tell that Climate Elder Desmond is a preacher of love from preaching about spreading love to the nature. He also spoke about leaving no room for conflicts regardless of our diversity, we need all hands-on deck to save the earth, and I totally agree with him. To cap it all, he played, “One Love” by Bob Marley, and that was so soothing to hear at the time.
Few gems were dropped by our Climate Elder Desmond on how to cope with climate emotions: practise breathing exercises, focus on good memories and visit a green space. I will be taking his advice on this, the host, Aniebiet suggested LUFASI Nature Park for Lagosians who might want to visit a serene green space.
To round up this insightful conversation, Climate Elder Priscilla encouraged young Africans to raise awareness and engage with global leaders by holding them accountable for climate actions. In her words, “your knowledge is like fire”, youths are creative and zealous, we need to take control and push for climate actions.
One Love