Nigerian Activists Paint the Devastating Climate Crisis

While climate conferences try to create solutions to an impending climate crisis, there are already countries faced with the reality of environmental disaster. Nigerian climate activist Prince Israel Orekha is a member of Connected Advocacy, a youth led organization that aims to strengthen marginalized communities through sustainable environmental interventions and collaborative efforts for better government policies that can empower African communities.

Connected Advocacy is critical organization for a sustainable future in Israel’s homeland of Nigeria, as his local communities have been devastated by the effects of illegal deforestation, rivers of crude oil polluting the waters and tides of plastic washing up on the shores. With the destruction of their environment brings the loss of homes and livelihood, meaning more have to depend on government aid that is not forthcoming.

photo supplied by Prince Israel Orekha

Prince Israel Orekha said: “A little child was coming from school, one afternoon the floods picked the child up and I tried to rescue the child, but now he is dead. It destroyed all their local homes.”

He feels we all have a responsible tp protect communities from further disaster:

“Everybody – policy makers, me and you together. Policy makers could enable policy to enable climate action, smart climate education and local solutions to reduce emissions. We need local solutions and young people’s inclusion.

“The big guys up there are talking about net zero and drinking tea, but they don’t care because by 2050 they are dead. It’s challenging for us,

“So that’s why we must continue to work. That’s why I am here. We need action from local

communities.”

 To illustrate the effects of the climate disaster on African population, Israel and his team have made a series of paintings which depict the brutal conditions.

Floating Fishes

Residents in states along the Atlantic Coast, such Awaka Bloom, have observed wide fish mortality from growing toxicity in the waters. All fingers point towards Agip and Shell for releasing harmful substances into the waters.

Forest Thieves

In Cross Rivers which is home to Nigeria’s last rainforest, there is an increasing amount of deforestation, mainly caused by illegal logging and land grabbing by the government.