Education is key to addressing climate change – Academics

Introduction of Climate Change Education to the curriculum of Primary, Secondary and Higher Institution has been described as one of the ways to combat the negative effects of climate change in the society.

Some Academics stated this in Ado Ekiti during a programme organised by the Institute of Peace, Security and Governance, Ekiti State University, EKSU, Ado Ekiti in commemoration of this year’s World Peace Day.

Speaking on the theme for this year’s World Peace Day which is “Climate Action for Peace” a Professor of Political Science in EKSU, Professor Kunle Ajayi explained that proper enlightenment on how to maintain environment through proper disposal of refuse, criminalisation of open defecation, addressing deforestation and correcting other attitudes that were inimical to peaceful environment would prevent climate change.

Professor Ajayi also called on government to put in place policies that would disallow behaviour that could expose people to flooding, heat, war, insecurity, famine, terrorism among others

Also, speaking on the topic, “Impacts of Climate change on Peace, Security and Development: the Time for Action”, a Professor of Geography and Planning Science, Wole Adebayo said that a well managed climate would promote good economy, love and general security and advised Nigerians to cultivate the habit of making the environment more habitable for all and sundry.

In his address, the Vice Chancellor of EKSU, Professor Edward Olanipekun represented by Dean of Post Graduate Studies, EKSU, Professor Patrick Tedela described the programme as apt saying it would enlighten Nigerians on the need to desist from activities that could make the environment unbearable for people to live.

Earlier, the Director, Institute of Peace, Security and Governance, EKSU, Professor Lanre Adebayo noted that environment devoid of peace and harmony would be like a war zone and charged Nigerians to live in peace.

The programme which was well attended by security agents, and representatives of civil society organizations, featured a playlet by the EKSU cultural troupe of the Theatre Arts Department on the need for Nigerians to live in peace and harmony for all round development of the country.

Olaniyi Gbenga