The Media and Civil Society Climate Action Coalition (M&CCAC), a group of stakeholders in environmental issues, has been formed to promote advocacy efforts and eliminate barriers to effective, long-term climate change mitigation.

The M&CCAC, founded by EnviroNews, Lift Humanity Foundation (LHF), and Ecocykle Development Foundation (EDF), was unveiled during a Climate Hangout in Abuja.

It is supported by the United Nations International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and Connected Development (CODE) to discuss how young people can be included in the global climate dialogue.

The media has the responsibility to amplify the severity of the climate catastrophe.

The Executive Secretary of Lift Humanity Foundation (LHF) and leader of M&CCAC, Pius Oko, expressed concern about the difficulties caused by climate change and said it would require a collaborative effort from all sectors of society to address them.

He believes that the media and civil society, as custodians of information and champions for good change, have a particular responsibility to amplify the severity of the climate catastrophe and inspire revolutionary action.

“The convergence of these two vital forces underscores the critical role that each plays in shaping perceptions, influencing policies, and mobilizing communities for climate justice,” he said.

Oko added that the theme “Youth Breaking through the Climate Action Obstacles” was carefully chosen to highlight the challenges that young people face when engaging in climate change issues and to create a collaborative environment where the seeds of change could be sown, nurtured, and grown for a greener, more sustainable world for all.

He emphasized that for young Nigerian activists to effectively influence policies and actions, they must speak with a single voice and eliminate the prevalent oppressive biases that have hindered them from making the biggest impact on behalf of their communities.

Also, CEO and publisher of EnviroNews Michael Simire, commented on the collaboration and noted that it was driven by the need to bridge the gap between the media and civil society as a strong front.

He urged the participants to channel their strength and commitment into concrete actions that go beyond rhetoric and pave the way for a resilient and thriving world.

Executive Director of the Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Studies (C4CCES), Dr Aminu Zakari, advocated for more youth participation and intergenerational mentorship in Nigeria. 

The Head of Administration at the West African Green Economic Development Institute (WAGEDI), Michael Mbaike, advised young people in the country to focus on green enterprises as one of the most effective strategies to drive and increase climate change action.

The West African coordinator of Net Zero As Soon As Possible (NZASAP), Blessing Ewa, insisted that every young person must be brought on board if the life-threatening calamity of climate change is to be adequately addressed.