Global Youth Climate Activist Betty Osei Bonsu Calls for Urgent Action Amidst Worsening Flooding Crisis in West and Central Africa

In a compelling address at the C40-Bloomberg Philanthropies Awards in Argentina, Betty Osei Bonsu (Mrs) , a prominent climate and Circular Economy activist hailing from Ghana, delivered a stark message about the escalating climate crisis. Osei Bonsu's impassioned speech was made all the more poignant by her personal experience with childhood flooding, which she recounted as a driving force behind her activism.

Osei Bonsu highlighted the devastating impact of recent flooding events that have displaced over 125,000 people across 17 countries in West and Central Africa. Drawing attention to the United Nations' warning of more rainfall to come, she posed a poignant question: "When would this be over, like my mum said?"

The climate activist underscored that the most vulnerable members of society are bearing the brunt of climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for global leaders to take decisive action. She expressed her gratitude to fellow youth climate activists, including Nakabuye Hilda Flavia and Juliet Oluoch , and 12 other youth delegates for their unwavering commitment to addressing the climate emergency.

"Mayors from the world's cities have heard our call and agree: we must push forward with courage and ambition to change the status quo that has generated this crisis," Osei Bonsu declared. She urged everyone in attendance to recognize their role in achieving equitable climate action, emphasizing the necessity of collaboration in the fight against climate breakdown.

Closing her powerful address, Osei Bonsu issued a rallying cry for action, stating, "When would this be over? This is the question. And this is our call to action: together let's Unite for Action." Her words resonated throughout the event, setting the stage for the 2022 C40 Cities Bloomberg Philanthropies Awards ceremony.

The evening culminated with Betty Osei Bonsu, alongside the Chair and London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, presenting awards to the world's best climate projects recognized at the prestigious event. Osei Bonsu's presence and her passionate plea for climate action added a profound dimension to the proceedings, underscoring the urgency of addressing the climate crisis on a global scale.

Betty Osei Bonsu's multifaceted role as a climate advocate, a student at the United Nations University, and her leadership within the Green Africa Youth Organisation Uganda, in addition to her founding of 'B.Inspired with Stories from Africa,' speaks to her unwavering dedication to amplifying stories within communities to inspire change. Furthermore, her active participation in the C40 Global Youth & Mayors Forum further solidifies her commitment to driving climate action at the local and global levels.

In a world grappling with the consequences of climate change, Betty Osei Bonsu's call to action serves as a stark reminder of the collective responsibility we all share in confronting this urgent global challenge.