Speech: Lessons from Africa's Climate Action for Columbia University Changemakers

In both Africa and the U.S., the impacts of climate change are deeply intertwined with social and economic inequality. In the United States, we see how climate-related challenges, rising sea levels, extreme weather, wildfires, and heatwaves disproportionately affect marginalized communities, especially BIPOC, Indigenous peoples, and low-income groups.

Good evening all. I am excited to be sharing this space with you; a community of people passionate about solving one of humanity’s greatest challenges - climate change.

When I first encountered the devastating impacts of climate change in my community, I realized that climate action was more a matter of survival than just a necessity. I had been in Ghana, where I witnessed farmers losing their source of livelihood due to fish loss and low crop yields - both climate impacts. This personal awakening set me on a journey to tackle climate change and support others to take meaningful action.

My name is Glory Oguegbu. I am the CEO of the Renewable Energy Technology Training Institute (RETTI) and the founder of Climate Smart Nigeria. Through Climate Smart Nigeria, we have championed initiatives that advance climate education, inspire leadership, and drive action for a sustainable future.

One of our significant accomplishments is the Climate Leadership Fellowship, a program designed to empower young Africans to become leaders in climate action. Through this fellowship, we’ve trained over 2,000 emerging leaders to design and implement climate-smart solutions tailored to the unique challenges of their communities. These leaders have, in turn, trained others through initiatives like "Adopt a School" and "Adopt a Community," collectively reaching 60,000 secondary school students and over 100,000 community members with climate information.

When I started this journey, I saw a glaring need - climate illiteracy. A World Gallup Poll surveying 108 countries revealed a widespread lack of understanding about climate change. In Nigeria and across Africa, climate education often felt disconnected from the realities on the ground. Much of the available information wasn’t contextualized to reflect the specific environmental, economic, and cultural dynamics of our continent. I knew this had to change.

In response, before I had the chance to have a team, I created the first contextual climate education toolkits specifically designed for Nigeria and Africa. These toolkits quickly became tools of empowerment, bridging the gap between knowledge and action. They equip young people with the skills and understanding to address climate issues in ways that are practical, innovative, and impactful.

But education is not just about facts and figures; it’s also about storytelling. Recently, with the generous support of Melanie and the Feedback Loops team, we integrated short films into our fellowship program as a medium to tell the deeply personal and cultural stories of climate change. These films have become powerful tools for our fellows to connect with their audiences, driving home the urgency of climate action while inspiring solutions rooted in local realities.

Beyond these initiatives, writing has been another avenue for me to drive climate education. Under Climate Smart Nigeria, I have authored four books to promote awareness and action on climate change and clean energy. Each of these works reflects my belief in the transformative power of education to inspire change, one reader at a time.

At the heart of all this work lies a simple yet profound mission: to prepare a generation of young people to lead the fight against climate change and to build a sustainable future for Africa and the world.

The Intersection of Climate and Inequality

In both Africa and the U.S., the impacts of climate change are deeply intertwined with social and economic inequality. Here in the United States, we see how climate-related challenges; rising sea levels, extreme weather, wildfires, and heatwaves, disproportionately affect marginalized communities, especially BIPOC, Indigenous peoples, and low-income groups.

How You Can Contribute

As students at Columbia University, you are uniquely positioned to address these issues and create meaningful change. Solving problems like these requires intentionality, innovation, and a rethinking of how we approach climate action.

1. Center Equity in Climate Solutions: Climate solutions must prioritize equity and justice. For example, renewable energy projects should actively include BIPOC and Indigenous communities, not only as beneficiaries but as partners in decision-making. Whether you’re designing a solar energy project, advocating for policy changes, or developing technology, ask yourself: Who benefits? Who is left behind?
2. Honor Indigenous Knowledge: Indigenous communities have been stewards of the environment for centuries, and their knowledge systems hold valuable insights for sustainable living and climate resilience. Partnering with Indigenous groups and advocating for their sovereignty and leadership in climate policies is crucial.
3. Think Beyond the Headlines: The fight against climate change goes beyond reducing emissions. It’s about addressing the systemic issues that allow the crisis to persist. Whether you are studying engineering, economics, public health, or the arts, use your expertise to tackle root causes—unequal access to resources, outdated policies, and the lack of representation in climate leadership.
4. Embrace Storytelling as Advocacy: I often say that climate action is not just technical—it’s deeply human. Stories have the power to connect, inspire, and mobilize. At Climate Smart Nigeria, we’ve begun using short films to tell stories that highlight local impacts of climate change and celebrate grassroots solutions. You, too, can amplify the voices of those most affected by climate change, particularly in underrepresented communities, by using your platforms and networks.

The Opportunity Before You

The climate crisis can feel overwhelming, but it’s also a moment of opportunity. Here in the U.S., you have access to advanced research, diverse perspectives, and a global platform to innovate. Use these tools to create solutions that are inclusive, equitable, and sustainable.

My work in Africa has shown me the power of localized action. Through initiatives like contextual climate education toolkits and the Climate Leadership Fellowship, I’ve seen young leaders take ideas and turn them into measurable impact. You can do the same. Start small. Start with your immediate community. Every project, every conversation, every collaboration matters.

A Shared Responsibility

The climate crisis is a global challenge, but its solutions must reflect local realities. Here in the U.S., tackling climate change is as much about clean energy and innovation as it is about addressing social justice. And as you work toward solutions, remember this: climate action is not a solo journey. It’s a collective effort that requires all of us to listen, learn, and lead together.

Let me leave you with this thought: The future of our planet will not be determined by governments alone but by the actions of individuals like you; individuals who refuse to accept the status quo, who ask hard questions, and who create solutions that uplift everyone.

Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you tonight. I hope my story inspires you to write your own and to lead boldly in the fight for a just and sustainable world.

Thank you.