Words by Smiley Team
You're reading Patrons of the Planet, a weekly series where we hear from climate heroes of the global south and the world’s indigenous communities.
It was only through experiencing climate change firsthand that I fully grasped the magnitude of this crisis. But, inspired by others around me, I decided to spread my knowledge and campaign for a safer future.
Living in Uganda, I’ve witnessed many long periods of drought threaten local vegetable gardens, crops and water sources, forcing women in my community to walk long distances in search of food and drinking water.
For many years I thought this struggle was the norm and there was nothing to be done. This all changed for me in 2019, when my friend and colleague, environmentalist Vanessa Nakate, launched her campaign for the climate on the streets of Kampala.
[Read more: 'Losing our mango orchard inspired me to protect our planet']
Her dedication grabbed my attention and I became increasingly concerned because I had never seen anyone do this before. I was inspired to research the messages on her placards and what I discovered made immediate sense to me, as someone who has witnessed climate change firsthand.
Since meeting Vanessa, I’ve become increasingly engaged in educational and campaign work, as a national coordinator at Rise Up Movement, an organiser for Global Choices and a member of Fridays For Future Most Affected People and Areas (MAPA).
What my work has taught me most of all is that the climate crisis is not something we should just normalise or ignore - it’s deadly, causing the disasters we see every day. But I won’t let that get the better of me.
As a relatively young person, I realised that our education system was failing us because it doesn’t teach young people enough about climate change, simply brushing the surface of reality.
Rather than grumble, I decided to resolve the problem myself, taking the opportunity to lead online classes about climate change, in which I share what I’ve learnt about the issue with students. I also campaign to update the education system.
[Read more: The climate campaigner empowering South Africans]
Young people cannot sit back and wait for leaders to act, because we know that they can act now, they just hesitate to do so, which they must not do while we are in a global crisis.
Luckily, progressively more young people are rising up and gaining knowledge about the climate crisis. The more people speak up, the more hope we have.
If you are reading this story, you too can help amplify my message and make sure it reaches our leaders. Use your platforms to spread awareness to as many people as possible, because we need climate justice and we need it now.
Patrons of the Planet is a weekly series to amplify the voices of heroes on the frontline of climate campaign work, as told to Blyth Brentnall. Every Tuesday, we meet individuals from the global south and indigenous groups who have risen above increasing adversity to support their communities, conserve nature and protect the planet for future generations.
