On a vibrant Tuesday, the city of Port Harcourt in Rivers State buzzed with anticipation as 50 young lawyers from the River State University and the University of Port Harcourt gathered for a transformative workshop on climate justice.
Organised by the International Climate Change Development Initiative and supported by the African Youth Commission, the event aimed to equip these emerging legal professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to advocate for environmental justice.
The participants, eager to tackle the pressing issues of climate change in their communities, engaged in a day filled with insightful discussions, interactive sessions, and inspiring success stories.
The workshop featured prominent speakers from various sectors, including environmental law, activism, and policymaking. Among them, Mr Michael Karikpo, a renowned environmental lawyer and Country Director for Natural Justice Nigeria, who captivated the audience with his insights on the legal frameworks surrounding climate justice.
He emphasised the critical role that young lawyers can play in influencing policy changes and holding corporations accountable for environmental degradation. Michael Karikpo’s passion for the subject resonated deeply with the participants, motivating them to become active advocates for sustainability in their respective communities.
Participants shared their success stories, highlighting how the workshop empowered them to take immediate action. One participant recounted his experience of organising a community clean-up drive after learning about the legal implications of pollution in local waterways.
“I never realised how much influence we could have as lawyers. The workshop opened my eyes to the intersection of law and environmental protection,” he stated.
Another participant, Chisom, expressed her newfound commitment to educating her peers on climate change laws, saying, “I now understand our responsibility to advocate for policies that protect our environment, and I am excited to share this knowledge with others.”
The follow-up workshop, scheduled for the following month, aims to build on the momentum generated during this initial event. Organisers plan to facilitate more hands-on activities, including mock trials and community outreach initiatives, to further engage the young lawyers in real-world applications of climate justice principles. The participants’ enthusiasm and commitment to ongoing education reflect a growing recognition of the urgent need for legal advocacy in addressing climate-related challenges.
The collaboration between the International Climate Change Development Initiative and the African Youth Commission has proven to be a vital step towards fostering a generation of lawyers dedicated to climate justice.
As the workshop concluded, it was evident that these young legal minds were not just participants; they emerged as passionate advocates ready to take responsibility for their communities’ environmental issues. With newfound knowledge, inspiration, and a strong network of peers, the future of climate advocacy in Port Harcourt looks promising.
By Shittu Ismail, M&E, ICCDI Africa
