Expert advocates climate risk communication, environmental justice for global peace

Fellow of the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) and an Urban Bird Project Scholar, Dr. Olarotimi Daniel Ogungbemi, has highlighted climate risk communication, ecology and environmental justice as imperatives for global peace.

Dr Ogungbemi, whose current area of research revolves around risk communication, ecology and environmental justice, spoke on the relevance of environmental literacy and ecological stewardship.

He said: “The importance of risk communication, ecology and environmental justice cannot be overemphasised. They represent the imperatives for global health and peace.

“Environmental literacy plays a pivotal role in equipping individuals with the requisite expertise, abilities, and consciousness to confront intricate environmental problems and partake in sustainable endeavours.

“Considering the pressing obstacles presented by climate change and environmental deterioration to the continent, it is indispensable for educational systems to equip citizens with the necessary knowledge and skills to comprehensively comprehend and effectively combat these issues.”

Speaking on his motivation for the study, the don explained that he was motivated by a realisation that these global challenges are often underrepresented or misrepresented in media narratives and in discourses emanating from the affected groups or communities.

He noted: “My shift towards climate risk communication, ecology, and environmental justice was motivated by a realization that these global challenges are often underrepresented or misrepresented in media narratives and in discourses emanating from the affected groups or communities. The phenomenon, in its reciprocal manner, has an impact on public understanding as well as the formulation of policies.

“I saw a clear parallel between the communication challenges in national security and those in environmental issues. The pressing nature of climate change and its disproportionate effect on marginalized communities, particularly in regions such as Africa, compelled me to concentrate my research efforts on this realm. I believe the implementation of effective communication tactics plays a pivotal role in galvanizing initiatives and cultivating a fairer methodology to tackle environmental quandaries.”

On the significance of his research, the US-based researcher who has written extensively on social issues and advocacy, media of communication and national security discourse, said his intervention seeks to bridge the chasm between scientific comprehension and public perception.

“As I delved into this subject matter, my comprehension of the wider effects of media on society, particularly within the realm of global obstacles such as climate change and environmental equity, grew exponentially. Consequently, my ongoing research endeavours aspire to bridge the chasm between scientific comprehension and public perception, advocating for both justice and sustainability in the realm of environmental policies,” Ogungbemi said.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE