23 June 2023 – by Earth Refuge Correspondent Freya Mutimer
In this enlightening interview, Perk Pomeyie (@perk_gh) shares his invaluable insights as a key figure in the Ghana Youth Environmental Movement – a youth-led environmental policy advocacy and non-violent campaign group in Ghana. Perk reflects on his firsthand experiences witnessing the devastating impacts of climate change on his homeland. He also offers his perspective on how governments can step up their efforts to address this pressing issue, as well as his personal journey of becoming an environmental activist.
02 August 2022 – by Earth Refuge Correspondent Samantha Chinyoka
In this interview, correspondent Samantha Chinyoka was speaking with Nyasha Turuza from Zimbabwe. Nyasha is a Researcher in Climate Change who holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Dynamics and Climate Change and a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies.She has contributed to key research whilst working with the Environment Management, Renewable Energy and Climate Change (EMRECC) Research Center at the Harare Institute of Technology, Zimbabwe, and has also collaborated with Africa Rise Foundation on addressing the Sustainable Development Goals. At present she volunteers for Advocates4Earth, an organization that works on environmental and climate justice issues.
During the conversation, Nyasha shares her experiences and real testimonies of women and girls living in Zimbabwe that have been most affected by the impact of the brunt of climate change. She highlights the need to well-educate and conscientize the communities on climate change, especially those whose views on climate change are centered on their traditional beliefs.
“In the child-headed families the elderly girls end up working as sex workers just to provide for their younger siblings due to food poverty in the drought seasons.”
06 May 2022 – by Earth Refuge Correspondent Skand Agarwal
In this interview, correspondent Skand Agarwal talks to Ruth Dzokoto about the impacts of climate change in Ghana. Drawing on her very personal experiences with climate change-induced natural disasters and even climate migration, Ruth shares her story as a climate educator. Along the way, Ruth also addresses the fact that climate migration is a highly gendered issue, which can even lead to child marriage and child pregnancy.
Together, they explore the challenges that climate educators face even in areas that are severely impacted by climate change themselves. Based on this conversation, Ruth outlines demands for the international community to support her incredible work.
“Currently, as I am talking to you, my mom, my dad and my siblings are no more where they used to be. They had to migrate to different locations because the sea had taken over their home. It is making them migrate to different settlements where they don’t even know anything about the place. Some young ladies and girls have to end up settling at places where they are going to be with men just because they need a roof over their head. This, I think, is the major cause of teenage pregnancy or unwanted pregnancy in the community.”
22 April 2022 – by Earth Refuge Correspondent Samantha Chinyoka
In this interview, correspondent Samantha Chinyoka speaks with Carlos Mugumira from Zimbabwe. Carlos shares his experiences as a survivor of the horrendous Cyclone Idai that hit Zimbabwe in 2019. The UN reported 602 deaths with many more people still missing. By the time, Carlos was working on electrical installations in the Chimanimani area, which was greatly affected by the cyclone. He narrates how events unfolded, the impact the cyclone had on his life, and the lessons learnt from this extreme weather event.
In conclusion to sharing his personal experiences, Carlos highlights the need for intersectoral cooperation to better prepare for such events, to well-educate and conscientize the communities on climate change, and the need for government action for climate adaptation and resilience.
“The warnings did not fully explain the intensity and danger of the cyclon. The government needs to spread information and raise awareness on climate change, especially in rural areas were not many people are educated. They need to engage and collaborate with those who study weather patterns for accurate information on the potential dangers and put more stringent measures to evacuate people before such tragic events occur.”
Carlos Mugumira is a qualified Class 1 Electrician who holds a National Certificate in Electrical Engineering and a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Physics. His full time job mainly involves solar power system installations and maintenance. He is also a part time small-scale farmer.
Earth Refuge Newsletter
Sign up to our Earth Refuge newsletter for the latest updates on climate change, environmental justice and migration!
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy policy
