Monday 14-11-2022 - 15:07

Time and time again, we are reminded by nature of its demand and desire for earth to remain safe and habitable for human beings. Earth requires an equal show of love and care like humans do. Unfortunately, for a long time we have generally ignored the Earths capacity, to incubate negative activities that could lead to disastrous outcomes and continue to pollute, degrade and disrespect its space.

Today, my country Nigeria is one of the most hit by flooding. A large part of the country has been covered by the ravaging flood, which is threatening to seize even more communities. The flooding in Nigeria is estimated to have claimed over five hundred lives, destroyed two hundred thousand homes and submerged a further ninety thousand. Millions of people remain displaced and the impact on the already frail economy is deeply felt. The floods have brought an abrupt halt to many businesses as the currency continues to depreciate at a meteoric rate in the stock market.

As individuals, we can all contribute in the long-term resolution of climate issues. Some human activities which we ordinarily engage in such as littering, careless gas emissions and, particularly in Nigeria, covering the waterways and gutters with sand, can be controlled whilst a conscious effort to educate and campaign for more environmental practices could be the recipe for saving the Earth and countries like Nigeria.

• Source – BBC News
   

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan has also suffered from mass flooding. The statistics of the impact of flooding in Pakistan is nothing short of sorry and disturbing. By UNICEF estimation, "almost 10 million children in need of immediate, lifesaving support, and at increased risk of waterborne diseases, drowning and malnutrition”. UNICEF further notes; "Hundreds of thousands of homes have been damaged or destroyed, while many public health facilities, water systems and schools have been destroyed or damaged. As the floodwaters have receded, the crisis has become an acute child survival crisis. Frail, hungry, children are fighting a losing battle against severe acute malnutrition, diarrhoea, malaria, dengue fever, typhoid, acute respiratory infections, and painful skin conditions. As well as physical ailments, the longer the crisis continues, the greater the risk to children's mental health".

Pakistan, just as Nigeria, simply need any support they can receive immediately, whilst we keep the bigger picture in view as we fight climate challenge collectively.

In a time like this, it is pertinent that we empathise with the Nigerian and Pakistani communities whose families, friends and homes have been gravely affected by the floods. Our prayers are with them and we hope they find the strength to soldier on.

 

GCU and Climate Change

I am proud to say that Glasgow Caledonian University has remained at the forefront of fighting this global challenge. The university has held and sponsored a number of events, projects and talks on climate change whilst taking practical steps to help alleviate the issue. The Cop27 Conference, held from November 6th through to the November 18th in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt follows Cop26 help in 2021, which was led by Prof. Tahseen Jafry, where conversations were held on issues regarding climate change and human rights. Furthermore, Professor Sebastien Chastin, a global health expert from Glasgow Caledonian University, also played a key role in a major COP26 event entitled ‘Canals Do Net Zero: Re-imagining 18th century infrastructure to combat flood risk, stimulate investment and tackle health inequalities’.
A host of other climate action events including the Glasgow schoolgirls fight for climate action in partnership with GCU’s Climate Justice Centre and GCU Student Engineers contributed to climate action by bringing a flat-pack wind turbine to the COP26 conference.

Cop27 promises to be another avenue to continue this crucial conversation, reflect on the progress made so far and to think of the future.

 

What can be done?

Donations are always welcome in situations like this. Nigeria houses a significant percentage of the poorest people in the world. Donations to charity will help in a huge way to alleviate the sufferings in Nigeria and help sustain them through these trying times. Contributions will go into providing emergency food, temporary shelter, medical care as well as clean drinking water. Let’s make an impact for the common good.

Nigeria Flood Relief Fund (Donate Here)

Pakistan Floods Appeal (Donate Here)

 

Support and help on campus

 

Here are some ways Glasgow Caledonian University and Glasgow Caledonian University Students’ Association can offer help to students directly or indirectly affected by the flood:

Student Health and Wellbeing Services have been reaching out to students directly and are here to offer support to all students who may find it   helpful. Please email on studentwellbeing@gcu.ac.uk if you would like to speak with one of their welfare team about any concerns.

The GCU Students' Asspciation Advice Centre can also support students with practical directives to help alleviate the situation. 

 

Please feel free to contact me with any queries at: VP.GSBS@gcustudents.co.uk
 

Chukwuma Egbujor
Vice President; Glasgow School for Business and Society

 

For More Information, please visit:

https://edition.cnn.com/2022/09/02/asia/pakistan-floods-climate-explainer-intl-hnk/index.html
https://www.gcu.ac.uk/aboutgcu/universitynews/2021-gcuatcop26canalsdonetzeroevent
https://www.gcu.ac.uk/research/climatechange/gcuandcop26  
https://www.gcu.ac.uk/aboutgcu/universitynews/2021-girlscops26kicksoffatgcu  
https://www.gcu.ac.uk/aboutgcu/universitynews/2021-flatpackwindturbine