I am Ugochukwu Nkwopara, and I live in Lagos, Nigeria. My passion lies in seeing a world where climate action, public health, and justice are not just ideals pursued, but realities we live in so that humans can exist in fairness, balance, and dignity. My climate journey began with my concern about pollution, poor sanitation, and the untold stories of the adverse impacts of climate change on human lives. I remember getting to work with my clothes constantly filled with the smell of car emissions. Out of curiosity, I started paying attention to others and realised I wasn’t the only one whose clothes carried that smell after the daily hustle and bustle of getting to work. I also remember seeing people dumping refuse by the roadside, and how the community experienced flooding at the slightest drop of rain. These moments made me realise that it wasn’t just the environment that was breaking, but it was people’s health, dignity, and hope. That was my first awakening: realising that climate or public health are not separate struggles, but two sides of the same fight for survival and justice.
The turning point for me came when I joined one of the runs organised by UrbanBetter Lagos Cityzens Hub, where the AirBeam3 device and Cityzens App were used to continuously test the air quality around us and capture data on the built environment. The results were shocking because, from all indications, no one could remain healthy while constantly breathing such polluted air. That experience made me realise that meaningful change starts with identifying the problem and connecting with like-minded people to advocate for climate-conscious policies that can address today’s challenges and those we may face in the future. I have been friends with Waziri Mainasara, the coordinator of the Lagos UrbanBetter Lagos Cityzens Hub, since our Master’s program at the University of Lagos. When I discovered that he had started organising runs and walks for climate action, I felt the need to make my voice heard through such a strong platform.
My concern for a better and healthier city led me to lend my voice by posting and sharing reflections during the New York Climate Week digital campaign. I can’t trade that week’s experience for anything because I know it was really impactful, and through my reflections and posts, I believe better climate decisions can be made. Over time, I have realised that my online and offline actions truly matter. Offline, I try to live more consciously by reducing waste, reusing items, avoiding single-use plastics, and supporting local clean-up projects. Online, I have learned to use my voice by sharing helpful information, participating in climate campaigns, and encouraging friends to make small but meaningful lifestyle changes. Recently, a former colleague even joined the UrbanBetter Lagos Cityzens community because of my actions, and many others keep asking how they can be part of the community.
Being part of the #ClimateWeekNYC digital campaign opened my eyes to a deeper truth: climate change isn’t just about the environment, it’s about people. It’s about justice, fairness, and ensuring that no one suffers from another person’s unfriendly climate actions. I’ve learned that real change happens when awareness turns into action, and when individual choices connect to collective purpose.
Personally, I have changed. I have become more mindful of my habits and more vocal about sustainability. My friends are beginning to care more because they see me carrying reusable bottles, reducing waste, and volunteering for green projects. I envision a city where air quality is better, sanitation is taken more seriously, parks are created to shelter people from the rain, and walkways are reserved for walking only. I also want to see a world where climate action is taken seriously and where world leaders understand that the cause we advocate for is meant to secure our existence on a healthier planet. In the long run, I hope to take on stronger advocacy roles by working with schools, local groups, and policymakers to push for greener and fairer solutions.
As a Cityzen, I will continue to amplify my voice by sharing real stories of how climate change affects people’s lives, and how collective action brings hope and promises a better future. Climate change reminds me that caring for the Earth is not just a duty, but an act of love. I strongly believe that if we collectively show this love through consistent and healthy climate advocacy, our planet will become a more livable place today and for generations to come. I am deeply grateful to UrbanBetter and all Cityzens for their passion, teamwork, and inspiration. I am especially grateful for the platform provided to share my thoughts and passion for a healthier climate and a better future for humanity. Let’s keep the fire burning for the planet we love!!!
