by Derrick Wachaya

African youths need environmental education as an indispensable resource to comprehend and tackle the urgent environmental issues that the continent is facing. With the world's youngest population, Africa has a unique opportunity to lead the way in promoting sustainable development and conservation practices. In addition, it is important that young people are included in decision making processes and given appropriate opportunities for innovation purposes to help in finding solutions to the continent’s pressing issues. 

Environmental pollution is a growing problem in Africa, with millions of people exposed to harmful pollutants that affect their health, livelihoods and the environment. The continent is home to some of the most significant environmental challenges, including air pollution, water pollution and plastic waste pollution, among others. These challenges lead to climate change affecting millions of people on the continent. According to an analysis by World Health Organization in 2022, countries in the greater Horn of Africa recorded 39 reported health outbreaks, flooding, drought and millions of children under the age of five years continue to face acute malnutrition due to weakened immunity. The UN body estimates that more than 13 million people have been internally displaced due to the impacts of climate change in these nations. 

The need for environmental education is to equip young people with the knowledge, skills and values to become responsible environmental advocates to alleviate the problem. This can be achieved through learning about the natural world, the impact of human activities on the environment and the importance of biodiversity conservation. With this knowledge, African youths can make informed decisions and take actions that contribute to sustainable development while empowering the older folks and the upcoming generation, Alpha. 

In addition, environmental education continues to create opportunities for African youths to participate in environmental conservation projects. Activities such as tree planting, waste management and wildlife conservation have not only heightened the efforts on the ground level, but youths have taken the advocacy online, reaching millions of activists creating a common agenda of positive change. These projects have not only contributed to the protection of the environment but also created employment opportunities for young people and promoted community development with a shared goal concerning the environment. 

The significance of environmental education in Africa cannot be overstated. The continent is rich with abundant natural resources, but the overexploitation of these resources has led to deforestation, desertification and other environmental problems. According to the United Nations, the continent has 30% of the world’s mineral reserves, 8% of the world’s natural gas and 12% of the world’s oil reserves making it an ideal place for mining activities. Lack of regulation and corruption continues to damage the environment that produces these resources. Environmental education can help to promote sustainable management of these resources and protect them for future generations and create wealth on the continent in respective countries.

Environmental pollution is a significant challenge in Africa that requires urgent action. Addressing Africa's environmental pollution requires a comprehensive approach that involves multiple strategies between government institutions, civil society organizations and the private sector. This collaboration involving young people in decision-making processes will promote sustainable development and protect the environment for future generations.