In July, FAME Foundation hosted the Green Ball webinar under its Green Ball Project to contribute to the worldwide conversation on sports and climate change.

The virtual webinar was a convergence of experts in the fields of sports, climate change, research, and other stakeholders to engage in discussions concerning sports and climate change, particularly using sports as a tool for climate awareness and action, following the Sports for Climate Change Framework at the COP24 conference, and to meet the goals of the Paris Climate Accords.

The webinar took place on 29 July 2022.

Notable speakers at the webinar included Olumide Idowu (Co-founder, International Climate Change Development Initiative), Abel B.S Gaiya (Deputy Research Manager, Cleanology Technology Hub, Nigeria), Richard Matey (Coordinator, Youth Climate Council Ghana), Se-sor Batur (Legal Practitioner), Ijeoma Okigbo (Founder, Girls Aspire Sports Initiative) and Joan Bishio (Ecobarter, Communications and Content Manager).

Speaking during her opening remarks, Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello, Executive Director of FAME Foundation, said that sports is one of the best forms of social interaction in modern society, promoting unity and setting an example for others, while also fostering personal development.

"Sports may help promote the advancement and set an example because they are one of our society's most effective means of bringing people together. As a means of increasing knowledge, modifying behavior, and reducing carbon emissions, sport can be a significant contributor to tackling climate crisis," she said.

During the discussion, Richard Matey shared the ongoing impacts of climate change, what organizations and individuals are doing to tackle the ongoing climate crisis, and the need for African youth to be actively in climate action.

Ms. Ijeoma also shared the impacts of the sports industry on climate change and how the industry can be at the forefront of tackling global warming and climate crisis.

During the panel session, Abel Gaiya gave insightful contributions on how Nigeria and Africa can utilize the renewable forms of energy at our disposal. Abel emphasized the benefits the economy and climate have to gain from individuals using renewable energy sources, especially it reduced impacts on climate change.

Ms. Joan Bishio shared the insufficiency of educational content, both online and offline, to inform Nigerians about the ongoing climate crisis and suggested approaches that could encourage Nigerians to contribute to climate awareness and action.

Se-sor Batur mentioned that there are existing policies addressing climate change, although the implementation of those policies is extremely poor. He emphasized the role of the government in championing climate actions by setting clear cut goals and roadmaps for achievement while organizations and individuals synergize with them/those goals for realistic results.

The Green Ball webinar was a huge success, with speakers sharing insights from their wealth of experience and knowledge.

https://www.sportanddev.org/latest/media/green-ball-webinar-2022

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