When I first started working on climate-related programming at the Museum for the United Nations (UN Live), the challenge wasn’t technology or funding, it was mindset.
We were building a global climate awareness experience called “Global We,” and it was meant to run in 23 locations across 5 time zones.
The problem we were solving was urgent: people around the world did not understand the real, personal impact of climate change, especially in places already experiencing it.
But something interesting happened during our co-creation sessions.
As teams from different countries contributed ideas, things became noisy. Everyone had a suggestion. Everyone had an angle. The temptation to add more and make it “flashier” was strong. But I found myself repeating one question:
“What does the user need to understand clearly about climate change, and how will this program move them from awareness to action?”
Because awareness without action is noise.
And action without mindset or skill is short-lived.
SDG 13 – Climate Action.
It is not just about policies and protests.
It’s about how we educate, empower, and equip everyday people to shift behaviour in meaningful ways.
Africa is already one of the regions most vulnerable to climate shocks, drought, floods, and food insecurity. Yet a 2022 Afrobarometer survey showed that only 4 in 10 Africans had even heard of the term “climate change.” Many more don’t fully grasp how it affects their health, economy, or local environment.
The gap isn’t just scientific knowledge. It’s practical relevance.
That’s why I believe:
Climate education must be community-centred and culturally grounded
Behavioural change must come with accessible alternatives, not just warnings
Innovation and climate resilience must be taught hand-in-hand
At Skilled For Work , we infuse these ideas into the way we teach design thinking, digital literacy, and career alignment. Because even if you’re not an “environmentalist,” you have a role in the solution.
Whether it’s reducing waste in a remote job, launching a green startup, or simply understanding your personal carbon footprint, climate action begins with an empowered mindset.
So what’s needed now?
🔹 Education ministries must make climate literacy a core part of primary and secondary education, not an elective or project week.
🔹 Development partners should invest in African-led climate storytelling not just reports, but locally relevant content that resonates with everyday people.
🔹 Employers and entrepreneurs must build sustainability into their models from remote work to packaging to supply chains.
🔹 Upskilling platforms and NGOs should embed climate consciousness into job training, because no field is exempt from its impact.
We can’t fight climate change with fear alone.
We need to train a generation that doesn’t just hear “climate action” and panic but hears it and responds with solutions.
Because when we shift mindset and equip with skill, climate resilience becomes more than a UN goal.
It becomes our culture.
Dr Aderinsola Adio-Adepoju
Sustainability | Innovation & Entrepreneurship | Global Opportunities | Employability Skills