Celebrities at COP: Climate Change or Celebrity Clout? The Nigerian Perspective
It’s no secret that when celebrities speak, people listen. From blockbuster movies to hit songs and viral social media posts, celebrities hold the power to influence millions. But as the world gears up for COP29, the question on many lips is this: Should celebrities be taking center stage at climate change events, or is their involvement just a way to boost their own clout? In Nigeria, where the effects of climate change are felt daily, this debate is heating up fast.
Nigerian Stars Enter the Climate Scene
In recent years, Nigerian celebrities have joined the global conversation on climate change. Stars like Burna Boy, who has spoken about the need for greener cities and sustainable living, and popular influencers using their platforms to promote eco-friendly practices, have garnered praise from environmental advocates. But the question remains: Is their involvement helping to tackle the climate crisis, or is it just noise?
Nigeria is not just another country in the climate change narrative. As Africa’s most populous nation, we’re on the frontlines of the climate battle. Our farmers face unpredictable seasons, floods destroy homes in Lagos, and desertification is pushing communities in the North to the brink. With all this going on, should we be relying on celebrities to push the climate agenda forward, or is it time for real, hands-on solutions?
The Influence of Celebrity Power
Let’s be honest—Nigerians love their celebrities. Whether it’s Davido dropping a new hit or Tiwa Savage slaying the red carpet, our stars have a way of capturing our attention like no other. So, it makes sense that when they talk about climate change, people sit up and take notice. Celebrities have the ability to reach millions of Nigerians, especially young people, in a way that scientists and policymakers often can’t.
Take the #EndSARS movement, for example. The involvement of high-profile artists and influencers helped the cause gain global recognition. Could the same happen with climate change? Could Burna Boy’s tweets about sustainability spark a national movement? Could Toke Makinwa’s support for eco-friendly fashion help Nigerians rethink their relationship with the environment?
But Is It Enough?
Here’s the catch: while celebrities can bring attention to climate issues, their involvement sometimes feels more like a trend than a serious commitment. Let’s not forget that some of these celebrities promoting sustainability are the same ones jetting off to exotic locations on private planes or driving fuel-guzzling luxury cars. It’s hard to take the “save the planet” message seriously when it’s coming from someone whose lifestyle contradicts the very cause they’re advocating for.
Nigerians are becoming more climate-aware, and we’re smart enough to see through superficial activism. It’s one thing to post a picture planting trees, but what happens after the cameras are off? Are these celebrities genuinely invested in finding solutions to Nigeria’s climate problems, or are they using the issue to score points with their audience?
The Nigerian Climate Reality
For everyday Nigerians, climate change isn’t a distant issue. It’s not a hashtag or a trending topic—it’s real life. The floods that hit Lagos aren’t just affecting someone far away; they’re washing away homes, businesses, and livelihoods. The droughts in the North aren’t just statistics in a report; they’re driving families into poverty and fueling conflict over scarce resources.
Our government’s response to climate change has been slow, but local organizations like SustyVibes, and youth activists are stepping up to fill the gap. But here’s the thing: these grassroots movements rarely get the spotlight. While celebrities dominate the conversation, the real work is being done quietly by young people, farmers, and community leaders who understand the urgency of the situation.
Yay or Nay? Do Celebrities Help or Harm the Climate Cause?
This brings us to the big question: Should celebrities even be involved in climate events like COP29? On one hand, their star power can bring much-needed attention to the climate crisis, especially here in Nigeria, where issues like poverty and insecurity often dominate the headlines. On the other hand, there’s a risk that celebrity involvement could overshadow the real work that needs to be done. When a celebrity walks into a room full of climate experts and grassroots activists, the cameras naturally shift toward them. But does this shift focus away from critical policy discussions?
Moreover, there’s the question of authenticity. If a celebrity is only talking about climate change for a few weeks around COP or Earth Day, how much of a difference are they really making? And more importantly, are they using their platform to push for long-term solutions, or is this just another PR stunt?
Leading up to the Pre-COP29 Stakeholders’ Hangout
This is exactly what we’ll be exploring in our upcoming Twitter Space discussion on: “Celebrities at COP Events – Yay or Nay?” It’s set to be a lively conversation as we dissect the role of public figures in global climate events and whether their involvement truly benefits the fight against climate change. The conversation doesn’t stop there, though. Our Twitter Space will also serve as a precursor to a larger event happening next month—the Pre-COP29 Stakeholders’ Hangout in Abuja.
This event will bring together journalists, civil society organizations (CSOs), policy stakeholders, and climate advocacy professionals for an engaging discussion on communicating Nigeria’s climate perspective as we head into COP29. With the world watching, it’s crucial that Nigeria’s stance on climate action is not only heard but amplified. The Pre-COP29 Hangout will be a space for key players in the climate arena to exchange ideas, build collaborations, and strategize on how best to communicate and advocate for Nigeria’s climate goals.
The Road Ahead: From Hype to Action
The effectiveness of celebrity involvement boils down to commitment. Are these public figures willing to advocate for policy changes, collaborate with climate experts, and engage consistently beyond the occasional post or event appearance? The Nigerian public is slowly but surely becoming increasingly climate-conscious, and are increasingly being able to distinguish between superficial activism and genuine commitment.
So, whether you think it’s a yay or nay for celebrities at COP, one thing is certain: climate change needs all the attention it can get. But it’s important that the voices most impacted by the crisis—Nigerian farmers, youth, and activists—are not overshadowed by celebrity glamour. True climate justice requires more than just star power; it needs sustained, accountable, and inclusive action.
Join us in the conversation this Saturday at 7pm and tune in to our Twitter Space and contribute to the conversation. We’re having this conversation to ready for the Pre-COP29 Stakeholders’ Hangout happening in October, where climate stakeholders can come together to chart a path forward in Nigeria’s climate action. It’s time to ensure Nigeria’s climate story is told by those on the frontlines, and you have a role to play in shaping that narrative. Let’s move beyond the hype and get to the heart of the matter: real climate action.