By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
A Nigerian climate activist, Gloria Bulus, has emerged the recipient of the Alfredo Sirkis Memorial Green Ring Award.
The award is given to outstanding activists who make outstanding contribution towards solving the challenges of climate change in their community.
The event which held virtually, was presented to Gloria Bulus by the former U.S Vice-President, Al Gore, during the 44th Climate Reality Leadership Corps Global Training.
Gore commended Gloria Bulus, the founder and Executive Director of Bridge that Gap, a Kaduna-based Non Governmental Organisation, and other climate change activists for making impact on the reality of climate change.
“Previously called the Green Ring Award, the Alfredo Sirkis Memorial Green Ring Award was recently renamed to honour the life and legacy of former Brazil Branch Director and climate champion Alfredo Sirkis.
“Sirkis passed away earlier this year and his family honoured his request that he goes to his final rest wearing his Climate Reality Green Ring.
“Gloria Bulus, Firman, Loria and Guinee, exemplify the purpose and heart of what it means to be a Climate Reality Leader.
“The awardees have led efforts to educate their communities about the climate crisis and worked to build support for critical solutions.
“They have collectively mentored hundreds of trainees through the process of becoming Climate Reality Leaders.
“Their tireless dedication to educating and mobilising people around urgent climate action is exactly the kind of inclusive, community-based leadership we need to solve the climate crisis and create a better future for ourselves and future generations.
“In response to COVID-19, Climate Reality moved programming online to ensure that climate activists around the world could participate in the movement for climate solutions safely and effectively.
“More than 10,000 people signed up for the virtual training, which included educational panel discussions, keynotes, and presentations from world-class scientists, NGO and business leaders, and grassroots organisers.
“Upon completion of the program, participants joined a network of more than 21,000 Climate Reality Leaders from 154 countries around the world.
“The climate activists work together to build public awareness of global climate challenges, share the good news about the practical solutions in our hands today.
“They are strengthening public support for leaders at all levels of society, who are committed to climate action.”
