My name is Salim Maruf, and I’m 36 years old. I’m an environmental activist working to promote climate justice in Africa, particularly in the Sahel region, which is severely impacted by the effects of climate change. I’ve seen firsthand how many families have been forced to leave their homes due to desert encroachment, which has led me to collaborate with a number of organizations and launch numerous campaigns against climate change throughout Nigeria. I’ve noticed that not enough is being done to stop these threats, and my frustration drove me to start researching further and coming up with new strategies because I was afraid that one day I would realize that I could have done more. 

I got to the point where I was desperate to make someone pay for the truth I had to face. Not only was climate change stealing my future, but it was also taking away my sense of security, hope, and tranquility. Every night when I went to bed, I would imagine what would happen if things continued as they were, and I would hope that I could dream myself out of it. 

I really feel that my conversion to a change advocate began with my realization that fossil fuels and climate change are serious problems that need for quick solutions. There is a connection between fossil fuels and climate change, because fossil fuel and greenhouse gasses frequently originate from the same places, including coal-fired power stations. I was named a SDGs Mentor by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) in 2021 as a result of my efforts as a mentor and educator for climate change and other SDGs. I have also led several climate change programs around Nigeria.

I really think that we still have time to act, and I shall do so by following the words of Albert Einstein: “The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.”