By GARBA MUHAMMAD

The EduMedia Climate Reform on Health Initiative (e-MICH) has launched a TV Podcast to strengthen public enlightenment and amplify advocacy on climate change, health, education, environmental sustainability and the One Health agenda.

The organisation announced the initiative in Kaduna on Sunday as part of activities marking World Animal Day 2026, with a call on Nigerians to move beyond awareness and take practical action to protect animals, ecosystems and human health.

In a statement signed by its Director of Strategic Communication, Dr. Hadiza Abdullahi, e-MICH said the new TV Podcast would provide a platform for expert interviews, community voices, evidence-based conversations and public enlightenment on climate change, education, public and environmental health, One Health, WASH, biodiversity and animal health.

According to the organisation, the platform is intended to bridge the gap between scientific and policy discussions and ordinary citizens by translating complex climate, environmental, health and development issues into accessible and actionable information.

It will also promote climate literacy, health education, environmental awareness and informed citizenship, particularly among young people and communities.

e-MICH warned that extreme heat, prolonged droughts, floods, wildfires, water scarcity and changing rainfall patterns are increasingly threatening wildlife and livestock, destroying habitats and reducing access to water, pasture and food.

It noted that the consequences extend beyond animals and the environment to human health, food security, livelihoods, education and community resilience, especially among populations heavily dependent on livestock and natural resources.

The organisation stressed that human, animal and environmental health are interconnected, making stronger implementation of the One Health approach critical to addressing emerging health and environmental challenges.

It called on governments, development partners, civil society organisations, educational institutions, communities and the media to strengthen ecosystem protection, climate-resilient water management, sustainable livestock practices, disease surveillance, biodiversity conservation and protection of forests, wetlands and other natural habitats.

Citizens must become part of solution

e-MICH particularly challenged Nigerians to become active participants in protecting the environment rather than leaving responsibility solely to governments, scientists and environmental organisations.

It urged citizens and communities to protect wildlife and natural habitats, conserve water, plant and protect trees, keep their surroundings clean, promote responsible animal care and report activities that threaten forests, wetlands, wildlife and other natural resources.

The organisation also called on young people, students, teachers and educational institutions to champion climate and environmental awareness and translate knowledge acquired in classrooms into practical action in schools, homes and communities.

It challenged governments and policymakers to move beyond commitments and declarations to measurable action through increased investment in climate-resilient communities, environmental and health education, sustainable agriculture and livestock systems, biodiversity protection, clean water, disease prevention and effective enforcement of environmental laws.

The private sector, development partners and civil society, it added, should support community-led initiatives capable of protecting vulnerable populations, animals and ecosystems while strengthening resilience to climate change.

e-MICH also tasked journalists and media organisations with deepening climate, health, education, environmental and One Health reporting, amplifying community experiences and holding institutions accountable for commitments to climate action, biodiversity conservation, animal welfare and public health.

It urged the public to engage with the newly launched e-MICH TV Podcast, share credible climate and health information and use their voices to demand accountability and responsible environmental action.

“The time for awareness alone has passed. Awareness must lead to action, and action must begin at every level — from individuals and households to communities, institutions and governments,” the organisation said.

Reaffirming its commitment to leveraging media and education to promote sustainable development, e-MICH declared: “Protecting animals means protecting ecosystems, human health and our collective future. Every action counts, and everyone has a role to play.”