Short History
Founded in 2013, the International Climate Change Development Initiative (ICCDI) began as Sub-Saharan Africa’s foremost weekly Twitter discourse on climate change. ICCDI aims to create climate-smart generations in Africa by addressing climate change challenges and development disparities. Using social media to inform, connect, and empower young people, ICCDI has evolved into a well-recognized organization committed to climate advocacy and education.
Organizational Work
ICCDI prioritizes several key areas, such as Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction, Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security, Renewable Energy, Youth Leadership and Development, and Biodiversity Conservation. One of its primary activities is public education and awareness building. Programs like “Teach Recycling Early” in primary and secondary schools aim to educate students on environmental sustainability. Executives and volunteers regularly visit member schools to provide resource materials and tools, helping students understand and engage in environmental protection projects.
In advocacy, ICCDI utilizes the #ClimateWednesday campaign to call on government leaders to enact environmentally sustainable policies. The organization also organizes capacity-building and training workshops to engage the broader public. These initiatives ensure that many stakeholders, from grassroots communities to policy-makers, are informed about and involved in climate action.
ICCDI is deeply involved in community projects, conducting clean-up campaigns to address choked gutters and carrying out tree-planting initiatives. These efforts help mitigate environmental degradation and promote greener, healthier communities. Additionally, ICCDI runs skills acquisition programs, supports small-scale farming, and provides soft loans to empower women and youth, directly contributing to sustainable development and poverty reduction.
ICCDI’s results include educating thousands of students on recycling and sustainability, successfully advocating for policy changes through social media campaigns, and implementing community projects that benefit local environments and communities. Notably, the organization has reduced carbon footprints by replacing kerosene lamps with solar lights under the African Women Energy Entrepreneurs Framework (AWEEF). The “Raising Awareness on Net Zero in Nigeria” (RANZ Nigeria Project) supports Nigeria’s low-carbon transition by engaging communities and media to drive advocacy and practical actions towards achieving net-zero emissions.
Network and Professional Linkages
ICCDI has established strong networks within Nigeria, collaborating with local schools, community organizations, government bodies, and international entities such as the UN Environment and United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR). These partnerships and connections enhance ICCDI’s ability to drive impactful climate action and policy advocacy.
Funding and Organizational Support
ICCDI relies on donations and grants from various entities and individuals to support its climate initiatives. The organization has a strong team of professionals with expertise in climate change, environmental sustainability, and sustainable development. The organization comprises eight management team members and volunteers who work together to achieve its objectives.
This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard Nigeria Country Manager Michael Johnson.
Organization:
International Climate Change Development Initiative (ICCDI)
Address: 5 University Road, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria.
Website: https://www.iccdiafrica.org/
Tel: 2348028042400
Email: info@iccdiafrica.org
Contact Information:
Founder/Executive Director: Olumide Idowu (Mr. Climate)
Linkedln: linkedin.com/in/oidowu
X Space: @OlumideIDOWU