By Abdullahi Alhassan Kaduna
The shutdown of the Voice of America (VOA) has sparked widespread concern among African climate reporters and environmentalists, who argue that the move represents a significant setback in the global fight against climate change, desertification, and environmental degradation.
Dr. Piman Hoffman, Director of African Climate Reporters (ACR) and Head of Regional Research, emphasized the detrimental impact of VOA's shutdown. "As a climatologist, I can attest to the vital role VOA plays in raising awareness about environmental issues, pollution, and infectious diseases, particularly among millions of listeners," Dr. Hoffman said in a statement.
For years, VOA's Hausa and Kiswahili services have been at the forefront of educating people across Africa's 54 nations on critical issues such as reducing maternal and infant mortality, curbing environmental pollution, and preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases.
Dr. Hoffman noted that VOA's daily broadcasts have taught listeners how to protect the environment from harmful human activities, including those that contribute to ozone depletion and marine pollution.
In response to the shutdown, the governing board of African Climate Reporters, in collaboration with the African Institute of Waste Management and Environmental Studies, has appealed to President Donald Trump to reconsider the decision.
"We urge President Trump to reverse the decision to shut down VOA, given its vital humanitarian services in raising awareness and driving action on environmental and health issues globally," Dr. Hoffman said.
The collective of scientists and researchers across Africa's 54 nations called on President Trump to reconsider the decision, stressing the importance of VOA's role in tackling critical issues such as environmental degradation, pollution, and the loss of biodiversity.
Tags
Breaking news/ Call