Dear Earth

Dear Planet Earth,

You have held and guided us through times of plenty and times of hardship, each season bringing its lessons. Our revered ancestors taught us to honor and care for you, for they understood your beauty, your gentleness, and your strength. But today, my heart is heavy, for I know we are testing those limits.

Inspecting large scale solar projects in Nigeria. Photo: ©SEforALL

Climate change has become a raging storm. The sun, which brings life to our crops, now feels harsh and unforgiving as droughts linger longer. The rains come unpredictably, often with violent storms that wash away our homes and crops. In my homeland, Nigeria, and across Africa, our farmers—the backbone of our communities—feel the strain as they rely on the seasons to yield their harvests, feed their families, and earn a living. The earth beneath us grows weary, and we can no longer pretend these changes are not felt, for they are writ large on every stretch of land, every drop of water, and every gust of wind.

We also see opportunities to use modern science to harness wind and rainwater to address energy and water access challenges.

With STEM students. Photo: ©SEforALL

And there is promise, too, in the innovation of our people. Africa has an abundance of youth, dreamers, and thinkers who imagine a world where we harness clean energy to light our homes, our industries, our schools, and our hospitals.

Delivering a speech on behalf of the UN Secretary-General at the global stocktaking marking the completion of the UN Decade of Sustainable Energy for All. Photo: ©United Nations

So, Planet Earth, I make this promise on behalf of all who call you home: we will do better. We will turn to clean energy sources and rid the world of pollution, choking fumes, and destruction. As a modern woman, I welcome progress that advances principles learnt from nature, such as justice and equity, and I promise to pass on the legacy of stewardship to my children and to all whose lives I will touch. We cherish you, our forever home.

With love and devotion, 
Your humble warrior, Damilola

CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, and Co-Chair of UN-Energy