Rooted Rising Initiative Collaborates on Look Beyond Oil: Tales by Moonlight

Rooted Rising Initiative joined activists, students, academics, and young people at the Look Beyond Oil: Tales by Moonlight gathering, an intergenerational dialogue designed to spark critical conversations about Nigeria's dependence on fossil fuels and the pathways toward a more just and sustainable future.

Setting the tone for the evening was Rooted Rising's Gender and Inclusion Lead, Chidera Onwuzuruike, who delivered a powerful reflection on ecofeminism and its relevance to communities living on the frontlines of environmental degradation.

Drawing from the lived realities of oil-producing regions, Chidera highlighted how environmental pollution and extractive industries often deepen existing inequalities, particularly for women and girls. She spoke about the everyday consequences of contaminated water sources, polluted air, and damaged ecosystems, emphasizing that environmental crises are not experienced equally.

"Women and girls are often the first to feel the impact when the environment is harmed," she noted, pointing to the increased burden of caregiving, the struggle to access clean water, and the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to pollution.

Her contribution challenged participants to see environmental justice and gender justice as inseparable. By framing the conversation through an ecofeminist lens, she underscored the need for a transition away from fossil fuels that not only protects ecosystems but also addresses the social inequalities that environmental destruction reinforces.

The gathering created a vibrant space for storytelling, reflection, and learning across generations. Participants shared experiences from their communities, examined the long-term impacts of oil extraction, and explored collective visions for a future rooted in sustainability, equity, and community resilience.

For Rooted Rising Initiative, the event reaffirmed the importance of centering marginalized voices in climate conversations and ensuring that the pursuit of a post-oil future leaves no one behind.

We extend our appreciation to LincGreen Climate Change Initiative for creating this important platform for dialogue, learning, and collective imagination.

As conversations around climate justice continue to grow, Rooted Rising Initiative remains committed to amplifying community voices and advancing solutions that are both environmentally sustainable and socially just.

We are looking beyond oil—and imagining a future where people, communities, and the planet can thrive together.