Quick Case – THE SOOT LIFE EXPECTANCY (NIGERIA)
THE SOOT LIFE EXPECTANCY (NIGERIA)
The Extra Step Initiative: campaign spotlights the effect of soot on the lifespan of Nigerians and pushes for changes in law
Brief Description
Soot pollution in Nigeria’s Rivers State, attributed to oil bunkering, gas flaring, and illegal refineries, has led to an alarming increase in soot levels, at times surpassing WHO guidelines by 40x. Despite its severe health impacts, national discourse has sidelined the issue.
The Soot Life Expectancy campaign launched a website (https://sootcity.com/) to raise
awareness on the impact of this pollution on the life expectancy of Rivers State residents, calculating its decline based on years spent in the area.
An extensive communication campaign encouraged individuals to explore their
recalculated life expectations. Furthermore, the website’s link to LED billboards across the country ensured that real-time updates on life expectancy were accessible to the public.
The website also automatically generated a letter on behalf of every visitor who checked their life expectancy to be sent to every one of Nigeria’s senators, each message urging them to end the soot problem.
Why is it significant?
Technology plays a pivotal role in amplifying the message and spurring collective action.
More than 42 thousand letters were sent, sparking productive discourse amongst Nigerian citizens. The topic reached #2, trending in the country.
This collective initiative raised awareness and urged political discourse and change regarding the effects of the oil industry’s byproducts on Nigerians’ life expectancy.
Addressing environmental pollution in Nigeria aimed not only to protect public health and preserve the environment but also to uphold fundamental human rights and promote sustainable development, contributing to a healthier, more prosperous future for the nation.