From Cameroon to Kenya: Nils in Action for Climate Justice

Nils’ story begins with a year of volunteering in Cameroon and continues with his studies in environmental engineering in Kenya. Along the way, his view of sustainability has evolved — shaped by everyday experiences and a growing understanding of how environmental challenges are addressed in different contexts.

When Nils travelled to Cameroon in 2018 as the first volunteer from his German sending organization, he had a basic goal in mind: contribute meaningfully during his volunteer service. An avid cyclist, he brought with him an interest in sustainability. But his time in Cameroon challenged his assumptions — and started reshaping his understanding of climate justice.

Learning from everyday practices

In daily life, Nils observed something that struck him: Cameroonians reusing goods, fixing items instead of replacing them, and sharing transport. These weren’t framed as 'climate actions' – but to him, they reflected a lifestyle that consumed fewer resources and had a smaller environmental footprint than what he was used to in Germany.

At the local school, children were taught how to ride the bikes – promoting a sustainable mode of transport that offered not only mobility, but also served as a practical tool for hands-on learning. For many children who had previously walked long distances to school, it meant discovering a practical and low-cost means of transportation.

A shift in perspective

Back in Germany, Nils continued working on environmental issues and began studying environmental engineering. But something felt incomplete. The experiences in Cameroon had made it clear: many countries in the Global South are already living more sustainably – and there is much to learn from them. “Even before my volunteer time in Cameroon, I was interested in environmental protection. What really struck me there – and what I took with me – is that many African countries are already far ahead of us in that field.”

This realisation led him to Kenya in 2023 for an internship, and he enrolled in a Master’s program at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology one year later. For him, it was a natural continuation of the learning journey that had started during his volunteer service. 

“Kenya has a very small ecological footprint. If we want to work on climate action in Europe, we can learn an incredible amount from countries that are already far ahead of us in this respect. In addition, we Europeans still have a lot of work to do on fair cooperation with countries in the Global South.”

Sustainability, from the ground up

Alongside his studies, Nils engaged in practical climate work:

• Loss and Damage Youth Coalition: As a member of the LDYC, he supports youth-led demands for climate justice and accountability – including ahead of COP28 during the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi.

• Practical insights with UNHCR: Before starting his master’s studies in Kenya, he completed an internship within UNHCR’s Greening and Sustainability team in Nairobi, focusing on climate-related initiatives — for example, supporting efforts to replace diesel generators with solar panels in refugee camps in Kenya and Chad.

• Grassroots Connections: Well connected within the Kenyan climate movement, including Fridays for Future Kenya, he plants trees, joins protests, and collaborates with local activists. “Their urgency inspires me – they’re fighting droughts we caused.”

• Storytelling for Climate Justice: Through articles and videos for the platform Energie & Klimaschutz, he reports on environmental and sustainability issues in Kenya – shedding light on local initiatives, global responsibilities, and the push for a just energy transition.

Facing Global Injustice

As Steering Committee Representative of Europe for the Loss and Damage Youth Coalition, Nils took part in the Africa Climate Summit and COP28 – building on his earlier involvement in the coalition.

“The biggest injustice? Those who contribute least to climate change suffer most. We need reparations, not charity.” He adds: “Take Germany, for example – it has contributed massively to global emissions. I find it shameful that European governments do everything to repair climate damage at home, but fail to show the same commitment when the damage happens elsewhere – like here in Africa.”

Looking Ahead

Now based in Juja, 40 km from Nairobi, Nils still cycles every day — a habit that continues to draw attention. “Sometimes people take notice, but I don’t mind – cycling is simply practical.” 

His advice to future volunteers? 
“Just do it. For me, there’s a clear connection between what I learned through my volunteer service in Cameroon, and what I’m doing now,” he says – reflecting on how his earlier experiences continue to shape his life until today.

Key Takeaways from Nils

🌍 The Global South’s Strengths: Low footprints, repair cultures, and community-driven systems offer climate solutions.

🎓 Reverse Learning: Kenya’s low-footprint lifestyle and bold environmental policies is what we should take as an example when we want to work on climate action in Europe.

🚲 Small Acts, Big Impact: From bike donations to solar panels, sustainability requires humility and local partnerships