FROM CURIOSITY TO ACTION; THE UNDERLYING POWER OF MOTIVATION.
Temitope Ausi, is an accomplished International Trade Facilitator, and the CEO of SpaceOne Strategic Business Consult Ltd, a management consultancy firm creating sustainable solutions for tomorrow’s challenges. He is committed to enhancing trade efficiency and sustainable business development, combining analytical skills with a forward-thinking approach.
In 2022, He took part in the Green Ambassadors Program organized by the African Network of Green Ambassadors and Sustainable Green Environment Initiative (SGEi), where he was awarded the best team leader. Recently, He also completed a training course with Cambridge University in Key Essentials: The Global Biodiversity Framework, Sustainable Development and the Law. His commitment to continuous learning and professional development is underscored by a robust portfolio of certifications and training programs including courses on sustainability, cybersecurity, disaster response, as well as a course in One Health in Practice: Solutions for healthy people in Biosphere reserves organized by UNESCO in 2023.
He is recognized for his leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and commitment to maximizing organizational efficiency.
Read his interview below:
What sparked your passion for climate action, and how do you stay motivated to continue making a difference?
Growing up, I was always drawn to greenery. I loved the sight of open green spaces, but over time, I watched as many of these areas were transformed into apartment buildings, houses, and hotels. One of my most vivid memories is from my first trip to the Northwest of Nigeria during my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). It was the dry season, and I remember the vast, barren land stretching endlessly without a single plant in sight. The sight made me incredibly sad.
However, when I returned in October, taking the same route back south, I was overwhelmed with joy. The once barren land was now lush and green, filled with crops and life. That moment stirred something in me—a deep realization of the power of nature’s resilience. A defining moment in my journey came during COP22, “Together We Stand,” held in Scotland. It was there that my eyes were truly opened to the future I was shaping for my children, and what kind of world I would leave behind if I didn’t take action.
That realization marked the beginning of my commitment to climate action, a path that was further solidified through the ANGA program hosted by SGEi. My motivation has always been clear: to leave a better world for my children and future generations—a world where they can adapt to climate changes with strength and resilience.
Can you share a highlight or success story from your volunteering or personal experience that inspires others to take action?
I don’t have a traditional success story, but one recent experience stands out that fuels my passion for inspiring others to take climate action. I organized an event focused on the impact of climate change and biodiversity on Nigeria’s agricultural supply chain. It wasn’t easy. In fact, it was one of the most challenging periods of my life. My wife was in the hospital at the time, and I found myself torn between ensuring she received the care she needed and putting together a successful event.
Balancing my resources—both emotional and financial—between the two was incredibly taxing. There were moments when I considered postponing or even canceling the event. But I was driven by the desire to make a difference. I went as far as skipping meals just to ensure everything went smoothly, but through it all, I remained grateful. The unwavering support I received from SGEi, particularly their encouragement and motivation, kept me going.
Looking back, I’m filled with a sense of pride. The event was a success, and now, I have young people coming to me for advice and guidance on climate change. It makes me wonder what would have happened if I hadn’t made that sacrifice.
Though the road was difficult, God, in His infinite mercy, saw me through. I didn’t walk away with any debts, but instead, with the satisfaction of knowing I contributed to a greater cause. Now, new opportunities are opening up for me—opportunities to raise even more awareness on climate change and to guide young people towards careers in sustainability and environmental management. This experience taught me that sometimes, the greatest impact comes from personal sacrifice, and that’s what keeps me inspired to do more.
How do you believe individual actions can collectively drive systemic change in addressing the climate crisis?
I believe change begins with a single individual. When one person decides to make informed, conscious changes—both in their personal life and in how they engage with the world around them—they create a ripple effect. This shift doesn’t happen all at once, but it spreads from one person to another, from two to three, and so on. This is how we can address the climate crisis—one action at a time, leading to a collective movement.
Mass action, while important, often feels overwhelming and impersonal. But when individuals start making systematic changes in their daily lives, and children are taught the importance of those changes, it creates a chain reaction. Each person becomes a change agent, and soon, communities begin to follow suit.
I truly believe that individual actions can lead to collective change. When enough of us choose to act with intention—whether by reducing our carbon footprint, conserving resources, or raising awareness—we create the momentum necessary to drive systemic solutions to the climate crisis. It’s this collective power, born from individual choices, that can reshape our future.
What advice or call-to-action would you give to someone looking to start their climate advocacy journey?
For anyone looking to start their climate advocacy journey, my advice is to first reflect on which area of climate advocacy you feel most passionate about. Climate action is a vast space, from environmental justice to policy writing, sustainable agriculture, clean energy, or biodiversity conservation. Once you’ve identified your niche, immerse yourself in that field. Seek out others who have been active in this space — learn from them, understand the issues, and familiarize yourself with the complexities of climate change.
Climate advocacy is about more than just raising awareness. It’s about publicly supporting the sustainable use of resources and pushing for solutions that address climate change, whether in local communities or at the governmental level through policy work. As an advocate, it’s important to not only speak about change but also embody it through your actions.
Look for opportunities to contribute to ongoing efforts, and always seek ways to improve the effectiveness of climate actions. By demonstrating personal commitment through both your words and deeds, you’ll inspire others to join the movement and create a ripple effect. Remember, advocacy starts with individual actions, but collectively, we can drive the systemic change necessary to tackle the climate crisis.
Are you fueled to take action? We hope you enjoyed reading Temitope’s story as much as we enjoyed hearing it from him
