- By Adebayo Matthew Adeleye
Although climate change is a scientific phenomenon, it is no longer a foreign concept to the average citizen. The term climate change refers to the long-term warming of planet Earth caused by an increase in the average temperature across global space. This phenomenon is essentially due to anthropogenic activities (which include burning fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) for energy, deforestation and land use change, agriculture and livestock, industrial processes and transportation) that result in the release of greenhouse gases (GHG ) such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), fluorinated gases and ozone (O3) into the atmosphere. The excess heat from the sun should normally return to space, but greenhouse gases trap the heat in the atmosphere (greenhouse effect). This trapped heat in large quantities subsequently leads to warming of the Earth's atmosphere and oceans (global warming). The consequence of this can be observed in the following effects:
Increase in global temperatures
Increasing the heat content of water bodies
Melting of glaciers and ice sheets in polar regions
The result of this is the phenomenon of climate change, which is usually indicated by:
Extreme weather conditions (heat waves, droughts, floods, etc.)
Sea level rise and erosion of coastal areas.
Changes in rainfall patterns and water scarcity
Loss of biodiversity and disruption of the ecosystem.
Response of the international community to climate change
Research on climate change has since intensified and is still ongoing: scientists such as Charles David Keeling (1958) and James Hansen (1981) continued to study and warn about climate change and emphasize the role of human activities.
climate models; Simple climate models have been developed to simulate the effects of increased greenhouse gas emissions on global temperatures.
Historical background
This historical background highlights the progress of climate change awareness, research and international cooperation.
International cooperation and awareness (1990s-2000s)
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): Adopted in 1992, this international treaty aimed to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations and curb climate change.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC): Founded in 1988, the IPCC provides scientific advice to policymakers and publishes comprehensive assessment reports on climate change.
Kyoto Protocol: This protocol, adopted in 1997, sets binding emissions targets for industrialized countries.
Contemporary era (2010s-present)
Paris Agreement: Adopted in 2015, this agreement sets the global goal of limiting warming to well below 2°C and making efforts to limit it to 1.5°C.
Increased climate activism: Growing concerns about climate change have led to increased activism, protests and calls for urgent action from governments and companies.
Climate Change Impacts and Awareness: The frequency and severity of climate-related disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, and droughts have increased public awareness and concern about climate change.
Nigeria's response to the problem of climate change
In Nigeria, the effects of climate change are noticeable and threatening as a global and transboundary phenomenon.
Impact of Climate Change in Nigeria:
Temperature rise*: Nigeria is expected to experience a temperature rise of up to 3.2°C by 2050, leading to more frequent heatwaves.
Changing rainfall patterns*: Climate change is changing rainfall patterns, causing droughts in some areas and floods in others.
Sea level rise*: Coastal erosion and flooding are becoming increasingly common in Nigerian coastal communities such as Lagos and Port Harcourt.
Water shortages*: Changing rainfall patterns and increased evaporation due to warmer temperatures are causing water shortages in some regions.
Loss of biodiversity*: Climate change is changing ecosystems and leading to the loss of biodiversity and the extinction of many plant and animal species.
Vulnerability to Climate Change in Nigeria:
Agriculture: Climate change impacts agricultural productivity, leading to food insecurity and economic losses.
Water resources: Changing rainfall patterns and increased evaporation impact water availability and quality.
Human health: Climate change is increasing the spread of disease, heat stress and other health problems.
Economy: Climate change is impacting Nigeria's economy, particularly in the agricultural and energy sectors.
Nigerian Government Response to Climate Change:
National Climate Change Policy: Nigeria has developed a National Climate Change Policy to guide its response to climate change.
Climate Change Act: The Nigerian government has enacted a Climate Change Act to create a legal framework to combat climate change.
Renewable energy targets*: Nigeria has set renewable energy targets to increase the share of renewable energy in its energy mix.
Opportunities for climate protection in Nigeria:
Renewable Energy: Nigeria has significant potential for the development of renewable energy, particularly solar and wind energy.
Energy efficiency: Improving energy efficiency in buildings, industry and transportation can reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Sustainable agriculture: Promoting sustainable agricultural practices can improve agricultural productivity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resilience to climate change.
Climate-resilient infrastructure: Investing in climate-resilient infrastructure such as dikes and green roofs can reduce the impacts of climate change.
DIPLOMA
For the Nigerian government to actively work to mitigate climate change, it is important to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through sustainable practices such as:
Research to develop alternative materials with a low carbon footprint
Transition to renewable energy sources
Improving energy efficiency
Electrifying transportation
Carbon capture and storage
Sustainable land use practices
•Adebayo Matthew, Adeleye (Ph.D., Ibadan) is a
Environmental Pollution and Control Researcher
[email protected] +234 803 525 6450