Climate Change Impact in Nigeria: A Call to Action -By Deborah Sunday

Climate change poses a significant threat to ecosystems, economies, and livelihoods worldwide, and Nigeria is no exception. The impacts of climate change in Nigeria are increasingly evident, affecting agriculture, water resources, health, and overall socio-economic stability. There is the need to explores the specific challenges faced by Nigeria due to climate change and emphasizes the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate and adapt to these changes.

One of the most immediate and noticeable impacts of climate change in Nigeria is on agriculture. Changing rainfall patterns, increased temperatures, and extreme weather events have disrupted traditional farming practices, leading to reduced crop yields and food insecurity. Staple crops such as maize, millet, and sorghum are particularly vulnerable, impacting the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers.

Climate change is exacerbating water scarcity issues in Nigeria. Erratic rainfall and prolonged droughts affect water availability for agriculture, domestic use, and hydropower generation. Additionally, rising sea levels threaten coastal areas, contaminating freshwater sources and causing saltwater intrusion, particularly in the Niger Delta region.

Changing climate patterns contribute to the spread of vector-borne diseases such as malaria and waterborne diseases like cholera. Extreme heat events can also pose health risks, especially for vulnerable populations. Inadequate access to healthcare facilities and limited resources for disease prevention and control compound these challenges, making communities more susceptible to climate-related health issues.

The economic impact of climate change in Nigeria is multifaceted. Agricultural losses directly affect the livelihoods of a large percentage of the population, while extreme weather events disrupt transportation, infrastructure, and energy supply. These disruptions can lead to increased unemployment, migration, and social unrest, further straining the nation’s economy.

Nigeria’s rich biodiversity is under threat due to climate change. Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns affect ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, and savannahs. This disruption endangers plant and animal species, leading to biodiversity loss and disrupting ecological balance. The degradation of natural habitats also contributes to the loss of essential ecosystem services.

In addressing the impacts of climate change in Nigeria, a multi-faceted approach is required to accelerate the shift towards renewable energy sources such as solar and wind to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gas emissions, promote sustainable agricultural practices, including agroforestry, crop diversification, and efficient water management, to enhance resilience to climate change and protect food security. And also Implement effective water resource management strategies to ensure sustainable use, reduce wastage, and address the impacts of changing precipitation patterns. Invest in climate-resilient infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events and protect communities, particularly in vulnerable coastal areas. Raise awareness about climate change impacts and build the capacity of local communities to adapt to changing conditions. This includes education on sustainable practices, early warning systems, and disaster preparedness. Develop and implement comprehensive climate change policies at national and regional levels, incorporating adaptation and mitigation measures into broader development plans.

DEBORAH SUNDAY
Mass Communication Department
Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic Bauchi
And can be reach via choicelove35@gmail.com