Natural article — Nigeria faces climate change challenges, demanding urgent efforts to safeguard its fragile environment and ensure sustainable development for future generations.
Edited and Compiled by Fadekanmi kikelomo basirat
The Polytechnic Ile-Ife, Osun State
Nigeria has fallen nine places to rank 26th in this year’s Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI). Dropping from its previous 17th position in 2024, the country now faces a mixed performance, scoring high in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions and Energy Use, low in Climate Policy, and very low in Renewable Energy. This stark decline underscores the growing impact of climate change, a challenge that threatens not only the environment but also the economy and livelihoods across the country.
Climate change has become one of the most significant challenges facing Nigeria, with far-reaching effects on nature, ecosystems, species survival, and biodiversity. The drastic shifts in the climate are felt across the nation, necessitating thorough research and the implementation of practical solutions.
In Northern Nigeria, desertification and drought have devastated major states such as Borno, Yobe, Sokoto, Katsina, and Kano. The Sahara Desert’s encroachment southward continues to cause the loss of arable land, while the increased frequency of droughts significantly reduces agricultural productivity, threatening livelihoods. Shrinking water bodies, including Lake Chad, have far-reaching consequences, displacing millions of people and affecting wildlife.
Southern Nigeria, too, is not spared from this environmental crisis. Rising sea levels and coastal erosion are ravaging key coastal states like Lagos, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers. Low-lying areas, particularly Lagos and the Niger Delta, face severe flooding as sea levels rise. Coastal erosion is destroying infrastructure, farmland, and settlements. Saltwater intrusion further threatens freshwater sources, negatively impacting agriculture and drinking water supplies.
Central and Eastern Nigeria are battling irregular rainfall patterns in states like Plateau, Benue, Niger, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu. These changes disrupt farming, which is the primary livelihood in these regions. Flash floods caused by heavy rains destroy homes, roads, and farmlands, while reduced water availability impacts hydroelectric power generation, particularly from dams like Kainji and Shiroro.
Urban centers in Nigeria, including Lagos, Abuja, and Kano, are increasingly grappling with heatwaves and flooding. Rising temperatures contribute to the urban heat island effect, leading to increased heat-related illnesses. Inadequate drainage systems exacerbate flooding during heavy rains. Bolaji Shogbade, a middle-aged trader in Oshodi, states that the rising heatwaves have become a serious health issue, outweighing the gains of her business.
Climate change in Nigeria is a nationwide challenge that affects the environment, agriculture, water resources, and livelihoods. While the regional impacts vary, the effects are deeply interconnected, necessitating coordinated efforts to mitigate and adapt to these changes. It is crucial that all hands are on deck to protect Nigeria’s lands, lives, and economy from the dangers of pollution and climate destruction.
Discover more from DnewsInfo
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
