Climate change reflects the variations in the average daily weather conditions such as temperature, humidity, rainfall and sunshine of a location over an extended period. Climate change in Nigeria threatens economic growth in sectors dependent on climatic conditions.
Economic sectors such as agriculture, fishery and forestry are more predisposed to the adverse effects of climate change. The Nigerian climate has been irregular over the years, alternating between periods of extreme dry or rainy seasons.
Climate change in Nigeria has led to seasons of drought and excess flood, which affected agricultural activities and caused a loss of shelter. In 2019, the National Emergency Management Agency revealed floods had displaced approximately 1.9 million Nigerians.
In this article, you will learn other negative effects of climate change in Nigeria and recommendations to redress this challenge.
Overview of climate in Nigeria
Nigeria has a tropical climate with 2 distinct seasons: wet and dry seasons.
These seasons have varying lengths of rainy and dry seasons depending on the geographical location. For example, the southern part of Nigeria has a longer period of rainy season (March to November) than the Northern part (May to September).
Dry season is prevalent in the north coupled with high temperatures that may reach an average monthly value of 38 degrees celsius, while the mean temperature in southern Nigeria hovers around 32-33 degrees celsius. In the north, the harmattan wind, which is a dry and hot wind, blows longer than it does in southern Nigeria.
Common Causes Of Climate Change In Nigeria
Although natural hazards like volcanic eruptions contribute to climate change, scientists have now discovered that certain human activities are also responsible.
Environmental scientists associate climate change effects with the depletion of the ozone layer in the atmosphere. The ozone layer prevents the heat from the sun from reaching the earth at high intensity.
The ozone layer is depleted when certain gases are released into the atmosphere from human and natural factors. These gases are: carbon monoxide, Sulphur dioxide, chlorofluorocarbon, and similar.
When these greenhouse gases contribute to global warming, where the heat from the sun is trapped on the earth’s surface. This gradually leads to excess heat depending on depletion level and quantity of the gases emitted over time.
Human activities that cause climate change are:
- Emission of greenhouse gases from vehicles: Some vehicles emit greenhouse gases such as sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide from their exhaust.
- Burning of hydrocarbon products: This releases carbon dioxide and other gases into the atmosphere.
- Deforestation: This refers to cutting down trees, usually for agriculture. Trees form a protective barrier against the heat from the sun and cutting them down affects this purpose.
- Industrial emissions: Industrial activities and equipment produce greenhouse gases that are emitted into the atmosphere instead
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