Helen Okechukwu
Nigeria finds itself at the forefront of a pressing global concern as the effects of climate change escalate. This environmental crisis poses a significant threat to the vulnerable population, exacerbating their susceptibility to socioeconomic and environmental shifts that permeate every corner of Nigeria’s landscape. The consequences of climate change span a broad spectrum, impacting various aspects of both the natural world and human systems.
The steady increase in greenhouse gas emissions, primarily driven by human activities such as fossil fuel combustion and deforestation, serves as the underlying cause behind enduring alterations in weather patterns and average temperatures. This wide-reaching phenomenon profoundly affects numerous facets of our planet, intertwining with both natural and human spheres.
According to data from CarbonBrief, Nigeria plays a significant role in global greenhouse gas emissions, ranking as the 25th largest emitter worldwide in 2018. The country’s emissions primarily stem from its energy sector, encompassing the combustion of fossil fuels for electricity generation, industrial operations, and transportation.
On a global scale, the repercussions of climate change manifest in several ways. They entail the escalation of average temperatures, the retreat of ice caps and glaciers, an upsurge in frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, and the gradual rise in sea levels. These changes impose grave consequences on ecosystems, biodiversity, agriculture, water resources, public health, and particularly vulnerable populations.
Photo: Twitter.
Nigeria is grappling with a range of pressing climate change issues that require urgent action. These challenges encompass rising sea levels, erratic rainfall patterns, soaring temperatures, and ecological disruptions. Such changes have far-reaching consequences for various industries and vulnerable regions, necessitating careful analysis of their impacts and the development of effective mitigation plans.
Recognizing the global scope of climate change is crucial, as it underscores the imperative for international collaboration and collective efforts to tackle this worldwide crisis. While the federal government emphasizes the importance of adaptive and ‘mitigative’ measures to safeguard the nation, it is equally vital to raise awareness among communities about the ramifications of climate change on sustainable development.
The livelihoods and well-being of millions of Nigerians, particularly those in marginalized areas, are immediately impacted by these changes, exerting a direct influence on critical sectors such as agriculture, water resources, public health, and infrastructure.
It is impossible to overlook the vulnerability of marginalized groups in Nigeria in the face of climate change. These communities bear a disproportionate burden of the climate crisis, often already grappling with social and economic inequality. By highlighting their vulnerability, we can emphasize the urgent need for targeted and inclusive solutions that cater to their specific needs and ensure their meaningful participation in climate change responses.
In Nigeria, marginalized groups, including rural farmers, indigenous peoples, and urban slum dwellers, face specific challenges that render them more susceptible to the impacts of climate change. These challenges encompass limited access to resources, inadequate infrastructure, limited livelihood options, and social exclusion. Consequently, they are confronted with multiple vulnerabilities in the face of climate change’s detrimental consequences.
Olaore Rafiu Akinpelu, the Executive Director of Youth Enterprise Development and Innovation Society, aptly portrays climate change as a natural disaster that affects both underserved communities locally and the global population at large.
One of the primary concerns lies in the profound impact on agriculture, which holds immense significance for the livelihoods of marginalized groups. Erratic rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and prolonged droughts disrupt agro-cyclical processes, resulting in decreased crop yields, heightened food insecurity, and financial losses. Small-scale farmers bear a disproportionate burden as they often lack the necessary resources and knowledge to adapt to these challenges.
Furthermore, marginalized communities often heavily rely on natural resources such as forests, rivers, and coastal areas for their sustenance. The threats posed by rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and ecological disruptions exacerbate their vulnerability, directly affecting their well-being, access to water, and food security.
Marginalized groups in Nigeria bear the brunt of the health impacts associated with climate change. Rising temperatures contribute to heat-related illnesses, while shifting precipitation patterns increase the transmission of waterborne infections.
Climatic conditions also influence the spread of vector-borne diseases such as malaria, further exacerbating health burdens. Limited access to healthcare services and inadequate infrastructure impede their ability to effectively manage these health issues. Addressing the vulnerability of marginalized communities requires inclusive policies that consider their unique needs, knowledge systems, and socioeconomic circumstances.
Over the past few decades, Nigeria has witnessed a notable increase in average temperatures. According to the World Bank, the mean annual temperature for Nigeria stands at 26.9°C, with monthly averages ranging from 24°C (December, January) to 30°C (April) between 1991 and 2020. Certain regions experience even higher temperature rises. These escalating temperatures have wide-ranging implications, including increased risks of heat stress, disruptions to crop production, and challenges related to water availability.
To mitigate these challenges, it is crucial to implement inclusive policies that address the specific needs of marginalized communities. This involves adopting sustainable practices, transitioning to renewable energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency, and promoting climate-resilient agricultural techniques. Furthermore, supporting sustainable livelihood alternatives, fostering community-based adaptation projects, and improving access to clean water and sanitation are essential components of comprehensive strategies to address the impacts of climate change on marginalized groups in Nigeria.
Climate change and its impacts on marginalized communities are intricately intertwined, as highlighted by Mrs. Alaje Grace Oluwatosin, a Chief Technologist analyst. “The complex relationship between climate change and water is evident, with unpredictable rainfall patterns, shrinking ice sheets, rising sea levels, floods, and droughts being some of the consequences. These changes have devastating effects on water resources, leading to significant challenges for societal resilience.”
In Nigeria, the agricultural sector, a major employer and contributor to food security, is particularly vulnerable to climate change. Erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, and shifts in pest and disease patterns have resulted in reduced agricultural yields, livestock losses, and increased food costs. This vulnerability not only endangers the livelihoods and food security of small-scale farmers but also heightens the risk of poverty and hunger.
Nigeria’s extensive coastline faces threats such as storm surges, coastal erosion, and rising sea levels. These phenomena put coastal populations at risk of displacement and loss of livelihoods. Additionally, variations in rainfall patterns affect water availability, leading to water shortages in some regions and an increased risk of flooding in others. Agriculture, hydropower production, and industrial processes are all impacted by these water-related challenges.
To address these issues, prioritizing climate change action is crucial. Implementing policies and programs that promote sustainable development, climate resilience, and inclusive strategies tailored to the needs of vulnerable populations is essential. Nigeria can benefit from international collaboration, climate funding, and knowledge-sharing platforms to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to climate change, and achieve sustainable development goals.
By advocating for targeted interventions that acknowledge the vulnerability of marginalized populations to climate change, awareness can be raised and inclusive policies can be developed to address their specific challenges. Through such collaborative efforts, society can effectively tackle the climate crisis, foster social justice, enhance resilience, and build a sustainable future for all.
