Long-term changes in daily weather patterns, such as temperature, humidity, rainfall, and sunshine, lead to environmental change in Nigeria and worldwide. Human activities have contributed to the issues even if there are natural changes. Nigeria’s diverse ecosystems, which range from dry areas in the north to coastal regions in the south, make it vulnerable to environmental change. The country is experiencing rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events, all of which impact socioeconomic stability, agriculture, public health, and water resources.
Over the past few decades, there has been an increase in temperature, with many regions experiencing extended periods of heat. This warming trend increases Drought conditions, particularly in the northern part of the country. The Sahel region, which includes northern Nigeria, is highly vulnerable to desertification. As temperatures rise, the desert moves towards the south, reducing cultivated land and affecting agricultural productivity. This shift threatens food security, increases poverty, and leads to migration as people leave their homes searching for more hospitable environments.
Many communities lose their homes as a result of heavy floods.
In addition to rising temperatures, the country faces different shifts in rainfall patterns. The rainy season has become more unpredictable, with some areas experiencing heavy rainfall and others facing long-term dry spells. These unpredictable rainfall patterns directly impact agriculture, a critical sector for the country’s Economy and livelihoods. Farmers, who rely on traditional knowledge to predict the seasons, need help to plan their planting and harvesting schedules. Crop failures have become more common, leading to food shortages and higher prices, particularly affecting the poor.
Global warming is causing extreme weather events, such as storms and floods, to occur more frequently and with greater severity in the country. Coastal areas, including the populated metropolis of Lagos, are particularly vulnerable to flooding. When heavy rains and Rising sea levels come together, low-lying communities flood, severely damaging homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Communities lose their homes as a result of these floods, which makes environmental refugees in the nation. These emergencies have major financial repercussions, which put a burden on public finances and restrict growth initiatives.
Water resources in Nigeria are also under threat from climate change.
The nation already has serious problems with Sanitation and water supply problems, which are made worse by shifting weather patterns. Rivers and lakes are reducing in the north due to less rainfall and increasing temperatures that cause evaporation rates to increase. The millions of people who rely on this essential body of water for agriculture, fishing, and drinking water would suffer greatly due to its reduction. Flooding in the south pollutes freshwater supplies, endangering people’s health. The transmission of water-related illnesses is facilitated by a lack of water and low water quality, which puts more pressure on the healthcare system.
Since the vectors that spread diseases like dengue fever and Malaria prefer warmer, wetter environments, rising temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns promote the growth of these illnesses. Extreme heat waves can also increase pre-existing medical issues and cause heat stress, especially in vulnerable groups like the elderly and young children. Food Insecurity fuels malnutrition, which reduces the population’s resistance to illnesses and feeds an endless cycle of health and socioeconomic problems. Also, Weather patterns directly impact agriculture, which employs a major section of the people, resulting in lower earnings and higher Poverty rates.
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However, the shift from rural to urban areas limits weak urban services and Infrastructure and increases unemployment. Addressing the effects of environmental change in the country requires various approaches. Mitigation efforts are essential, such as reducing Greenhouse gas Emissions through sustainable practices and adopting Renewable Energy sources. However, given the already evident impacts, adaptation strategies are equally important. These include developing resilient agricultural practices, improving water management systems, and enhancing disaster preparedness and response. Strengthening institutional capacity and ensuring adequate funding for climate initiatives are also critical.