Climate change and the disastrous rain & flooding in Nigeria ~ by Charles Ude

This early month of July 2024 has seen unprecedented rainfall and floods with devasting effects all over Nigeria particularly, Lagos and Abuja. For example, the flooding at Trademore Estate Lugbe, FCT Abuja in June of 2023 and June 2024 showed the devastating damage that can result from sudden heavy rain; this caused the flooding of about 2,000 properties and left 50,000 people without mains water and electricity.

We are yet to determine the full extent of the Lagos flooding which affected Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Lekki and parts of Lagos mainland. With buildings collapse, business and commercial activities grounded following a 10-hour downpour. Mr Tokunbo Wahab Lagos Sate Honourable commissioner for Environment and water resources in his reaction to the flooding in Lagos attributed it to heavy rainfall and high tides.

But on Thursday edition of Channel Television’s the Morning Brief’, he stated’’ that it was nature taking its full course’’ and failed to blame it on Climate change and its impact. An Environmental expert, Prof Adeniji Gbadegeshin, of the Department of Geography, University of Ibadan. UI, ‘has said Lagos State is sinking due to the effects of climate change’. The Government of Nigeria has further warned that the FCT and eighteen (18) States should expect more rains and flooding this month of July 2024.

Nigeria faces many challenges in her effort to advance its socio-economic and environmental development. A particular challenge is climate change that continues to portend serious threat to the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the country.

This is because Nigeria is strongly predisposed to severe negative impacts of climate change due to its fragile economy, weak resilience, and low adaptive capacity, as much of the economy is dependent on climate sensitive ecosystems and natural resources. For example, the agriculture sector, which contributes about 24% to the country’s GDP and largely rain-fed, is highly vulnerable to climate change induced frequent and severe extreme events, such as floods and droughts.

What is climate change?

Climate change is one of the greatest threats facing the world today; the average surface temperature of the earth increased by around 0.7°C in the last half century and around 0.4°C of this warming has occurred since the 1970s; it is predicted to continue rising (Climate Change Law by Ronison, J.Barton, J and McDowell, page 25).

At present, just over 7 billion tonnes of it is emitted globally each year through fossil fuel use, and an additional 1.6 billion tonnes are emitted by land use change, largely by deforestation. The concentrations of these gases in the atmosphere have now reached levels unprecedented for tens of thousands of years.

Climate change is a complex environmental problem because of its long-term uncertain timeframe, scales of occurrence, differential impacts and vulnerabilities, as well as equity and justice within the global power asymmetries. Climate change is aggravating environmental issues such as deforestation and land degradation, freshwater shortage, food insecurity as well air and water pollution. Projected increases in extreme climatic events as well as more changes in the weather patterns may further threaten the means of livelihoods of billions of people in the face of inaction.

Climate change in Nigeria refers to the long-term changes in weather patterns and environmental conditions caused by human activities and natural processes. It encompasses shifts in temperature, precipitation patterns, sea level rise, extreme weather events, and changes in ecosystems. It poses significant challenges to various sectors of the economy, ecosystems, and human well-being. Implementing effective mitigation and adaptation strategies is crucial for mitigating the impacts of climate change and ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for Nigeria.

Global warming is caused by the accumulation of greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide (CO₂), in the Earth’s atmosphere. Visible light (short wave) from the Sun easily passes through the atmosphere and heats the Earth’s sur- face, but the increase in CO₂ does not let enough heat (infrared light) escape into space. CO₂ reflects heat back to the Earth’s surface, causing the planet to heat up. This is the so-called greenhouse effect that is causing global warming.  People depend on the sun every day for energy.

In the atmosphere, gases like carbon dioxide capture this energy and keep Earth warm even when the sun is not shining at night. These gases act like a greenhouse, allowing light to get to Earth and trapping the heat energy inside the atmosphere. They are greenhouse gases; Earth atmosphere has the right concentration of gases to keep temperature balanced.

Without greenhouse gases, Earth would freeze, with too much of it, it would be too hot for life to exist. The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, for energy production and transportation releases carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat and contribute to global warming, leading to climate change.

Causes of climate change

Climate change is caused by the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. In Nigeria, climate change is primarily driven by greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, land degradation, and urbanization. The burning of fossil fuels, industrial activities, and agricultural practices contribute to the release of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide into the atmosphere, leading to the enhanced greenhouse effect and subsequent global warming.

There is an overwhelming body of scientific evidence highlighting the serious and urgent nature of climate change, largely due to emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs), as a result of human activities such as the combustion of fossil fuels and changing patterns of land use.  The main culprit is carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.  Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions usually refer to the man-made production of a series of gases that accumulate in the atmosphere and help to warm it.

Some use the phrase as shorthand for emissions of carbon dioxide, which is the most important greenhouse gas produced. Burning of Fossil (Mineral) Fuels tops the list of human activities that contribute to increased levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Mineral fuels such as petroleum, natural gas and coal constitute major energy sources for industries, transport and heating in our homes. It is estimated that burning of fuels (world wide) produces around 21.3 billion tons (21.3 gigatons) of carbon dioxide every year.

Part of the carbon dioxide released from fossil fuels is absorbed naturally but the remainder gets caught up in the atmosphere and contributes to global greenhouse gas warming.

Consequences of climate change in Nigeria

Climate change is perhaps the biggest challenge facing humanity. Never has there been so much global awareness and discussion of the long-term negative effects of Climate Change, especially the social and economic disadvantages that this poses for the world and its people than in recent times. Global temperatures are predicted to continue rising, bringing changes in weather patterns, rising sea levels and increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather for Nigeria.  Flooding is just one of the consequences of climate change, others might include drought, overheating and effects on public health.

The evidence from science is that the earth is warming and the climates is changing with serious and potentially damaging consequences. Climate change is already having significant impacts in Nigeria, and these impacts are expected to increase in the future. Recent estimates suggest that, in the absence of adaptation, climate change could result in a loss of between 2% and 11% of Nigeria’s GDP by 2030, rising to between 6% and 30% by the year 2050. This loss is equivalent to between N15 trillion (US$100 billion) and N69 trillion (US$460 billion).

The consequences of climate change in Nigeria are far-reaching and varied. Rising temperatures have led to increased heatwaves, impacting human health, agriculture, and livestock. Changes in precipitation patterns have caused alterations in rainfall distribution, leading to droughts or floods, affecting crop production, water availability, and exacerbating food insecurity. Sea level rise poses a significant threat to coastal communities, resulting in erosion, saltwater intrusion, and displacement of populations.

Furthermore, climate change also affects Nigeria’s ecosystems and biodiversity. Shifts in rainfall patterns and increased temperatures can lead to desertification, loss of vegetation, and degradation of natural habitats, impacting wildlife and contributing to the loss of biodiversity. The disruption of ecosystems can also have negative implications for ecosystem services such as water purification, pollination, and carbon sequestration.

Nigeria’s vulnerability to Climate change will affect everyone, both the rich and the poor stand to lose. Those already affected by poverty, malnutrition and disease will face displacement and new hardships. All sectors of our socio-economic development, including the natural ecosystems, are vulnerable to climate change. In general, climate change presents significant threats to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals especially those related to eliminating poverty and hunger and promoting environmental sustainability.

What can be done to mitigate the impact of climate change

The global causes and consequences of climate change, coupled with the long term and persistent nature of the impacts, highlights the need for government intervention. If unchecked, these changes will radically alter our environment and will lead to catastrophic loss of life.  Climate change is a major threat to the sustainable development of Nigeria, responding to climate change from both mitigation and adaptation angles require strategic approaches from policy, regulatory and institutional frameworks and capacities

The Nigerian Government has made big cuts in the greenhouse gases it emits, reducing emissions by more than 5 per cent since 1990.  Nigeria’s 2021 Climate Change Act provides for an ambitious framework for mainstreaming climate actions in line with national development priorities and sets a net-zero target for 2050-2070. The Nigerian Government continues to play a leading role in negotiating international agreements to tackle climate change.  The Nigerian government can implement various measures to mitigate the impact of climate change.

Here are some actions they can take:

1. Renewable Energy Investment: Increase investment in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro power. This would reduce dependence on fossil fuels, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and promote sustainable development.
2. Afforestation and Reforestation: Implement programs to increase tree planting and restore degraded forests. This helps sequester carbon dioxide, reduce soil erosion, and protect biodiversity.
3. Climate-Smart Agriculture: Promote climate-smart agricultural practices such as conservation agriculture, agroforestry, and efficient irrigation techniques. These methods enhance resilience to climate change, improve soil fertility, and reduce water usage.
4. Sustainable Transportation: Encourage the adoption of cleaner and more energy-efficient transportation systems, such as electric vehicles, improved public transportation, and cycling infrastructure. This would reduce emissions from the transportation sector.
5. Climate Change Education and Awareness: Increase public awareness about climate change impacts, adaptation strategies, and mitigation efforts. This can be done through education campaigns, workshops, and integrating climate change topics into school curriculum.
6. Strengthen Climate Change Adaptation: Enhance resilience to climate change impacts by developing early warning systems, improving infrastructure, and implementing disaster risk reduction measures. This would help protect vulnerable communities from extreme weather events.
7. International Cooperation: Collaborate with international organizations, participate in global climate change agreements, and access climate finance to support mitigation and adaptation efforts. These measures, along with effective policy implementation and stakeholder involvement, can contribute to mitigating the impact of climate change in Nigeria.

Climate Change Act 2021

The Nigeria Climate Change Act of 2019 is a law that was passed by the Nigerian government to address the issue of climate change in the country. The Act seeks to create a framework for the implementation of climate change policies and strategies in Nigeria. It also seeks to promote the development of renewable energy sources, reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, and promote sustainable development. The Act also provides for the establishment of a Climate Change Commission, which will be responsible for the implementation of the Act.

The Commission will be responsible for developing and implementing climate change policies, strategies, and programs in Nigeria. The Act also provides for the establishment of a Climate Change Fund, which will be used to finance climate change projects in Nigeria. The Act also provides for the establishment of a Climate Change Advisory Council, which will provide advice and guidance to the Commission on climate change matters. The Act also provides for the establishment of a Climate Change Research Institute, which will be responsible for conducting research on climate change and its impacts in Nigeria.

In conclusion, the habitual reaction by the Nigerian Government with continuous demolition of buildings, claimed to have being built on the waterways as a solution, cannot work and will not provide quick answers to the recurrent rains and flooding. There is an urgent need to implement and seek solution from the climate change Act.

Climate change and global warming if left unchecked will cause adverse effects on livelihoods in Nigeria, such as crop  production, livestock production, fisheries, forestry and post-harvest activities, because the rainfall regimes and patterns will be altered, floods which devastate farmlands would occur, increase in temperature and humidity which increases pest and disease would occur and other natural disasters like floods, ocean and storm surges, which not only damage Nigerians’ livelihood but also cause harm to life and property, would occur,

Charles Ude Esq. is an Abuja-based legal practitioner.

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