Consequences of choosing to ignore impact of climate change in Nigeria

Climate Change is not a foreign word in the English dictionary and in the ears of our people.

Although there is no actual term for it in the major Nigerian languages of Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa, we have still heard of the impact of climate change through the common mottled phrases: “my house is flooding,” “the car is stuck in the road’s swimming pool,” “it has been raining for the past three days,” “we have not had a successful crop yield this year,” “I do not know what I am going to eat today.”

The list spreads longer than any line of traffic seen in this nation. Its effects are also visible in headlines – “The Crashing Naira” and “The Rising Death rates linked to the Farmer/Herder Conflict,” yet, we still fail to associate our devastating problems with one of the fundamental causes – our worsening climate. 

With the turn of the 21st century and the technology age, there is a heightened awareness of the devastation destined for humankind. While there is increased global momentum to generate awareness, effect changes, propel action in our communities, and is more present in our daily conversations – Nigeria is relatively silent.

Countless coastal communities have gotten fully submerged by water, yet, the government has no reliable report on the lives and infrastructure lost. It does not adequately cater to the needs of those most affected.

The pertinent questions have not been asked, and we have failed to create a foolproof plan that ensures a hopeful and just future for the citizens of our country. How will we all migrate and relocate 200 million people who call Nigeria home? At this rate, even the rich will not make it out.

Lagos, home to 20 million people, is severely affected by climate change. With all our communities built around and near the coastline, the daily pushing of water closer to our land sadly means disaster for us – no matter how much we want to deny it. 

Despite the alarming trends of rising temperatures and sea levels, unpredictable weather, and mass, we are still investing a large amount of money in infrastructure, including hotels, resorts, malls, and recreational centers, which are bound to disappear unless urgent action is taken. We all have critical roles to play in averting a looming disaster.

As a government, Nigeria must develop and implement a comprehensive plan for climate action at the Federal, State, and local levels. The government must constructively invest time and money into urban renewal projects, including developing greener environments, urban and rural resilience and sustainability interventions to address flooding, droughts, and erosion.  

Private companies and institutions should uphold ethical climate forward values and ensure a limited carbon footprint. They also partner with nonprofit organizations to implement sustainability initiatives.

Our educational and nonprofit institutions must teach the younger generation about the impact of climate change and our role as climate champions. They must also hold the public and private sectors accountable to ensure that they meet and even exceed their commitments.

As citizens, we must change our lifestyles by educating ourselves about our contributions to climate change through our actions and inactions. We must develop the habit of recycling and using energy sparingly. Every little step counts. For example, if you go to the supermarket and buy an item that does not require a plastic bag, politely decline the packaging, or better yet, bring your cloth shopping bag! Turn off the water heater after your shower and bring your container to mama put. We must also plant trees and invest in greening our public spaces. A movement could be spurred if we all start incorporating climate action into our daily lifestyle. 

I remain optimistic that if we work together, change our mindset on this topic and take swift and constructive action – we can turn around the fate of climate change in Nigeria. Nigerians have the grit, determination, and the power to accomplish anything. It is not up for discussion whether or not we need change. We are doing it for us, for our country, and for the future. Nkiruka!

Nwuneli is a 15-year-old social innovator driven to make an impact. She manages a social media movement called FightGlobalWarmingNg.