Environment
Experts Blame Heat Wave On Climate Change
Two Environmentalists in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital are blaming the heat wave being experienced across the country on climate change.
The environmentalists which include. The former National President of the Nigeria. Environmental society (NES) Dr. Olu Wai Ogosu and Dr. Ibisime Etela of the University of Port Harcourt told The Tide in telephone interviews that the activities of man are to be blamed for the current heatwave in the country.
They noted that the continuous emission of green house gases into the atmosphere has destroyed the Ozone layer, thereby making it possible for heat to impact the Earth directly from the Sun.
The two also condemned the continuous flaring of gas by multinational companies in the Niger Delta as well as the activities of illegal oil bunkerers.
Dr. Olu Wai Ogosu, who is a leacturer in the Rivers State University however said that the issue of climate change is a global phenomenon stressing that it is the responsibility of the Nigerian Government to key into the global climate change by coming up with policies to check gas flaring and green house emission.
“Human action is responsible for this. Anything that we do which is inimical to the environment will definitely lead to this”.
The University Don stressed the need for the government to take proactive steps towards checking illegal oil bunkering in the state, stoppage of gas flaring by oil companies and burning of tyres.
Ogosu also advised people to change their consumption habit, adding that also wearing of suits and thick clothing in this kind of weather condition is not healthy.
According to him, people should wear light dresses to reduce the effect of the heat on them.
On his part, Dr. Ibisime Etela of the University of Port Harcourt said that the current heat wave is a tip of the iceberg if man refuses to change the way he relates with the environment.
Dr. Etela stressed the need for people to reduce their use of generators, while the the issue of illegal oil bunkering be greatly tackled.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) on Thursday, launched an awareness campaign, aimed at educating residents on the increasing impact of climate change.
The campaign also seeks to enlighten residents on the urgent need for personal and community protection measures.
During the launch in Uyo on Thursday, the Akwa Ibom Director of NOA, Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, said that the campaign aims at enlightening residents, about the changes in weather patterns.
He said that this includes unpredictable rise in temperatures, and how these changes threaten public health across the state.
Mkpoutom noted that the current weather was not harmattan, but an extreme form of air pollution, which is harmful to health as it could cause oxidative stress which affects body balance.
“Our environment is changing rapidly, and the effects are evident in the disruptions faced by our communities.
“It is paramount that every citizen of Akwa Ibom understands these changes and take necessary steps to protect themselves, their families, and their livelihoods,” he said.
He appealed to citizens to take the following precautions which include wearing of nose mask, drinking sufficient water, covering of food and water to keep away dust, washing fruits thoroughly before eating, among others.
He directed all NOA structures within the state to engage with local communities through town hall meetings and collaboration.
He also urged engagement with schools and community leaders, to disseminate vital information on early warning signs, as well as safety protocols during extreme weather conditions.
The Chairman of Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Ms Surah Animashaun, has urged traders of Aiyetoro and Oluwo fish markets to consistently ensure a hygienic trading environment.
She urged the traders to maintain cleanliness and observe proper environmental sanitation in the markets.
Animashaun said this during a visit to some of the market areas in Epe on Saturday.
She said that clean markets were critical to public health.According to her, poor sanitation could lead to the outbreak of communicable diseases, especially in fish markets, where waste management must be handled with extra care.
The council chairman urged traders to dispose of refuse appropriately, avoid indiscriminate dumping of waste, and ensure regular cleaning of stalls and surroundings
She noted that environmental hygiene is a collective responsibility, adding that everyone should be involved in this development.
Animashaun also warned that the local government would not hesitate to enforce existing environmental laws, including sanctions against defaulters.
She assured traders of the council’s commitment to providing adequate waste disposal facilities and regular monitoring to sustain a clean and healthy market environment.
The council boss also urged traders to desist from selling by the roadside, so as to avoid accidents, noting that several motor accidents had occurred along the Aiyetoro market area.
“We, therefore, urge traders to stop selling on the roadside,” she said.
President, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mrs Margaret Oguntala, has inaugurated the construction of 18 units residential terrace in highbrow Alausa area of Lagos toward bridging the nation’s shelter gap.
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