Preventing The Effects of Global Warming

Few years ago, scien

tists disclosed to the world the existence of global warming. The Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary defines global warming as the increase in temperature of the earth’s atmosphere, that is caused by the increase of particular gases, especially carbon dioxide. This is also known as the greenhouse effect which is the problem of gradual rise in temperature of the earth’s atmosphere, caused by an increase of gases such as carbon dioxide in the air surrounding the earth, which traps the heat of the sun. The destruction of forests is a contributing factor to greenhouse effect.

The fact is that water level will rise from the ocean to overflow some coastal towns and villages. Because of the rise in temperature, ecological problems that would threaten the existence of the ecosystem will occur. It was revealed by scientists that fifty years to come, some coastal towns will be submerged. Some countries in the world have started taking precautionary measures to avert global warming.

It is obvious that something dangerous might happen to our ecosystem if something urgent is not done immediately. Scientists have informed the world of the imminent disaster awaiting the coastal towns. The effect of global warming in the Niger Delta is no longer news. Something must be done to prevent the disaster in Nigeria, especially in the Niger Delta states.

It is time for the various governments in Nigeria to rise up to the challenge of global warming in the riverine communities. In Rivers State, places like Oronija, Opobo, Oyorokoto, Queenstown, Buguma, Bille, Kula, Bonny,  Kalio-Ama and many others are already facing the effect of global warming gradually.

Recently, in Oronija in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, water from the river rose to fifty metres and flowed into the community. To be precise, the high tide on November 22 to 25   2011 caused  untold hardship to the inhabitants of Oronija.  Global warming is a global issue which should not be taken for granted.

Indeed, water in the ocean will surge and submerge the coastal communities close to the ocean. Global warming has started to show signs in some parts of the state. The activities of man are responsible for the global warming. The rate at which water-proof materials flood the rivers, creeks, oceans call for a stop or control. The rivers are not even safe for fishes to breed because of the presence of these materials.

There is need for a conducive environment and it must start now. Government should enact laws guiding the people on ways to dispose water-proof materials. And again, if there is an existing law, it has to be enforced and implemented without delay. There must be public awareness through the media. Because everybody would suffer global warming whether in the village or town, it behoves on everyone to do something about the use of waterproof-like materials in our rivers. There is need for change in attitude about the use of water-proof. Government should do something to recycle it.

Niger Delta is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, which means global warming is sure to occur in Nigeria, particularly the delta area. It is necessary for government to sandfill the coastal towns to avoid the impending disaster. Let government construct embankments to protect the shores of the coastal communities. The Ecological Fund should be put into use to prevent coastal towns from being submerged. Government should also dredge the rivers. This will help the mass volume of water to remain in the rivers.

If the ecosystem is destroyed, it will adversely affect the economic activities of Nigeria and the states involved. Global warming is a problem of all and not of a particular people or individuals. Government, as a matter of urgency, should embark on aggressive construction of embankments and sandfilling of the coastal communities to avoid the disaster of global warming.

Recently, floods hit Oyo State and Sokoto, and caused lose of lives and properties. If flood could affect those communities what about those living at the bank of the ocean? There is need for government to do something urgent to avoid such experience. Let something be done to avert the effect of global warming in Nigeria.

Ogwuonuonu is a public affairs analyst.

Frank Ogwuonuonu