We need to be reminded once again that  our environments need to be protected from degradation and continuous depletion of the ozone layer, particularly as we live in a time and age when global warming and rising temperature, coupled with  gaseous emissions from industries and vehicles, all culminating in climate change, affect all regions of the world today.

The tsunamis, tidal waves, cyclones, hurricanes, landslides, flooding, erosion, heat waves, drought, wild fibres, desertification and many more are some of the effects of global warming and climate change on our environment. It is therefore necessary for Nigerian government to put in place policies that would safeguard our wetlands including creeks, rivulets, canals and other waterways in our urban areas and cities to help stem erosion and flooding as well as maintain a safe environment for all and sundry.

For instance, in many of our cities today, many areas that should be preserved or kept as wetlands or serve as channels for waterways to drain water after heavy rainfall have been taken over by construction activities in the name of urbanisation. This has made it difficult for water to drain or empty out after heavy downpour, thus causing flooding and erosion, which in turn causes untold hardships and disaster to residents and many urban dwellers.

Now that we are in the rainy season, blocked drains are supposed to be cleared and de-silted. Also, the various canals and creeks should be dredged, while the over- grown weeds that have taken over the banks of these channels including illegal, indiscriminate dumping of refuse and other waste materials ought to be cleared and properly evacuated.

Nigerians should be wary of the experiences of Lagos State last year  when they experienced a high magnitude of flooding twice in the year, after continuous torrential rainfall that lasted hours. Indeed, all the coastal states and towns including Calabar, Eket, Warri, Bonny, Yenagoa, Excravos etc should put in necessary measures to prevent the Lagos experience especially in the face of the predictions of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) that there will be more rainfall and thunderstorms in 2012.

It therefore behoves Nigerians to take precautionary  and safety measures to protect their houses, properties etc. from violent thunderstorms and other effects of climate change like the expected landslides, flooding, severe rainfalls and the like.

We know that violent thunderstorms wreak a lot of havoc and destruction on buildings particularly residential houses, offices, trees and other tall structures like masts or towers etc.

Also, when there is severe rainfall, visibility becomes almost impossible especially for motorists driving through our roads. The aviation sector is mostly affected. There is usually cancellation of flights or flight delays by various airlines due to bad weather and lack of proper communication signals.

It is pertinent to note that severe rainfall, violent thunderstorms and other effects of climate change come with attendant cases of health hazards that affect mostly urban dwellers and sometimes rural inhabitants.

Take the case of the Lagos flooding last year for example, there were casualties; many people were rendered homeless. The flood led to the spread of air and water borne communicable diseases like cholera, malaria, pneumonia etc. Vehicles and valuable properties were destroyed by the flood, leaving its victims more impoverished.

Like an adage that says a stitch in time saves nine, we all as a people have to put our hands on deck to check flood. We all need to work to protect and safeguard our environment from these vagaries and dangers; first and foremost, by changing our attitude and re-orientating our mindset and behaviour towards the environment and environmental related matters. For instance, we should always ask ourselves when we want to commit an act or take any action, if it is in the overall best interest of us and our environment, or if it constitutes a hazard and danger to the environment.

Most Nigerians have the habit of dumping refuse – solid wastes in drains, canals or rivers. We really need to have a rethink on that. Some industrial organisations discharge effluents and toxic chemicals into our rivers and creeks, thereby polluting our waters. Also, the many cases of oil spills and pollution by oil companies all contribute in making the environment unfriendly for human habitation, animals and aquatic life.

As a matter of urgency and seriousness, government should enforce strict respect for the environment and compliance with laid down legislations by citizens and industrial organisations, including oil companies. Any act of violation by any offender should attract the full wrath of the law with no sacred cow. That is the more reason why Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)must be carried out on any site or project earmarked for construction, pipeline laying, communication installation, roads etc.

In order to make environment suitable for our ecosystem and bio-diversity, as well as boost social and economic well-being of our immediate community and the society at large, Nigerians should embrace better environmental attitude by keeping our environment clean and safe.

Ayooso is a Port Harcourt based public policy analyst.

Samson Ayooso