Specialists Want Massive Campaign On Climate Change

In view of the severe ef
fects of climate change predicted for future generations, water specialists have reiterated the need for intense nationwide awareness campaign, to encourage mitigation and adaptation processes.
The specialists, in separate interviews with The Tide  in Abuja recently explained that climate change was real, and manifesting in the rainfall patterns, flood, drought and drying up of water bodies.
The receding water of the Lake Chad which has shrunk from 25,000 sq metres to 2,500 sq metres is an example of the adverse effects of climate change, they said.
The Director-General, Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, Mr John Shamonda, said the lake’s receding waters was attributed primarily to climate change.
He also indentified other natural causes which included reduced rainfall, high evaporation, drought and human activities.
The rate of evaporation of water is more than what is coming into the lake due to climate change, the weather and temperature there is really harsh.
“Studies being done reveal that lots of dusts come in to cover the surface water, therefore we can say climate change is real.
“Intense awareness on measures to mitigate and adapt where necessary is needed,” he said.
Another specialists,  a lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof. Owolabi Ajayi, said the awareness needed to be extended to schools as today’s children would most live with these climate conditions in the future.
“The future belongs to the youths; so I think that they also have to be proactive, learn about the environment and those things that would cause environment  damage.
“I think once they know that this is there future, because nobody wants to jeopardise”, I’m sure the youths will with proper education about the environment, respond positively.”
Also,  a water specialists Mr Godwin Usifo, said the climate change concept needed to be taken down to the grassroots.
This, he said would enable farmers to adopt modern technologies and mitigation measures to preserve crops.