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Climate Change: Ethiopian PM calls for global partnership, investment

The Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Dr Abiy Ahmed, has underscored the need for global partnership to boost investment on African Climate Innovation Compact against climate change.

Ahmed made the call in the early hours of Tuesday virtually in his welcome address at the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), holding from Sept. 8 to Sept.10, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The ACS2 convened under the theme: Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development”, is centred on shaping African decades of investment backed by sound policy and strong partnerships.

According to Ahmed, ACS2 is focused on showcasing Africa climate solutions, to mobilise finance at scale and turn natural endowments, human capital and innovation ecosystems into shared prosperity.

He said, “As we prepare for COP30, Africa must stand not as a bloc of negotiators, but a continent of solutions, fulfilling the vision of Agenda-2063 for prosperous, resilient and innovative future.

“We must make Africa the place where the world sees climate goals achieved where reforestation is not a pilot project but a culture, where climate-smart agriculture feeds millions.

“Where green corridors connect cities and rural areas shared economy of life, to achieve this, our partnerships must evolve we ask our global partners to invest with us because we are visionary.

“Not to fund us because we are impacted, but to turn vision into reality, I propose the launch of an African climate innovation compact.

“A bold, continent-wide partnership uniting our universities, research institutions, start-ups, rural communities and innovators. By 2030, the compact should aim to deliver 1,000 African solutions,’’ he said.

He attributed Africa’s story at climate summits to lack of finance, lack of technology, lack of time, saying it begins with what we lack, let us begin instead with what we have.

Read Also: Climate change: Women call for decarbonisation

He mentioned that such would help to tackle climate challenges in energy, agriculture, water, transport and resilience, saying Africa would not only meet its needs but bolster exports.

Ahmed also said that to power growth beyond national borders and advance pan-African prosperity, the compact will be funded and owned by Africans in partnership with the world, but never beholden to it.

“We will also claim climate data sovereignty mapping our own forests, measuring our own carbon and pricing our own ecosystems.

“Climate data is not just science it is the new currency of power. It is time to replace climate aid with climate investment.

“The returns will be measured in avoided emissions, millions of jobs, enhanced food security, stabilised regions and a more resilient global climate.

“Africa did not cause this crisis, yet Africa can lead in solving it. We have the solutions to produce green and clean power.

“To restore degraded land, to capture carbon, we know what needs to be done. Now is the time to scale what works,” he said.

In her remarks, Dr Fitsum Assefa, Ethiopia’s Minister of Planning and Development and National Coordinator of the ACS2, described the summit as a place stakeholders commit to working closely together with speed, at scale and with integrity.

“Together, we defined the planning framework and established national coordination structures fit for a summit of this scale: clear governance, roles and decision lines.

“We convened multi-disciplinary, multi-stakeholder consultations policymakers, youth and community leaders to co-create the concept note and shape the detailed agenda,” she said.

(NAN)

September 9, 2025
African leaders ready to initiate climate model after U.S. pullback

African leaders ready to mobilise a global model for tackling the climate crisis through green investments, they said yesterday, after the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement deflated the fight against climate change.

The continent, which has been buffeted by landslides, floods and droughts this year, is holding its second climate summit in Ethiopia, seeking a common voice before global climate talks in Brazil, COP30.

“We are not here to negotiate our survival. We are here to design the world’s next climate economy,” Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed told the opening ceremony.

Africa’s development lenders and commercial banks signed a deal at the summit to mobilise up to $100 billion to power a “green industrialisation” using renewable energy, said Kenyan President William Ruto.

Participating institutions include the Africa Export-Import Bank, the African Development Bank and commercial lenders like Ecobank Transnational and KCB Group, Ruto said.

Abiy proposed a new African climate innovation initiative, funded by the continent, bringing together African universities, research institutions, startups, rural communities and inventors to deliver 1,000 solutions to tackle climate challenges by 2030.

“If we make the right choices now, Africa can be the first continent to industrialize without destroying its ecosystems,” said Abiy, who wants his country to host COP32 in 2027.

Leaders sought more financing at the inaugural summit in Nairobi two years ago to help governments to tackle climate challenges amid fiscal constraints and heavy debt burdens, but the continent is still badly short of funding, receiving just 1% of the annual global climate financing, officials say.

African countries, which are among the most vulnerable to the adverse effects of manmade global warming despite being among those least responsible for it, have long demanded that COP meetings yield more funds to help them adapt.

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“Climate finance must be fair, significant and predictable,” said Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, chair of the African Union Commission.

Leaders also expressed concerns about the potential damage from a fraying of the multilateral approach to tackling climate change.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration pulled out of the landmark Paris agreement on climate change for the second time earlier this year and has also withdrawn from clean energy partnerships with countries such as South Africa.

“Commitments are broken and international solidarity is dismissed as weakness precisely when the scale of the climate crisis demands enhanced cooperation, not less,” said Ruto.

September 9, 2025
Climate change: Future projections
- By Adebayo Adeleye
The world is right now on the cusp of significant climate changes, with far reaching consequences for our world. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), there is an 86% chance that at least one of the next five years will exceed 1.5°C above the pre-industrial level, and a 70% chance that the five-year average warming for 2025-2029 will be above 1.5°C.

Rising Temperatures and Extreme Weather: As global temperatures continue to rise, we can expect more frequent and intense heatwaves, droughts, and storms. The WMO report predicts that the annually averaged global mean near-surface temperature for each year between 2025 and 2029 is likely to be between 1.2°C and 1.9°C higher than the average over the years 1850-1900. This increased warming will lead to more extreme weather events, such as; Heatwaves: More frequent and prolonged heatwaves, especially in tropical regions, Droughts: Increased risk of droughts, particularly in areas with changing precipitation patterns, Storms: More intense storms, including tropical cyclones and heavy rainfall events.

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Regional Variations: Climate change will not affect all regions equally. Some areas will experience more pronounced changes than others. For example: Arctic warming: The Arctic is predicted to warm at a rate more than three and a half times the global average, leading to significant sea ice loss and changes in ocean circulation, Precipitation patterns: Changes in precipitation will vary regionally, with some areas experiencing more frequent and intense rainfall, while others face drought and water scarcity.

Consequences and Implications: The consequences of climate change will be far-reaching and devastating if left unchecked. Rising sea levels, more frequent natural disasters, and changes in weather patterns will impact the following; Human health: Increased risk of heat-related illnesses, waterborne diseases, and mental health issues. Climate change is projected to cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year from undernutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress between 2030 and 2050, Ecosystems: Loss of biodiversity, damage to coral reefs, and changes in species distribution. If warming is kept to 2°C, 18% of insects, 16% of plants, and 8% of vertebrate animals are projected to lose over half of their geographic range, Economies: Significant economic losses, damage to infrastructure, and impacts on global trade. Direct damage costs to health are estimated to be between US$ 2-4 billion per year by 2030.

Mitigation approach: While the outlook may seem grim, there are steps that can be taken to mitigate the effects of climate change. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and promoting sustainable land use practices are crucial for a more climate-resilient future. Some potential solutions include; Renewable energy: Transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, Energy efficiency: Improving energy efficiency in buildings and industries to reduce energy consumption,

Sustainable land use: Promoting sustainable agriculture practices and reducing deforestation to sequester carbon dioxide.

Individual actions: While governments and international organizations have a critical role to play in addressing climate change, individual actions can also make a difference. Some ways to contribute include: Reducing carbon footprint: Using public transport, carpooling, or driving electric or hybrid vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Conserving water: Using water efficiently and reducing waste to conserve this precious resource, Supporting climate-resilient agriculture: Buying locally sourced produce and supporting sustainable agriculture practices to promote climate resilience.

Conclusion: Climate change is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive response. By understanding the future events and trends anticipated, we can take action to mitigate the effects of climate change and promote a more sustainable future for all. It is essential that governments, industries, and individuals work together to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, and invest in renewable energy solutions to limit warming to 1.5°C and prevent catastrophic impacts.

•Dr. Adebayo Matthew, Adeleye (Ph.D., Ibadan)

Researcher on Environmental Pollution and Control badeleye@gmail.com +234 803 525 6450
September 6, 2025
Climate change: Women call for decarbonisation

The Mandate Secretary, Health and Environment Services, Federal Capital Territory, FCT Dolapo Fasawe, has called on all Nigerians to partner in the reduction of carbon in the air, explaining why the health centres are filled with young people and all kinds of health challenges, linking this to the danger associated with carbonisation.

Fasawe made this call at the World Decarbonisation Summit 2025, and the first World Decarbonisation day in Nigeria, with the theme: “Accelerating decarbonization for a climate secure future” stating that global warming and climate change is not a program, it is a way of life, which is why It is important for people to know how dangerous carbon in the air is.

She explained that the celebration nof the day is to serve as a reminder to the people of the negative effects of carbon in the air, it is as a result of what people breathe in, younger people are suffering from cancer, extreme temperatures, bronchitis, asthma and different lung diseases.

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“The sources are exhaust from cars, generators, fossil fuel, dirty burning, exhaust from dump sites, these all accumulate to negative chemicals in our lungs and body from these decarbonisation. Fossil fuel should be used reasonably, cleanly and in an environmentally friendly way,” Fasawe said.

She said, women in energy and oil and gas need to take the message out there, stating that a word from a woman is equal to an action for all, women are the nuclear head of the society at home and work, even in businesses, which is the reason women are best in sending out this message. It is a way of life, women will teach the children and educate their spouses.

The Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Terser Ugboh, applauds women for coming up with the Decarbonization programme and date, stating that he looks forward to the date being adopted globally especially by the United Nations as every year will now become world Decarbonization date. It will be a date to discuss climate change and the environment.

September 4, 2025
Climate change: The hidden positive side

By Adebayo Adeleye

As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, a growing body of evidence suggests that taking bold action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions can have significant economic benefits. In fact, a report by the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate finds that climate action could deliver at least $26 trillion in economic benefits through 2030.

So, what are the key economic benefits of climate action. For starters, reduction in energy costs is a major advantage. Investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy can help businesses and households save money on their energy bills. Additionally, creating new job opportunities is another significant benefit. The clean energy sector is already supporting millions of jobs worldwide, and this number is expected to grow as the demand for renewable energy increases. Improvement of public health is another important economic benefit of climate action. By reducing air pollution from fossil fuels, we can prevent millions of premature deaths and reduce the economic burden of healthcare costs. In fact, a study by the World Health Organization finds that the economic benefits of reducing air pollution can be as high as $1 trillion per year. Furthermore, stimulating innovation and growth is a critical economic benefit of climate action. Investing in clean energy and green technologies can drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. The report by the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate finds that climate action can generate over 65 million new low-carbon jobs in 2030, equivalent to the entire workforce of the UK and Egypt combined. The economic benefits of climate action are clear. By taking bold action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we can unlock significant economic benefits, from reducing energy costs to creating new job opportunities, improving public health, and stimulating innovation and growth. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, it’s time to recognize the economic benefits of climate action and work towards a more sustainable and prosperous future.

For the purpose of clarity and emphasis, listed below are five major economic benefits of climate action:

Job Creation and Employment Opportunities: Climate action can create new job opportunities in various sectors, including the following;

Renewable energy: The renewable energy sector is creating new job opportunities in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance.

Energy efficiency: Improving energy efficiency in buildings and industries can create jobs in retrofitting, insulation, and other related services.

Sustainable infrastructure: Investing in sustainable infrastructure, such as green buildings, can create jobs in construction, architecture, and engineering.

Climate resilience and adaptation: Climate resilience and adaptation measures, such as sea walls, levees, and green roofs, can create jobs in construction, engineering, and environmental management.

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the renewable energy sector employed 11 million people worldwide in 2020, and this number is expected to triple by 2050.

Increased Economic Productivity: Climate action can increase economic productivity by:

Improving energy efficiency: Energy-efficient technologies and practices can reduce energy consumption, lower energy bills, and increase productivity.

Enhancing resource efficiency: Climate action can promote the efficient use of resources, such as water and raw materials, which can lead to cost savings and increased productivity.

Reducing climate-related disruptions: Climate action can reduce the risk of climate-related disruptions, such as heatwaves, droughts, and floods, which can impact economic productivity.

Promoting sustainable agriculture: Climate action can promote sustainable agriculture practices, which can increase crop yields, improve food security, and enhance economic productivity.

According to a study by the International Energy Agency (IEA), energy efficiency measures can increase economic productivity by up to 2% annually.

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Reduced Healthcare Costs: Climate action can reduce healthcare costs by:

Improving air quality: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions can improve air quality, which can reduce the incidence of respiratory diseases and other health problems.

Reducing heat-related illnesses: Climate action can reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Reducing water-borne diseases: Climate action can reduce the risk of water-borne diseases, such as cholera and typhoid fever.

Promoting physical activity: Climate action can promote physical activity, such as walking and cycling, which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

According to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO), the economic benefits of reducing air pollution can be up to 10 times higher than the costs of implementing pollution control measures.

Reducing climate-related uncertainty: Climate action can reduce climate-related uncertainty by promoting the use of climate models and scenario planning.

Supporting climate risk management: Climate action can support climate risk management by promoting the use of climate risk assessments and climate risk management frameworks.

According to a study by the Economist Intelligence Unit, climate change can reduce global economic output by up to 11% by 2100 if left unchecked.

•.Dr. Adebayo Matthew, Adeleye (Ph.D., Ibadan) Researcher on Environmental Pollution and Control

August 23, 2025
Climate change in Nigeria: causes, effects, and mitigation efforts
- By Adebayo Adeleye
Climate change remains one of the most pressing challenges facing Nigeria today. The nation, situated in West Africa, is experiencing unprecedented environmental shifts that threaten its economy, agriculture, health, and overall development. Understanding the causes, effects, and ongoing mitigation efforts is crucial in addressing this global crisis at a national level.

Causes of Climate Change in Nigeria includes; Human Activities: Nigeria’s climate change issues are primarily driven by human activities. Rapid population growth, urbanization, deforestation, and reliance on fossil fuels for energy are significant contributors. The burning of fossil fuels, especially in industrial activities and transportation, releases large amounts of greenhouse gases (GHGs), particularly carbon dioxide (CO₂). Deforestation, driven by logging, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development, reduces the Earth’s capacity to absorb CO₂, exacerbating global warming. Additionally, Nigeria’s heavy dependence on oil and gas exports has made it a major contributor to global GHG emissions. Despite efforts to diversify energy sources, the country still relies heavily on oil for revenue and power generation, further fueling climate change.

Effects of Climate Change in Nigeria: The impacts of climate change are vividly evident across Nigeria: Erratic Weather Patterns: Nigeria experiences unpredictable rainfall, leading to prolonged droughts in the north and intense flooding in the south. For instance, the 2022 flooding displaced over 2.5 million people, affecting agricultural activities and livelihoods.

Agricultural Disruption: Agriculture, which employs over 70% of Nigerians, has been severely affected. Reduced rainfall and increased droughts have led to crop failures, threatening food security.

Sea Level Rise and Coastal Erosion: Coastal cities like Lagos and Port Harcourt face severe erosion due to rising sea levels, threatening homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods.

Health Challenges: Increased temperatures and changing weather patterns have led to the spread of vector-borne diseases such as malaria and Lassa fever.

Nigeria’s Mitigation Initiatives:

Recognizing the urgency, Nigeria has embarked on several mitigation strategies:

Renewable Energy Projects: The government has invested in solar and wind energy, especially in rural areas, aiming to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The Kano Solar Park and the Kaduna Wind Farm are notable examples.

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Afforestation and Reforestation Programs: Initiatives like the Great Green Wall project aim to combat desertification in the Sahel region of Nigeria, restoring degraded land and absorbing CO₂.

Climate Policy and International Commitments: Nigeria ratified the Paris Agreement in 2015 and has developed a National Climate Change Policy to guide mitigation and adaptation efforts.

Community Engagement and Education: NGOs and government agencies conduct awareness campaigns to promote sustainable practices among farmers and urban residents.

Challenges and the Way Forward:

Despite these efforts, Nigeria faces challenges such as inadequate funding, lack of infrastructure, and policy implementation gaps. Climate change adaptation requires integrated approaches involving government, private sector, and local communities.

In conclusion, Nigeria’s experience with climate change underscores the urgent need for comprehensive action to curb emissions and adapt to environmental changes. As the country continues to grow, sustainable development and environmental preservation must go hand in hand to secure a resilient future for Nigeria and its citizens.

•Dr. Adebayo Matthew, Adeleye (Ph.D., Ibadan) Researcher on Environmental Pollution and Control

badeleye@gmail.com +234 803 525 6450
August 16, 2025
Climate Change is existential threat to environment, says UNILAG don Usman

Climate change poses a grave and escalating threat to the environment and human survival, according to a leading expert in Process Systems Engineering Prof. Mohammed Awwalu Usman.

Presenting the 19th Inaugural Lecture of the 2024/2025 academic session, titled: “Is Carbon Truly as Guilty as Charged? The Perspective of a Process Systems Engineer on Sustainability,” at the University of Lagos, Prof. Usman challenged the prevailing climate change narrative, particularly the global push for decarbonisation, which he argued oversimplifies the issue by villainising carbon.

“Today, I intend to interrogate that narrative and provide an alternative perspective rooted in my research. As professors are expected to do, I will offer a ‘professy’ on the risks of the current trajectory. As Neuro Linguistic Programming teaches, the quality of answers depends on the quality of the questions asked,” he noted.

Prof. Usman stressed that human existence is intrinsically tied to the consumption of natural resources, materials and energy. However, the accelerated use of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) in modern civilisation has led to major environmental and health problems.

“Carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, traps heat in the atmosphere and contributes to global warming. As a result, it has become the scapegoat in the climate debate,” he stated.

Read Also: Climate Change Threatens Global Food Sustainability and Agriculture

Acknowledging the global consensus on the need to decarbonise, including initiatives like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), he cautioned against one-dimensional solutions. According to him, achieving true sustainability requires a more holistic and responsible approach to resource use.

He highlighted SDG 12, which advocates for responsible consumption and production, noting that unchecked exploitation of resources, especially in the context of a growing global population, is the root cause of many environmental crises today.

Prof. Usman outlined common critiques of carbon, including its role in disrupting the natural carbon cycle, exacerbating extreme weather events, entrenching carbon-dependent infrastructure, threatening public health, and undermining food security.

However, he argued in defence of carbon, asserting that the problem lies not with the element itself, but with how it is used.

“Carbon is the building block of all known life. The real issue is excessive and inefficient usage, not carbon itself. The carbon cycle is a natural, life-sustaining process. Moreover, carbon can be repurposed using emerging technologies like carbon capture and utilisation,” he explained.

He warned that today’s aggressive shift from carbon-based resources may lead to a new cycle of blame, saying: “Just as we have blamed carbon, we may soon find ourselves pointing fingers at lithium or other critical elements. From ‘decarbonisation’ to ‘delithiumisation,’ the pattern could repeat. The key to sustainability is not in demonising elements, but in adopting responsible and efficient resource use across the board.”

Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic and Research, Prof. Bola Oboh, praised Prof. Usman’s lecture as timely and thought-provoking.

“He has made a compelling case for rethinking our approach to sustainability,” she said. “Rather than pursuing blind decarbonisation, perhaps we should consider ‘recarbonisation’ a more balanced, informed strategy. With the precision of an engineer and the clarity of a scholar, Professor Usman has opened the door to a crucial and necessary dialogue on the future of our planet,” Prof. Oboh said.

August 14, 2025
Climate-driven conflict and why Nigeria must act now
- By Anagba, Joseph Obidi
Sir: The cracked, sun-baked soils of rural Nigeria tell a painful story—one not just of drought or failed harvests, but of a growing conflict fuelled by climate induced insecurities. Across the country, communities once held together by mutual trust and reliance are now being torn apart as rising temperatures, water scarcity, and land degradation ignite tensions between farmers and herders at an alarming rate.

What we are witnessing isn’t just a local problem—it’s a national emergency. Nigeria’s rural regions, especially in the Northeast, North-central, and Northwest, have become flash-points for climate-driven violence and mass displacement. Unless we act swiftly, the crisis will deepen, destabilizing both our security and our economy.

For generations, farmers and pastoralists coexisted in a delicate balance. Herders moved south in the dry season and north with the rains, their cattle fertilizing the fields they passed. But as desertification creeps in from the north and dry seasons grow longer, that balance has collapsed. Grazing windows have shrunk, forcing herders to encroach on farmlands earlier and more frequently—often during the critical planting season. Conflict has become inevitable.

And it’s not just nature that’s fuelling this crisis—it’s human action, too. According to the United Nations (UN’s) REDD+ Programme, Nigeria loses over 400,000 hectares of forest every year, reducing available land and water sources. Farmlands continue to expand into traditional grazing routes. Population pressures are mounting. Add to that widespread poverty, weapons in the wrong hands, and political elites who profit from the chaos and you have a perfect storm.

Some states tried to respond. In 2016 and 2017, Ekiti, Benue, and Taraba banned open grazing, hoping to reduce conflict. But instead of bringing peace, these policies backfired. Violence actually spiked by nearly 50% in 2018 till date. Why? Because the bans were passed without offering alternatives like ranching infrastructure or inclusive dialogue. They pushed pastoralists into a corner, fighting not just for land—but for survival.

The consequences are devastating. Millions of Nigerians are being displaced—some by violence, others by the slow creep of drought. Food insecurity is rising. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation, in 2023 alone, over 733 million Africans faced hunger, and that one in five people in Africa (or 20.4% of the African population) faced starvation which is the highest percentage of any region and Nigeria was no exception. Families are leaving farming altogether, only to find themselves trapped in deeper poverty.

Women, in particular, suffer the most. They are the backbone of rural food production, yet they face the longest work hours, the least land rights, and the highest risk of violence—especially during times of scarcity and displacement. While many women show remarkable resilience—preserving seeds, rationing food, finding ways to stretch meagre resources—they still face structural barriers to recovery.

So, what can be done? First, our leaders must acknowledge that this is not just an environmental issue—it’s a security issue. Climate change is already destabilizing communities, and treating it as a secondary concern is a dangerous mistake.

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Second, policies must be inclusive. It’s not enough to pass laws banning grazing or allocating land for ranching for pastoralist—we need to involve farmers, herders, women, and local leaders in decision-making. Inclusive dialogue has proven to reduce violence more effectively than blanket bans.

Third, we need urgent investment in climate-smart agriculture, credit access for rural families, and support for women farmers. Big initiatives like the Great Green Wall are promising—but they must be matched with immediate support for livelihoods on the ground.

Finally, this crisis requires regional cooperation. Nigeria cannot solve it alone. Our neighbours in the Sahel face the same struggles. Cross-border migration, water management, and anti-extremist strategies must be addressed together—not in isolation. The cost of inaction is too great, and we can absolutely prevent catastrophic long-term humanitarian and security impacts. The vehicle to act exists in a renewed Sahelian Compact which, with its clear and actionable steps, provides a collective action on a shared challenge.

The truth is clear: climate change is no longer tomorrow’s problem. It is here, and it is tearing at the fabric of our rural communities. The 2024 protests over food prices in Nigeria and Kenya are just the beginning. If we do not act now, the climate will not only destroy crops—it will destroy peace.

Nigeria has a choice. We can continue to respond with short-term fixes and political blame games. Or we can face the reality of climate-driven conflict and build a system where security means fertile land, clean water, and opportunity for all.

The time to act is not next year. It’s now.

•Anagba, Joseph Obidi,

Abuja
July 30, 2025
Climate Change: Nigeria witnesses destructive flooding in recent times
- Dr. Adebayo Adeleye
Nigeria is grappling with the harsh realities of climate change, as evidenced by the recent devastating floods that have ravaged over 31 states, affecting approximately 1.2 million people and destroying around 180,000 hectares of farmland. This disaster is a stark reminder of the country’s vulnerability to climate change. The floods, which have become an annual occurrence, are primarily caused by climate change-induced heavy rainfall and the failure to develop and maintain adequate infrastructure. The northern region, which is Nigeria’s food belt, is particularly at risk, threatening food security and economic prosperity. Experts warn that climate change poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s development, with other related challenges including drought and desertification in the north, rising sea levels and coastal flooding in the south, and increased incidence of malaria and other diseases. As the country struggles to cope with the aftermath of the floods, there is an urgent need for a multi-faceted approach to address these challenges. This includes climate change adaptation, infrastructure development, and government accountability. We call on the government to take immediate action to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians. The time for action is now. On July 17, 2025, Nigeria’s Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, warned that the country faces an existential threat due to climate change. He emphasized that the Niger Delta is experiencing accelerated climate impacts, with nearly complete loss of primary forests due to human activities, oil exploration, and acid rain. Also, experts are urging immediate action to reduce methane emissions, which contribute over 30% of global temperature rise since the Industrial Revolution. Methane has 80 times the heat-trapping potential of carbon dioxide. To mitigate this, Nigeria needs to focus on technological solutions, behavioral change, and policy implementation, especially in the oil and gas, agriculture, and waste management sectors. It is pertinent to inform on how the US and other developed nations are responding to climate change floods;

The United States and other developed nations are facing an unprecedented surge in climate change-related flooding. Just this year, the eastern US experienced one of its most destructive flood events in history, with record-breaking rainfall causing rivers to burst their banks and submerge cities. This disaster highlights the urgent need for proactive climate action.

The US Response: In response to these devastating floods, the US government is prioritizing flood defense funding through programs like FEMA‘s Resilience Initiative. This initiative equips local communities with resources to withstand future disasters more effectively. Cities are also adopting smarter zoning laws to prevent high-risk construction in floodplains. Moreover, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has designated $50 billion for climate resilience projects, aiming to update infrastructure standards, invest in nature-based solutions like wetlands restoration, and expand public-private partnerships.

Global Perspective: Globally, other developed nations are taking similar steps. For instance, Germany has implemented community-centered disaster management strategies after experiencing devastating floods in 2021. Pakistan, which faced severe monsoon disasters in 2022, is also adopting international cooperation on climate research. The World Meteorological Organization emphasizes that cross-border collaboration is key to facing future climate challenges.

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Key Strategies: To effectively handle climate change-related flooding, developed nations are focusing on: Updating Infrastructure Standards: Modernizing floodplain maps and building codes to reflect current climate models; Nature-Based Solutions: Investing in green infrastructure like wetlands restoration and green roofs to absorb floodwaters; Early Warning Systems: Implementing efficient escape routes and public education campaigns to minimize risks; International Cooperation: Collaborating globally to monitor climate patterns and share best practices.

By adopting these strategies, the US and other developed nations can mitigate the impact of climate change-related flooding and build a more resilient future.
- Dr. Adebayo (Ph.D., Ibadan) Researcher on Environmental Pollution and Control badeleye@gmail.com +234 803 525 6450
July 19, 2025
Climate Change: The hidden positive side
- Adebayo Adeleye
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, a growing body of evidence suggests that taking bold action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions can have significant economic benefits. In fact, a report by the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate finds that climate action could deliver at least $26 trillion in economic benefits through 2030.

So, what are the key economic benefits of climate action. For starters, reduction in energy costs is a major advantage. Investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy can help businesses and households save money on their energy bills. Additionally, creating new job opportunities is another significant benefit. The clean energy sector is already supporting millions of jobs worldwide, and this number is expected to grow as the demand for renewable energy increases. Improvement of public health is another important economic benefit of climate action. By reducing air pollution from fossil fuels, we can prevent millions of premature deaths and reduce the economic burden of healthcare costs. In fact, a study by the World Health Organization finds that the economic benefits of reducing air pollution can be as high as $1 trillion per year. Furthermore, stimulating innovation and growth is a critical economic benefit of climate action. Investing in clean energy and green technologies can drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. The report by the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate finds that climate action can generate over 65 million new low-carbon jobs in 2030, equivalent to the entire workforce of the UK and Egypt combined. The economic benefits of climate action are clear. By taking bold action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we can unlock significant economic benefits, from reducing energy costs to creating new job opportunities, improving public health, and stimulating innovation and growth. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, it’s time to recognize the economic benefits of climate action and work towards a more sustainable and prosperous future.

For the purpose of clarity and emphasis, listed below are five major economic benefits of climate action:

Job Creation and Employment Opportunities: Climate action can create new job opportunities in various sectors, including the following;

Renewable energy: The renewable energy sector is creating new job opportunities in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance.

Energy efficiency: Improving energy efficiency in buildings and industries can create jobs in retrofitting, insulation, and other related services.

Sustainable infrastructure: Investing in sustainable infrastructure, such as green buildings, can create jobs in construction, architecture, and engineering.

Climate resilience and adaptation: Climate resilience and adaptation measures, such as sea walls, levees, and green roofs, can create jobs in construction, engineering, and environmental management.

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the renewable energy sector employed 11 million people worldwide in 2020, and this number is expected to triple by 2050.

Read Also: Bingham varsity plants trees to tackle climate change

Increased Economic Productivity: Climate action can increase economic productivity by:

Improving energy efficiency: Energy-efficient technologies and practices can reduce energy consumption, lower energy bills, and increase productivity.

Enhancing resource efficiency: Climate action can promote the efficient use of resources, such as water and raw materials, which can lead to cost savings and increased productivity.

Reducing climate-related disruptions: Climate action can reduce the risk of climate-related disruptions, such as heatwaves, droughts, and floods, which can impact economic productivity.

Promoting sustainable agriculture: Climate action can promote sustainable agriculture practices, which can increase crop yields, improve food security, and enhance economic productivity.

According to a study by the International Energy Agency (IEA), energy efficiency measures can increase economic productivity by up to 2% annually.

Reduced Healthcare Costs: Climate action can reduce healthcare costs by:

Improving air quality: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions can improve air quality, which can reduce the incidence of respiratory diseases and other health problems.

Reducing heat-related illnesses: Climate action can reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Reducing water-borne diseases: Climate action can reduce the risk of water-borne diseases, such as cholera and typhoid fever.

Promoting physical activity: Climate action can promote physical activity, such as walking and cycling, which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

According to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO), the economic benefits of reducing air pollution can be up to 10 times higher than the costs of implementing pollution control measures.

Reducing climate-related uncertainty: Climate action can reduce climate-related uncertainty by promoting the use of climate models and scenario planning.

Supporting climate risk management: Climate action can support climate risk management by promoting the use of climate risk assessments and climate risk management frameworks.

According to a study by the Economist Intelligence Unit, climate change can reduce global economic output by up to 11% by 2100 if left unchecked.
- Dr. Adeleye (Ph.D., Ibadan), Researcher on Environmental Pollution and Control, badeleye@gmail.com +234 803 525 6450
July 5, 2025