The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Climate

  • Climate adaptation in a warming world:how cities are preparing for extreme weather

    Climate adaptation in a warming world:how cities are preparing for extreme weather

    Across the world, cities are experiencing extreme weather situations; From record-breaking heatwaves to sudden floods, violent storms and ice-covered earth, extreme weather is testing the limits of urban infrastructure and governance. For rapidly growing cities, especially in developing countries, the challenge is not only how to reduce emissions, but how to adapt to a climate that is already changing. In Nigeria, the stakes could hardly be higher. Lagos, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Onitsha, Makurdi and many others have all experienced episodes of flooding that paralyse traffic, destroy homes and disrupt commerce. In the North, rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns are placing pressure on water supplies and public health. These are not isolated incidents; they are part of a broader global pattern of climate volatility that is reshaping how cities must plan for the future.

    For years, climate policy focused mainly on mitigation, cutting greenhouse gas emissions to slow global warming. That goal remains vital, but as extreme weather becomes more frequent and intense, adaptation has moved to the centre of urban planning. Adaptation means redesigning cities so they can withstand shocks: stronger drainage systems, cold/heat-resilient buildings, better emergency response, and smarter land-use planning. Many major cities are already rethinking their foundations. New York has invested billions in coastal defences after Hurricane Sandy. Rotterdam has redesigned public spaces to double as floodwater storage areas. In Asia, cities like Singapore are integrating climate risk into every major infrastructure decision. The message is clear: climate resilience is no longer optional; it is a necessity.

    Flooding remains the most visible climate threat to many Nigerian cities. Rapid urbanisation has replaced natural wetlands with concrete, reducing the land’s ability to absorb rainwater. Blocked drainage channels, poor waste management, and unplanned settlements in flood-prone areas have made the problem worse. In response, some state governments are beginning to invest in drainage expansion, canal dredging, and stricter building regulations. Lagos, for example, has prioritised flood control projects and coastal protection efforts, though experts argue that much more is needed to match the scale of the risk. Heat is another growing concern. Urban areas tend to be hotter than surrounding regions due to the “urban heat island” effect, where concrete and asphalt trap heat. As global temperatures rise, heatwaves are becoming more dangerous, especially for the elderly, outdoor workers, and those living in poorly ventilated housing.

    Cities are starting to explore solutions such as planting more trees, creating green roofs, improving building design, and expanding access to cooling centres. These measures may seem modest, but they can significantly reduce heat stress and improve public health.Extreme weather is exposing weaknesses in urban infrastructure. Roads wash away, power lines fail, water systems are overwhelmed, and hospitals struggle to cope with surges in climate-related illnesses. In many cases, infrastructure was designed for a climate that no longer exists. Adaptation requires both upgrading existing systems and building new ones with future risks in mind. This means using climate data to guide where roads are built, how bridges are reinforced, and how water and energy networks are protected. It also means investing in early warning systems that can give residents time to prepare before disasters strike. Some Nigerian cities are making progress in this area, particularly in flood forecasting and emergency response coordination. But funding constraints and competing development priorities remain major obstacles. Modern climate adaptation is increasingly driven by data. Satellite imagery, weather modelling, and real-time monitoring systems are helping city planners identify vulnerable areas and anticipate risks. Digital mapping of flood zones, for instance, can guide where new housing should or should not be built. Mobile technology also plays a role. Early warning messages sent by text can save lives during floods or heatwaves. Social media platforms are now part of emergency communication strategies, helping authorities share information quickly and residents report hazards.

    Read Also: Kwara attack: NEMA deploys response team, relief items to Kaiama

    Adaptation is not just about concrete and steel; it is also about people. Communities are often the first responders in climate emergencies, and their knowledge and participation are crucial. Local initiatives such as community clean-ups of drainage channels, neighbourhood flood monitoring, and volunteer emergency teams can greatly enhance resilience. One of the biggest challenges is funding. Climate-resilient infrastructure is expensive, and many cities already struggle to meet basic development needs. This is where climate finance, public-private partnerships, and innovative funding models become critical. Ultimately, climate adaptation is a test of leadership and foresight. The choices made today about land use, infrastructure, and social services will shape how well cities cope with tomorrow’s extremes. Delaying action may save money in the short term, but it will almost certainly cost more in lives, livelihoods, and lost development in the long run.

    As extreme weather becomes the new normal, cities must shift from reacting to disasters to preparing for them. In a warming world, resilience is not just about survival; it is about protecting economic growth, social stability, and the dignity of urban life.

    For Nigeria’s cities and in fact everywhere, the future will belong not to those who ignore climate risks, but to those who plan for them, invest wisely, and place people at the center of adaptation.

    • Adebayo Matthew Adeleye, PhD, Ibadan. Researcher in Environmental Pollution and Control badeleye@gmail.com    +234 803 525 6450
  • FG, UK invest £19m to deliver 84 climate-resilient facilities in Kano, Jigawa

    FG, UK invest £19m to deliver 84 climate-resilient facilities in Kano, Jigawa

    The federal government, in partnership with the UK Government through UNICEF, has invested £19 million under the Climate Resilient for Basic Infrastructure (CRIBS) programme to deliver 84 climate-resilient health and education facilities across Kano and Jigawa states.

    The Chief of UNICEF Field Office, Kano, Mr. Rahama Rihood Mohammed Farah, disclosed this while speaking at a Media and Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services in primary healthcare centres and schools in Kano and Jigawa States, held at Tashir Guest Palace.

    Farah said the facilities were inaugurated last year, adding that the success recorded in Kano and Jigawa had prompted the expansion of the initiative to other parts of the country.

    “Based on the successful implementation of the approach in Kano and Jigawa States, the initiative has been expanded this year to include Bauchi, Enugu, Gombe, Kaduna, and Katsina states,” he said.

    He stressed that while setting mutually acceptable service standards was crucial to achieving the social and health benefits that encourage investment, equal attention must be paid to sustainability.

    Read Also: President seeks global support to tackle climate-induced mobility

    According to him, duty bearers, stakeholders, and communities must take responsibility for the proper maintenance of WASH facilities in health facilities and schools to prevent deterioration and loss of impact.

    Farah underscored the critical role of the media in driving change through sustained advocacy, urging journalists to spotlight gaps identified by the WASH National Outcome Routine Mapping (WASHNORM) in Kano and Jigawa.

    He called on the media to demand transparency in state budgets, track allocations for boreholes, latrines, and soap in health and educational facilities, and hold governments at all levels accountable to their Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) commitments.

    “Media stories can amplify children’s voices, put pressure on decision-makers to prioritise WASH funding, and mobilise communities turning data into action for healthier futures,” he said.

    Farah urged stakeholders to work tirelessly to expose neglect and advocate for the provision of WASH facilities in every school and clinic, insisting that Nigerian children deserve nothing less.

  • Nigeria taps low-emission farming to unlock climate finance, other opportunities

    Nigeria taps low-emission farming to unlock climate finance, other opportunities

    Nigeria’s drive to cut short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) from agricultural activities is gaining traction as a potential gateway for climate finance and carbon market investment, the Federal Government has said.

    This was disclosed at the close-out workshop of the Abatement of Short-Lived Climate Pollutants in the Nigerian Agricultural Sector Project held in Abuja.

    Speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, said the initiative has shown how climate-smart agricultural practices can open new funding opportunities for farmers while advancing Nigeria’s climate obligations.

    The project, implemented by Self Help Africa in partnership with the Ministry and funded by the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, targeted reductions in methane and black carbon emissions by promoting alternatives to open-field burning across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

    Ogunbiyi explained that although the project benefited from international grant support, its long-term value lies in its ability to deliver measurable, bankable climate outcomes capable of attracting private sector and blended financing.

    “Reducing methane and black carbon delivers fast climate benefits, and these are exactly the kinds of outcomes global climate finance and carbon markets are increasingly looking to support,” he said.

    He noted that emission reductions achieved through practices such as water-efficient rice cultivation, sustainable management of crop residues, and conservation agriculture could be packaged into carbon credit schemes, providing additional income streams for farmers and cooperatives.

    According to the Ministry, the project has demonstrated that smallholder farmers can effectively participate in carbon markets when mitigation measures are practical, verifiable, and tied to productivity improvements.

    In more than 20 demonstration plots across 15 communities—particularly in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State—farmers adopted no-burn farming methods, climate-resilient cropping systems, and residue-to-briquette technologies. These approaches not only cut emissions but also improve crop yields and reduce household energy costs.

    “These results position Nigerian agriculture as a credible candidate for results-based climate finance, where farmers are rewarded not just for producing food, but for delivering climate services,” Ogunbiyi said.

    The SLCP Abatement Project aligns with the Climate Change Act of 2021 and Nigeria’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which recognise agriculture as a key sector for both mitigation and adaptation efforts.

    Also speaking at the workshop, the Director of Agricultural Land and Climate Change Management Services (ALCCMS) said embedding SLCP mitigation into agricultural policy would enhance Nigeria’s access to global climate funds, voluntary carbon markets, and emerging methane-reduction financing mechanisms.

    “Climate-smart agriculture is no longer just an environmental agenda; it is an investment opportunity,” the ALCCMS Director said.

    The Federal Government used the occasion to urge financial institutions to design tailored credit products for farmers adopting low-emission practices, while calling on development partners to support longer-term, results-based financing models that connect emission reductions with rural income growth.

    Ogunbiyi stressed that expanding the gains recorded under the project would require strong coordination among agricultural, environmental, and financial institutions, alongside improvements in rural infrastructure and extension services.

    “As we conclude this project phase, the task before us is to convert pilot success into sustainable finance pipelines. With the right climate finance structures, Nigerian farmers can become active players in carbon markets while strengthening food security and rural livelihoods,” he said.

  • ‘Climate volatility hitting West African insurers balance sheet negatively’

    ‘Climate volatility hitting West African insurers balance sheet negatively’

    Climate volatility is now a core financial and strategic issue for insurers across West Africa, affecting their balance sheet

    Lowering it down to Nigeria, the 2022 floods cost the Nigerian insurance industry billions of Naira in gross losses.

    These were the words of Group Managing Director, Custodian Investment Plc, Mr. Wole Oshin during a West African insurance conference in Lagos, with the theme, “The West African Insurer In The Face Of Climate Change”.

    He disclosed that over the past decade alone, insurers in West Africa have witnessed events that were once described as “once in a century” now happening every few years.

    For instance, he said that in 2022, Nigeria experienced its worst floods in a decade with 33 out of 36 states affected, over 600 people died, more than 1.4 million displaced, and critical infrastructure including roads, farms, and oil pipelines were submerged.

    He stated that the West Africa insurance industry is in a time when the realities of climate change are no longer theoretical risks on an actuarial model, but living experiences reshaping insurance markets, our balance sheets, and our societies.

    Speaking on the implications for underwriting, claims, solvency capital and reinsurance strategies, he stated that climate volatility directly affects underwriting assumptions, claims frequency, solvency margins, and reinsurance structures.

    He said it tests our risk models, strains their capital, and challenges our ability to price, pool, and transfer risk sustainably.

    Yet, within these challenges, he said lies the opportunity to lead in resilience, to innovate in risk management, and to position insurance as a key driver of adaptation and recovery.

    Read Also: Students urge Tinubu to protect Dangote Refinery 

    He said: “Across the sub region, we have witnessed climate events that once seemed extraordinary become disturbingly routine. Floods have inundated farmlands and cities, storms have destroyed infrastructure, and rising temperatures are altering health risks and economic patterns.

    “For insurers, these are not just humanitarian crises, they are defining business challenges”.

    He urged insurers in Wes Africa to examine how as risk managers, they can safeguard both lives and livelihoods in the face of escalating climate threats.

    “Let us to explore new underwriting frameworks, parametric solutions, regional risk pools, and green investment strategies that reflect the changing climate realities of our time. Let us deliberate with openness and urgency. Let us speak not only to losses, but of leadership, not only of exposure, but of opportunity. The insurance industry in West Africa must not only survive the era of climate change, it must define it, by building the structures of resilience that our economies and communities so urgently need.

    “Nigeria experienced its worst floods in 2022 since a decade, Accra Ghana in 2015 faced devastating floods combined with a petrol station explosion, killing over 150 people and exposing urban drainage weaknesses. Sierra Leone suffered a catastrophic mudslide in 2017 after heavy rains, killing more than 1,100 people and wiping out entire communities in Freetown. Niger and Chad have faced recurrent droughts and Sahelian heatwaves that devastate crops and livestock. In The Gambia and Senegal, coastal erosion and storm surge are eating away at communities, displacing families and threatening tourism assets.

    “These are not abstract climate models, they are real events affecting real balance sheets. They drive claims spikes, capital strain, and reinsurance market skepticism. The question we must ask is are we adapting underwriting, claims, solvency capital, and reinsurance strategies to remain relevant, resilient, and profitable in this era of climate change and volatility? As the risk profile intensifies, the balance sheets of Insurers are negatively impacted leading to: More frequent coastal floods in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Cotonou, and Dakar. We witnessed heavy downpour in Lagos in the last couple of weeks with huge consequences.

    Addressing the underwriting, claims, solvency, and reinsurance strategies, Oshin called for proper underwriting, noting that in Lagos, underwriters can use Lekki elevation data to distinguish between lagoon-front, mid-estate, and inland plots.

    He said insurers should also settle more claims to eliminate public trust deficit.

    “We all know that claims are the trust engine of insurance and we must continuously improve on its delivery. There is the natural tendency to be absent and not visible when catastrophes occur, thereby missing major headline news opportunities to show the world we care.

    “After the 2015 Accra floods and similar incidents in Nigeria, they delayed claims settlement led to a public trust deficit that still lingers and which must be managed. You will agree with me that fast, transparent claims settlement builds credibility. Here are some examples of how this was dealt with in the past:

    “There is also the issue of solvency capital. The reality is that capital matters more now than ever before. Risks have become very unpredictable and in some instances defy modelling. The 2022 floods cost the Nigerian insurance industry billions of naira in gross losses. Many had underestimated tail scenarios and over-relied on reinsurance, only to face delayed recoveries and liquidity crunches.

    “Climate volatility is here, and may intensify. Our customers, our cities, our economies are looking to us not just for indemnity, but for reliability. If we combine disciplined underwriting, visible and empathetic claims, strong capital, and innovative reinsurance, we can transform today’s challenge into a leadership opportunity for West African insurance. Let us be the insurers who show up when the rain is falling, and the ones who stay to help rebuild when the skies clear. Let us be data-driven, community-minded, and future-ready”, Oshin submitted.

  • Innovators, climate leaders to convene at 9th sustainability table series

    Innovators, climate leaders to convene at 9th sustainability table series

    The Avant-Garde Sustainability Foundation is set to host the ninth edition of the Sustainability Table Series (STS) on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Themed “Sustainability in Action: Scaling Impact for a Thriving Future to Achieve the SDGs,” the event will bring together policymakers, business executives, innovators, and sustainability experts to explore solutions that can accelerate climate resilience and inclusive development in Africa.

    Curated by Labake Ajiboye-Richard, the forum aims to foster collaboration, innovative financing, and scalable actions as Nigeria advances towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and in the lead-up to COP30.

    The Chief Executive Officer of ARM-Harith Infrastructure Investments, Rachel Moré-Oshodi, will deliver the keynote address on scaling sustainability impact in Africa.

    Speaking ahead of the event, the convener, Labake Ajiboye-Richard, said: “Our speakers will provide actionable insights, real-world solutions, and policy-driven frameworks to accelerate Africa’s transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient future. The time for pledges has passed; this is the era of delivery, bold leadership, and collaborative impact at scale.”

    Read Also: Tinubu tasks IMF, World Bank, others on climate action funding

    This year’s discussions will focus on four key themes: Policy and Technology Innovation: Fast-tracking climate policies and promoting circular economy models, Financing Sustainability: Unlocking capital through blended finance and public–private partnerships. Driving the Net-Zero Transition: Accelerating carbon capture technologies and urban climate resilience, and ESG-Driven Transformation: Promoting environmental, social, and governance principles for long-term growth.

    Among the speakers are Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources; Ayaan Adam, Senior Director at the Africa Finance Corporation; Olamide Fagbuji, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Technology and Operations; and Oluwatoyin Emmanuel-Olubake, Chief Investment Officer of the Catalyst Fund.

    A major highlight of the event will be the launch of the STS 2024 Monograph, which examines Nigeria’s economic reforms and their alignment with the SDGs. The publication also explores opportunities for inclusive growth across sectors such as agriculture, MSMEs, manufacturing, and the creative economy.

    Since its inception, the Sustainability Table Series has provided a platform for dialogue and partnerships among policymakers, industry leaders, and investors on issues including eco-finance, ESG adoption, and circular economy.

    Now in its ninth edition, STS continues to drive conversations and actions that promote a sustainable and resilient future for Nigeria, Africa, and the world.

  • Climate change driving farmer-herder crises, banditry in Nigeria – FG 

    Climate change driving farmer-herder crises, banditry in Nigeria – FG 

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Adam Mahmud Kambari, has linked ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, including farmer-herder clashes, cattle rustling, and banditry, to the impacts of climate change.

    Speaking at an inception workshop in Abuja on capacity development for conflict-sensitive adaptation and the launch of a report on integrating peacebuilding into Nigeria’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP), Kambari stressed that conflict sensitivity must be a core element of the nation’s climate response.

    He noted that fragile and conflict-affected states are among the most vulnerable to climate impacts but often lack the governance systems and institutional capacity to cope and recover. 

    “It would be a mistake to ignore medium- and long-term adaptation needs in these peacebuilding contexts,” he said.

    Read Also: NCCC calls for increased financing to address climate impact

    Kambari emphasised that adaptation strategies must be viewed through the lens of conflict sensitivity, making it crucial to build the capacity of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to integrate peacebuilding into their planning processes.

    He further recalled Nigeria’s commitments under international frameworks, including the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol, highlighting that under its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), Nigeria pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 47% with international support. 

    While mitigation remains a focus, the NDC also aligns with the ongoing NAP to strengthen adaptation, especially in vulnerable regions.

    The permanent secretary urged stakeholders to embrace conflict-sensitive development planning, noting that Nigeria’s NAP, supported by the Green Climate Fund, will build on the National Adaptation Strategy and Plan of Action (NASPA) to address pressing climate and security challenges.

  • New dawn for climate-resilient agri-food systems

    New dawn for climate-resilient agri-food systems

    The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has taken a significant step toward addressing Nigeria’s climate and food security challenges with a two-day programme aimed at building indigenous leadership in co-developing climate-resilient technologies for sustainable agri-food systems.

    The event, organised by the Department of Agriculture & Bio Resources Engineering, was held on July 23-24, 2025, at the 85 Building, Faculty of Engineering, UNN. It was led by Engr. Prof. Chinenye C. Anyadike, a Professor in the department and Co-Principal and Research Director of SCID engineeringxpress

    Focus on safety and leadership

    A key highlight of the programme was an EngineeringXpress workshop on Safety Skills for Sustainable Engineering Development. This crucial session was made possible through the generous sponsorship of the Lloyd’s Register Foundation and Onyia Construction.

    During the workshop, Distinguished Prof. Umezuruike Linus Opara delivered a compelling keynote address on leadership development, stressing the importance of equipping future engineers with the skills needed to drive innovation. Following this, Engr. Dr. Patrick Akpan, Academic Programmes Coordinator at the African Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Power and Energy Development (ACESPED), UNN, presented a comprehensive overview of safety in engineering, underscoring its foundational role in any sustainable project.

    The urgency of safety skills

    Dr. Uzor Onyia, Principal of SCID EngineeringXpress spoke on the critical need for developing safety skills within Nigeria’s engineering landscape. He highlighted that a strong safety culture is not just about preventing accidents but is fundamental to building a robust and reliable engineering sector capable of tackling complex challenges like climate change.

    “We are immensely grateful for the sponsorship of the Lloyd’s Register Foundation and Onyia Construction, whose support has been instrumental in making this safety programme a reality for Nigerian engineers,” Dr. Onyia stated.

    He also used the opportunity to encourage students and early-career engineers to take advantage of the upcoming safety skills training available on engineeringxpress, urging them to register and invest in their professional development.

    A Collaborative success

    The success of the programme was a testament to strong collaboration across various organisations. Dr. Onyia extended his gratitude to key partners, including the Royal Academy of Engineering, Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Association of Professional Women Engineers in Nigeria (APWEN), Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), ACESPED, Nigerian Universities Engineering Students Association (NUESA), Faculty of Engineering, UNN, and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

    A special vote of thanks was given to the Department of Agriculture and Bio Resources Engineering, led by Engr. Prof. Chinenye C. Anyadike, and the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Engr. Prof. Joel Nwakaire, for their exceptional leadership and for orchestrating a truly impactful programme. The event has set a new benchmark for professional development and collaborative efforts in engineering education in Nigeria.

  • FG urges universities to drive climate research, support net zero target by 2060

    FG urges universities to drive climate research, support net zero target by 2060

    The Federal Government has called on Nigerian universities to actively support its commitment to achieving a net zero green transition by 2060 through evidence-based research on climate change and renewable energy solutions.

    The appeal was made by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, in a keynote address delivered at a three-day bi-annual international conference titled “Accelerating Climate Action for Sustainable Livelihood in Nigeria” organised by the Faculty of Social Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State.

    Lawal, who was represented by Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, a director in the Ministry of Climate Change, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to building climate-resilient communities through inclusive and equitable growth strategies.

    He also announced the launch of the Green School Initiative, a programme designed to foster environmental awareness and sustainability in schools. 

    The initiative aims to educate students and staff about environmental issues, reduce the ecological footprint of schools, and encourage eco-friendly practices both within and beyond the school environment.

    He said, “On climate related research and university collaboration, the Ministry as the focal Ministry for WASCAL initiative in Nigeria with the WASCAL Governing Board has established two competence centres at the Federal University of Technology Akure and Federal University of Technology Minna respectively. Thus far, WASCAL has successfully graduated 28 PhD and 19 Nigeria Master’s students.” 

    Read Also: Climate change threatens Africa’s malaria-free goal by 2030

    “The Ministry is involving the academia in developing most its climate policies and framework. I call on the university authority to collaborate with the Ministry in promoting evidence-based research on climate change and renewable energy solutions to support our net zero green transition pathway by 2060.”

    Earlier, the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences of OAU, Professor T. O. Odekunle, said that stakeholders were invited to brainstorm and come up with concrete action plans to pave way for sustainable livelihood under a highly variable and changing climate. 

    He pointed that the most critically impacted sectors in Nigeria’s economy are agriculture, water resources, natural resources productivity, biodiversity and ecosystems, health, land use, energy, transport, industry, human settlements and migration, and the coastal belt which are affected by climate change. 

    The Vice Chancellor of OAU, Professor Adebayo Bamire, noted “No single institution can address climate change alone. 

    This conference brings together researchers from across Nigeria and beyond, policymakers from various levels of government, representatives from civil society organisations, and leaders from the private sector.”

  • Africa could face 113 million climate migrants by 2050, warn researchers

    Africa could face 113 million climate migrants by 2050, warn researchers

    Africa is at risk of experiencing a massive human migration crisis, with researchers projecting that over 113 million people could become climate migrants by 2050 due to the escalating impacts of climate change.

    Despite contributing less than four per cent to global greenhouse gas emissions, the African continent is one of the hardest hit by climate-induced disasters, including floods, droughts, heatwaves, and rising sea levels.

    These extreme events are compounding long-standing development challenges and forcing millions, particularly youth and children, into displacement and uncertainty.

    The warning comes from researchers affiliated with the African Climate Mobility Initiative (ACMI), who recently launched a new publication titled Climate Mobility Guidebook for Youth and Children in Africa.

     The guidebook, authored by Lukmon Akintola, Gislaine Kengne, and Afees Akinola Agboola, sheds light on the growing reality of climate-driven mobility across the continent.

    The lead author of the guidebook, Lukmon Akintola said: “The climate crisis is not waiting for anyone. It is here, and it is particularly unforgiving in regions like ours that have contributed the least to global greenhouse gas emissions.”

    The report cites striking figures: in 2022 alone, at least 7.4 million people were internally displaced in Sub-Saharan Africa due to climate-related disasters.

    Of these, more than 1.85 million were children, with displacement incidents such as the deadly floods in Nigeria, which uprooted over 2.4 million people, and the prolonged drought crisis in Somalia, which forced over one million people to flee their homes.

    The catastrophic flooding in Libya, which displaced over 43,000 people and claimed more than 5,000 lives, is also highlighted as a stark example of the continent’s climate vulnerability.

    “Children represent a significant portion of the displaced population. In 2022, over 1.85 million children were forcibly displaced due to climate disasters. These young ones are growing up with severely limited access to education, healthcare, and safety,” Akintola said.

    He further warned that climate change is not only disrupting the environment but also affecting health systems, education, food security, and economic stability.

    Read Also: Don gets Climate Change Advocate award

    “Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns have triggered outbreaks of diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, and dengue fever, while also wreaking havoc on agricultural production across the continent,” the researchers noted in the guidebook.

    “This has led to worsening food insecurity, with at least 165 million people, including youth and children, documented as food insecure in 38 African countries in 2022.”

    The African Development Bank, the report adds, has projected a sharp decline in GDP across multiple African nations by 2050 due to climate-related disruptions, potentially deepening poverty and unemployment.

    Akintola, who is also a Knowledge Associate at the UN Global Centre for it Climate Mobility, described the guidebook as a critical tool for empowering young Africans with knowledge and solutions.

    “The guidebook is not just a publication, it’s a clarion call for Africa’s young population to take ownership of their future in the face of climate uncertainty,” he said.

    “It responds to the urgent need for African youth to understand not just the science of climate change but also its human face and how it disrupts lives, livelihoods, and entire communities.”

    He stressed that climate mobility, which includes forced displacement, voluntary migration, and planned relocation, is a complex, multi-layered phenomenon requiring context-specific solutions.

    “Too often, African voices are missing from global discussions on climate mobility. This guidebook changes that narrative. It gives African youth the language, the data, and the strategies to meaningfully engage and influence policy,” Akintola added.

    He called for urgent investment in climate-resilient infrastructure and social safety nets to protect those most vulnerable, especially children and rural communities.

    “It is not enough to have pockets of awareness among urban youth. Climate change is happening everywhere. Every young African must be equipped with the tools to respond,” he argued.

    Akintola also made a strong appeal for climate justice, noting the stark disparity between Africa’s minimal contribution to emissions and the severe impact it faces.

    “Africa contributes less than four per cent to global emissions, yet we are paying the steepest price. This is unjust, and we must keep demanding climate justice,” he insisted.

    While acknowledging the growing involvement of African youth in global climate platforms, such as the African Youth Declaration on Climate Mobility at COP27 and COP29, Akintola urged for greater structural support and meaningful youth participation in decision-making.

    “We must go beyond hashtags. We need to be present in parliament halls, policy rooms, and negotiation tables. We must draft, debate, and demand policies that reflect our realities. Youth must be treated as equal partners, not mere symbols of inclusion,” he said.

    Highlighting the growing field of climate mobility, Akintola also noted the career opportunities available at the intersection of climate and human movement.

    “The climate mobility space is not limited to environmentalists. It needs storytellers, data analysts, engineers, legal minds, and advocates. This guidebook introduces young people to the limitless possibilities of making an impact and earning a livelihood while doing so.”

    He urged educational institutions, NGOs, and civil society to mainstream climate literacy, particularly targeting underserved and rural communities, where the impact is often most severe but least reported.

    As Africa braces for what could be the continent’s most significant internal migration crisis in modern history, Akintola and his co-authors hope the guidebook will serve as a vital resource for youth engagement, policy advocacy, and long-term resilience.

    “We must not wait for another flood or famine to act. The time for bold, youth-led climate action is now,” Akintola concluded.

  • Research blends care, culture, climate, proffers healing for home, environment

    Research blends care, culture, climate, proffers healing for home, environment

    In a time when global communities are grappling with mounting mental health challenges, educational disparities, and environmental concerns, a collection of impactful research studies led by Mercy Sulaiman from the University of New Hampshire USA, is offering practical and culturally grounded solutions with international relevance.

    Drawing from three empirical studies, developmental psychologist and mental health advocate Mercy Sulaiman presents findings that bridge child psychology, parenting practices, and environmental awareness, with relevance both in the United States and in Nigeria.

    In her study titled Parenting Styles and ADHD: Addressing Research Gaps in Developmental Psychology Within the USA, Sulaiman investigates how different parenting approaches influence emotional and behavioral outcomes in children diagnosed with ADHD. The findings reveal that authoritative parenting—marked by emotional warmth, consistent structure, and appropriate discipline—is most effective in supporting children with attention and hyperactivity challenges.

    Read Also: Minister urges institutes to develop climate-smart seeds

    What distinguishes this research is its cultural depth: it emphasizes the need for family-centered interventions that are not only developmentally sound but also culturally sensitive. In a context like Nigeria, where extended family networks play a major role in caregiving, the study opens up avenues for adapting these strategies in non-Western households. Importantly, the research critiques the overreliance on pharmacological treatments by proposing responsive parenting as a critical, non-invasive alternative.

    In a second study, Exploring the Impact of Book-Sharing Practices on Managing ADHD Symptoms Among First-Grade Children in the USA, Sulaiman explores how narrative engagement during parent-child book sharing can support emotional regulation and cognitive development. The research shows that book-sharing, especially when interactive, fosters better attention and self-regulation in young children with ADHD.

    This insight is especially relevant for educators, therapists, and parents seeking affordable, non-medical tools to support early childhood mental health. For Nigeria, where formal interventions are often under-resourced, the findings advocate for integrating literacy-focused interventions in both school and home settings as part of mental health support systems.

    Moving from homes to habitats, Sulaiman’s third article—Public Awareness and Participation in E-Waste Management—examines the role of community education in improving sustainable electronic waste practices. Though conducted in the United States, the findings carry urgent relevance for Nigeria, where the influx of secondhand electronics and informal recycling poses serious environmental and public health hazards.

    Sulaiman’s work underscores that increasing public awareness is pivotal to reversing harmful e-waste trends. In Nigeria, replicating such models could involve local government partnerships with NGOs, the establishment of regulated collection centers, and environmental education integrated into school curricula. Such steps would foster civic responsibility, reduce pollution, and safeguard vulnerable communities, especially children, from toxic exposure.

    Together, these three studies show that science and service need not be separate. Whether addressing emotional health through responsive parenting or safeguarding the environment through public education, Sulaiman’s work brings research down to earth—into schools, homes, and communities.

    Her research underscores a powerful truth: the path to resilience—both human and ecological—begins with empathy, education, and collective action.