A Publication of Department of Political Science and International Relations
Journal VOL. 1 NO. 2, September. 2020, ISSN: 2714 - 4054
Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability in Nigeria
Bashiru Salihu
ABSTRACT
The effect of climate change is felt globally. Climate change is causing a serious threat and its overwhelming impact is felt globally. The evidence of the warming is unequivocal; there are empirical records of widespread increases in observed air and sea temperatures, sea-level rise, melting ice, extreme weather patterns including more intense and longer droughts, an increase in extreme precipitation events over many land areas, and more hot days and heat waves. The objective of this paper is to interrogate climate change and its mission for sustainable development and also the role Nigeria has been playing at the global, continental and regional level towards environmental sustainability. Using the development and eco diplomacy theory as a framework of analysis, and the data from secondary sources, this paper argues that due to the constant interaction between man and his immediate environment, coupled with the subsequent quest for food, shelter and economic activities have all led to the constant abuse of the environment by the present generation thus, making environmental sustainability very difficult. The paper recommends that the Nigerian government should as a matter of urgency adopt the mitigation and adaptation policy to reduce the negative effect of climate change in Nigeria, the mitigation policy includes: reduction of greenhouse gases, discourage deforestation (cutting down of trees) and increase afforestation. While the adaptation policy should be highly encouraged through assisting local farmers in changing their crop patterns, encourage farmers to develop a crop that is resisted to drought so as to ensure food security.