Have you ever noticed that the weather sometimes feels strange? Maybe it rained when you least expected, or was it very hot in the rainy season? This happened because of something called climate change. Climate change is one of the biggest problems facing the world today, and it affects Nigeria too. What is climate change? what causes it, and what can we do to help.
Understanding Weather and Climate
Before we delve into climate change, let’s talk about the Weather. It is what you see outside on any given day. It could be sunny, rainy, windy, or cloudy. For instance, if it rains heavily this afternoon, that is the weather. Climate, on the other hand, is the average weather of a place over a long period of time, usually 30 years or more.
Think of it like this: Weather is your mood today i.e., happy, sad, excited. Whilst Climate is your personality – how you usually are most of the time. Nigeria has different climates in different regions. For example, the north is mostly dry and hot, while the south is wetter and has more rain.
What is Climate Change?
Climate change means that the Earth’s climate is changing in unusual ways. The Earth has always had small natural changes in its climate, but now, these changes are happening faster and are mostly caused by human activities. One of the main signs of climate change is global warming, which is when the Earth’s temperature gets hotter over time. This heat affects everything including the weather, plants, animals, and even our daily lives.
Causes of Climate Change
So, what is making the Earth hotter? The main reason is something called the greenhouse effect. The Earth has a layer of gases around it called the atmosphere. Some of these gases are called greenhouse gases, and they trap heat from the sun to keep the Earth warm. This is good because without it, our planet would be too cold for humans, plants, and animals to survive. But when there are too many greenhouse gases, the Earth becomes too hot and this is what is happening today. Greenhouse gases mostly come from things humans do. In Nigeria, some of the main sources are:
- Burning Fossil Fuels
When we burn petrol, diesel, or coal for cars, generators, and factories, it releases carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the air. Many Nigerians rely on generators because of unstable electricity, which adds more CO₂.
- Deforestation (Cutting Down Trees)
Trees help clean the air by taking in CO₂ and giving out oxygen. When we cut down too many trees for firewood, farming, or building houses, there are fewer trees to clean the air.
- Waste and Pollution
When waste piles up in open dumpsites and rots, it releases methane, another greenhouse gas. Burning rubbish also releases dangerous gases into the air.
- Agricultural Practices
Certain farming practices, like burning farmland before planting, release greenhouse gases.
How Climate Change Affects Nigeria
Climate change is not just about hotter days. It causes serious problems that affect our environment, economy, and health. Some ways Nigeria is being affected are:
- Irregular Rainfall
Farmers can no longer predict when to plant or harvest crops because rainy and dry seasons are changing which can lead to food shortages.
- Flooding
Heavy and unexpected rains have caused severe floods in many states like Kogi, Lagos, and Bayelsa. Flooding destroys homes, farmlands, and even schools.
- Drought and Desertification
In the northern part of Nigeria, less rainfall and higher heat are turning farmlands into deserts. This makes it hard for people to grow food or find water.
- Heatwaves and Health Problems
Hotter weather can lead to heat-related illnesses like dehydration or heat stroke. It also increases diseases like malaria because mosquitoes breed faster in warm, wet conditions.
- Loss of Wildlife
Changes in weather and the destruction of forests harm animals like elephants, lions, and birds, leading to extinction.
Why Children Should Care About Climate Change?
You might be wondering, “Why should I care? I’m just a child.”
Here’s why:
- Climate change will shape your future. If we don’t take action, there could be less food, dirtier water, more sickness, and more extreme weather by the time you are an adult. You can be part of the solution! Every small action makes a big difference.
The good news is, we can fight climate change by.
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- Planting Trees
Planting a tree not only benefits those who live locally around it but to the whole population such as by removing carbon from the atmosphere..
- Reducing Waste
- Recycling plastic bottles and cans when possible.
- Avoid littering and encourage others to keep the environment clean.
- Saving Energy by turning off lights, fans, and electronics when not in use.
- Walking or Cycle. Instead of using a car or motorcycle for short distances, try walking or cycling. This reduces air pollution and keeps you healthy.
- Spreading Awareness Teach your friends and family about climate change. Share what you learn in school or in your community.
Conclusion
Climate change is real, and it is already affecting Nigeria. It causes problems like flooding, drought, food shortages, and extreme heat. But there is hope! By understanding the problem and taking action, whether planting trees, reducing waste, or spreading awareness, we can protect our planet and secure a better future for ourselves and future generations.
Remember: The Earth is our home, and there is only one Earth. If we take care of it, it will take care of us.
Stay tuned….as we learn other ways we can fight climate.
