A Systematic Review of the Causes and Challenges of Climate Change on Nigerians' Economy and Ecosystem

Abstract

Introduction: Climate change is an adverse environmental phenomenon that the impact is felt at both local and global communities. Nigeria like the rest of the entire continent of Africa is considered highly vulnerable to climate change because of its limited coping capacity, poverty, illiteracy, food insecurity, and diseases associated with climate change. While data on the global impacts of climate change is available, those at regional levels are scanty, rarely available and inaccessible. Hence the need for this study on the causes and effects of climate change on Nigerians economy and ecosystem. Methods'. The methodology adopted was purely on content analysis of secondary data and observed information from field survey. Reports and presentations from Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and Department for International Development (DFID), National Climate Change Commission (NCCC) and Nigerian Environmental Study Team (NEST) were identified for review through a comprehensive search by using electronic and non-electronic databases. Related published literatures and documents were also searched in a systematic manner, using a range of key words relating to climate change impact on the Health, Ecosystem and Nigerians Economy. Results: Our review of the subject matter indicated that many areas of Nigerian economy and ecosystem appear to be directly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as agricultural and health sectors, due to increase in average temperature and rainfall. Rising in sea levels, emerging pest/diseases, changing of the ecosystem and food insecurity were also established. Conclusion: Climate change effects are significant and requires technological and policy innovation to realize low-carbon growth in Nigeria. Field trials on crop production in local ecosystems will highlight crops that are most vulnerable to the changing climate and identify areas of research focus. Greenification of the lands, minimization of pollutants/contaminants in the atmosphere and adoption of environmentally friendly technology arc highly advocated.