Olasunkanmi Akinlotan
A United Kingdom-based environmental expert, Dr. Samuel Babatunde, has listed precautionary measures for both Nigerians and the government to guide against environmental and Climate change hazards in the country during the year 2025.
Dr Babatubde made this known through a Position Paper to the Nigerian government made available to the PUNCH on Sunday.
The environment don recalled that during the recent COP29 summit, global leaders and climate experts highlighted the importance of collaborative and localized solutions to combat climate change.
He added that a key resolution from the conference called for a faster transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, with solar and wind power emerging as cost-effective and sustainable options for developing nations.
He also reminded global leaders of their pledged to increase funding for climate adaptation and mitigation, promising up to $100bn annually for climate projects in vulnerable nations.
He said, “Nigeria has experienced a steady increase in average temperatures over the past few decades. This has resulted in prolonged heat waves, adversely affecting agriculture, energy demands, and public health. Higher temperatures also exacerbate water shortages, compounding the already fragile access to clean water in rural and urban areas.
“Rainfall in Nigeria has become increasingly unpredictable. Prolonged droughts in the northern regions, such as Sokoto and Borno, have led to desertification and the loss of arable land. Conversely, southern states like Lagos and Rivers have suffered from intense rainfall, resulting in severe flooding that destroys homes, displaced populations, and hampers economic activities.”
He, however, stated that Nigerians must accelerate its shift to renewable energy, citing the country’s abundant sunlight as a natural resource for solar energy development.
He appealed for investments in solar farms, off-grid solar systems, and wind turbines as critical steps to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and create job opportunities.
“Nigeria must accelerate its transition to renewable energy. The abundance of sunlight makes solar energy a viable solution.
“Investments in solar farms, off-grid solar systems, and wind turbines can reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and create employment opportunities. Promoting the use of drought-resistant crops and innovative farming techniques such as drip irrigation and agroforestry can enhance agricultural productivity. “
Also in agriculture, the expert recommended the promotion of drought-resistant crops and innovative farming techniques like drip irrigation and agroforestry. These methods, he argued, will enhance agricultural productivity and help secure the nation’s food supply. He also called for the training of farmers in sustainable practices, with government policies prioritizing subsidies for climate-smart agricultural tools.
Dr. Babatunde also urged the Nigerian government to invest in robust flood control systems, including dams, levees, and drainage infrastructure, particularly in flood-prone areas. Urban planning, he noted, must integrate climate resilience to withstand extreme weather events.
As part of broader environmental conservation efforts, the expert recommended intensifying tree planting campaigns nationwide to combat deforestation, as well as promoting community-led initiatives to restore degraded lands, improve carbon sequestration, and preserve biodiversity.
To safeguard lives and property, Dr. Babatunde stressed the importance of establishing early warning systems and emergency response units. He also advocated for collaboration with international bodies for technical support to improve Nigeria’s preparedness for climate-induced disasters.
“Farmers should be trained in sustainable practices, while government policies should prioritize subsidies for climate-smart agricultural tools. Nigeria must also invest in robust flood control systems, including the construction of dams, levees, and drainage systems. Urban planning should integrate climate resilience, ensuring that infrastructure in flood-prone areas can withstand extreme weather events. Tree planting campaigns should be intensified nationwide to combat deforestation.
“Community-led initiatives can restore degraded lands, improve carbon sequestration, and enhance biodiversity. Establishing early warning systems and emergency response units can save lives and property during extreme weather events. Collaboration with international bodies for technical support can enhance Nigeria’s preparedness.
“Educating Nigerians about the effects of climate change and the importance of sustainable practices is critical. Initiatives should target schools, religious institutions, and community organizations to foster a culture of environmental responsibility. Nigeria should leverage international climate funds to support green projects. Transparent frameworks for managing and disbursing these funds will encourage global donors to prioritize Nigeria.”
Copyright PUNCH
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: health_wise@punchng.com
The post 2025: UK-based environmental expert lists urgent precautions against climate hazards appeared first on Healthwise.