The Executive Director of the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), Dr. Michael David, has encouraged Nigerians to restore forest habitats within their homes as a means of mitigating the heat wave caused by climate change.
This message was conveyed recently in Abuja, where Dr. David emphasized that the heat wave contributes to the drying of streams and rivers.
Furthermore, Dr. David highlighted the importance of planting more trees and restoring forest habitats within residential areas as essential steps in mitigating the impacts of climate change.
“To address the impact of heat waves and the drying of rivers and streams, a more comprehensive strategy on climate adaptation processes, water management, and general ecosystem restoration is required,” he stressed.
He noted that the factors being experienced in the country were due to climate change, characterized by the intensity and duration of the heat waves.
Dr. David said there was an urgent need to safeguard water resources for future generations.
“Heat waves expose us to drought and contribute to health problems in humans and wildlife, leading to outbreaks of diseases,” he explained. “Heat waves cause a lot of socioeconomic impacts on communities, including water scarcity, increased conflict, and harm to livelihoods for both animals and farmers. Communities are also displaced, leading to migration.”
The National Coordinator of Clean-up Nigeria (CUN), Mr. Ene Owoh, said it was important to note the connection between water and climate change.
He said: “Climate change affects water supply in several ways, from the currently unpredictable rainfalls to the declining water levels in streams. Rising sea levels, floods, and droughts all boil down to climate change. The truth is, climate change has altered the availability of water, making it less plentiful in the world. It has caused water shortages, droughts, and a decrease in agricultural production. Let us bear in mind that any increase in temperature level will have consequences for water levels as well as human well-being.”
