The oil rich Niger Delta is suffering from rising sea levels brought on by climate change, experts say. Environmental change has likewise prompted rising ocean levels in Lagos.
The risk of flooding is getting worse as sea levels rise, making these areas more vulnerable to diseases spread by water and other health problems. The dual challenges of flooding and erosion that coastal communities face have a significant impact on their livelihoods, particularly those that rely on fishing and agriculture. A cycle of vulnerability is created by this circumstance, which has the potential to result in more poverty and displacement.
Already, the flooding has become more intense, causing distressful displacement in areas where the affected population moves inland, putting pressure on already scarce resources like land and water. Pundits are concerned that a rise of just 0.2 meters could displace approximately 200 villages, and a rise of more than 1 meter could flood a significant portion of the Niger Delta, potentially forcing up to 80% of its inhabitants to relocate to higher ground.
The depletion of marine resources, which local communities rely on for their livelihoods, is one example of the ecological effects of climate change. Fish stocks are migrating away from traditional fishing grounds as a result of rising sea levels and changes in water temperature, leading to disputes over diminishing resources. As a result of these changes to the environment, for instance, communities like Igbetaewoama in Bayelsa State have had violent arguments over where to fish.
The people who know better express worry that environmental change fuels existing ecological debasement inside the Niger Delta’s sensitive biological systems. Due to rising sea levels and extreme weather, coastal erosion is becoming more common, resulting in the loss of habitat for marine life and human settlements. Not only does this degradation put biodiversity at risk, but it also hurts local economies that rely on healthy ecosystems for fishing and agriculture.
As environmental actuated factors, for example, flooding and asset shortages, increase, they add to eco-movement, where individuals are compelled to migrate because of natural changes. Tensions and conflicts escalate when displaced people and host communities compete for land and water resources as a result of this migration. Notably, there have been more conflicts between local farming communities and Northern pastoralists migrating south in search of grazing land.
The Nigerian government’s response frequently entails deploying military-led internal security operations (ISO), which can actually make tensions worse rather than better. Reports demonstrate that this approach has sometimes brought about common freedom infringement during peace-making endeavors.
The effects of climate change, however, are not limited to immediate physical effects. They also pose a threat to Nigeria’s food security. Agricultural production, which is essential for both local consumption and economic stability, is hindered by droughts and decreased rainfall. The decrease in fish stocks because of changing marine biological systems further compounds these difficulties, prompting dietary shortages among the populace.
The humanitarian crisis there is marked by widespread displacement. Flooding occasions have uprooted millions, creating inside dislodged people (IDP) camps that battle with deficient assets. As communities struggle with the loss of their homes and livelihoods, the United Nations has emphasized the need for immediate humanitarian assistance in these areas.
By coordinating international support for disaster response initiatives and adaptation strategies, the United Nations helps Nigeria deal with the effects of climate change. The United Nations’ (UN) goal is to promote sustainable development goals (SDGs) while simultaneously mitigating the negative effects of climate change through a variety of programs, including those aimed at building resilience in vulnerable communities. The involvement of the United Nations demonstrates that climate change is a pressing global issue that transcends national borders.
Because of these difficulties, Nigeria has refreshed her commitments under the Paris Arrangement, going for the gold in ozone harming substance emanations by 2030. This responsibility lines up with global endeavors led by associations like the UN to battle environmental change through cooperative activity designs that stress manageability and strength.
Given the challenges posed by climate change to coastal areas, it is believed that Nigeria must urgently rethink its disaster management plans and internal security framework.
Onwumere writes from Rivers State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: [email protected]