Climate

Newton’s third law of motion states, “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” The actions of humans have ridiculed and diminished the planet over centuries. The consequences now affect us, evident through the deteriorating climate and other biological processes. Therefore, there is an urgency to shed more light on actions towards a healthier planet.

Scientists worldwide on the intergovernmental panel on climate change have shared that climate models predict the Earth’s global average temperature will rise an additional 4° C (7.2° F) during the 21st Century if greenhouse gas levels continue to rise at present levels. In tackling climate change, several governments have come together under the Paris Agreement to commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). In addition, the United Nations has also called for climate action through its sustainable development goal Thirteen (13).

Despite these efforts, the task is to turn these commitments into real and meaningful action, and achieving this will require the participation of every citizen. This is because our lifestyles have a profound impact on our planet. Statistics have shown that household consumption accounts for around two-thirds of global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions which occur through the energy sources we use, the food we eat, the items we buy, our transportation choices, and our waste management methods, amongst others. Hence, we must seek ways to contribute to a healthier planet.

The ways to reduce our carbon footprint are feasible but not immediate; however, they add up and make a significant impact in time. For example, reducing car dependency through cycling and walking contributes to reducing GHG emissions in the air. Likewise, opting for public transportation also contributes to plummeting the number of vehicles on the road and reducing the gases emitted and, consequently, air pollution. Planting trees to augment the high deforestation rate due to furniture, charcoal, and paper production is also a much-needed action in the fight against the planet’s depletion.

Another way to contribute to a healthier planet is through proper waste management. Irresponsible waste management results in litter and affects our environment causing air and sea pollution. Despite waste being an inevitable byproduct of human life, it can be managed through recycling and reusing waste items that are not recyclable. For instance, plastics like water bottles can be transformed into other useful items, thereby reducing the waste that ends in landfills.  Also, minimising energy usage by switching off lights and appliances not used around the home helps preserve energy and reduce footprints. Conversely, opting for cleaner energy sources, like solar, and adopting clean cooking solutions, like liquefied natural gas and biogas, has the potential to reduce emissions.

Unfortunately, very few people in Nigeria know about climate change, its effects, and how they, as citizens, can contribute to reducing global carbon footprints. According to Statista, as of 2020, more than six (6) Nigerians out of ten (10) had never heard about climate change. These statistics highlight an awareness gap and a considerable need for everyone to lend their voices to these causes. Speaking up can be done by starting conversations around climate action on social media platforms or by enlightening those within our reach in meaningful climate discussions and actions towards reducing their carbon footprints.

Finally, the Nigerian government should prioritise creating more awareness programs on actions towards combating climate change whilst providing enlightenment on those initiatives already in place to catalyse impact and buy-in, as people are better positioned to make sustainable and less harmful environmental choices when informed.