Back to: Environmental Biology 300 Level
Welcome to class!
Think of how hot some days have become in Nigeria, or how flooding now seems more frequent in cities like Lagos and Port Harcourt. Farmers complain about unpredictable rains and longer dry spells, while communities near rivers face erosion and displacement. These are not random events—they are signs of climate change. To reduce the damage and prepare for future challenges, we must understand two key strategies: adaptation and mitigation.
Climate Change Adaptation And Mitigation
What is Climate Change?
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature, rainfall patterns, wind, and other elements of the Earth’s climate system. It is largely caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial emissions that increase greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide.
What is Adaptation?
Adaptation involves adjusting our lives, systems, and infrastructure to cope with the impacts of climate change. It means being better prepared for the changes that are already happening or expected to occur.
Examples of Adaptation
Building raised homes in flood-prone communities in Bayelsa.
Developing drought-resistant crops for farmers in Northern Nigeria.
Expanding water storage systems to help during dry seasons.
Creating early warning systems for floods and storms.
Planting trees to reduce heat in urban areas.
What is Mitigation?
Mitigation refers to actions taken to reduce or prevent the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. It addresses the root causes of climate change and helps reduce future risks.
Examples of Mitigation
Promoting the use of solar panels and clean energy instead of diesel generators.
Reforestation and afforestation projects to absorb carbon dioxide.
Improving public transport systems to reduce emissions from cars.
Using energy-efficient appliances and lighting in homes and offices.
Supporting waste-to-energy projects to convert organic waste into power.
Why Both Matter
Adaptation helps communities survive current and future climate impacts, while mitigation helps slow down climate change itself. For Nigeria, combining both is essential—especially since we are already facing challenges like coastal erosion, food insecurity, and rising temperatures.
Efforts in Nigeria
The Nigerian government’s National Adaptation Plan outlines actions across sectors.
The Great Green Wall project in the Sahel region aims to combat desertification.
Lagos State’s climate action plan includes flood control and cleaner transportation.
Youth-led groups and NGOs are planting trees, recycling waste, and spreading awareness.
Summary
- Climate change causes long-term changes in weather patterns due to human activities.
- Adaptation means preparing for climate impacts through changes in behaviour and infrastructure.
- Mitigation means reducing greenhouse gas emissions to address the causes of climate change.
- Nigerian examples include drought-resistant crops, solar power, tree planting, and improved transport.
- Both adaptation and mitigation are necessary for a safer, healthier, and more resilient Nigeria.
Evaluation
- Define climate change and name two causes.
- What is the difference between adaptation and mitigation?
- List three examples of climate change adaptation in Nigeria.
- Mention two ways Nigeria is working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Why is it important to combine both adaptation and mitigation?
You’ve done excellently learning how Nigeria and the world can respond to climate change. Remember, your actions matter—from saving electricity to supporting green solutions. Afrilearn is proud of your growth. Stay curious, stay committed, and see you in the next lesson!