Oyeleke Oyerinde
Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Nigeria
Title: Climate change: Impact, adaptation and mitigation in coastal areas of Niger delta, Nigeria
Biography
Biography: Oyeleke Oyerinde
Abstract
Climate change is a global issue and its impact is felt everywhere by both humans and ecosystems. It is increasingly becoming a serious challenge to the inhabitants of the Niger delta region. Moreover, the Niger Delta region of Nigeria is known to be particularly vulnerable to climate change because of its fragile ecosystem and human activities that have heightened the propensity of climate change and its impacts on the region. This paper draws attention to climate change impacts, adaptation strategies and mitigation policies for coastal areas of Niger Delta in Nigeria. A mix of primary and secondary data sources were utilized mainly comprising of interviews, direct observations and on the spot assessments in conjunction with existing research works and government ministries publications. Analyses show that various manifestations of climate change impact are evident in the coastal areas of Nigeria such as coastal erosion, change in rainfall pattern, sea level rise and flooding. The people within this region, who mostly depend on climate-sensitive sectors, attempt to adapt to these changes using various methods such as construction of wooden pedestrian bridges and delay in planting among others. Currently, there are no effective mitigative plans especially at the local level, therefore, it is recommended that this be addressed through well-articulated and coordinated policies.