Ecosmart Climate Action Initiative (ECAI), a non-governmental organization committed to enhancing both health and environmental conditions, recently convened a vital discussion on the repercussions of climate change, particularly highlighting its effects on health, air quality, and food security.
The event, which held at the Top Ranks Hotel Galaxy in Abuja on Friday, February 9, welcomed a diverse panel of experts from health, policy, and agricultural sectors.
Speaking on the focal topic, Dr. Ayorinde Olusanya David, a medical professional specializing in preventive medicine, emphasized the alarming lack of urgency in addressing climate change. He highlighted the increasing unpredictability of weather patterns and its profound impact on health, noting a shift in the types of diseases encountered in hospitals. Dr. David pointed out the direct correlation between climate change and persistent malaria symptoms, attributing this to the conducive breeding conditions for mosquitoes in hotter climates.
He pointed out the pervasive influence of climate change on daily life, including its detrimental effects on mental health, particularly for individuals already grappling with mental health issues. Dr. David stressed the imperative for widespread discourse and action on climate change, urging not only engagement in formal forums but also conversations within personal and professional circles.
“Climate change has worsened to the point where predicting the weather is now very difficult. From a medical perspective, the types of diseases encountered in hospitals are also changing. Many people have been treated for malaria up to three times in four months, yet symptoms persist. The truth is, there is a direct link between climate change and the current malaria symptoms experienced. In tropical areas like ours, the weather becomes hotter, making it very easy for mosquitoes to breed.
“Every single change in the weather affects our lives, but because we don’t really see it in action, we don’t take it seriously. Our mental health is at stake. Climate change affects mental health, especially for those already experiencing mental health issues, leading to constant crises.
“Climate change is a very serious issue of grave concern that everyone should talk about, not just in forums like this, but also with family, friends, and at the workplace.” Dr Ayorinde stated.
Ugo Ejidoh, an environmental health analyst and public health advocate, addressed the critical aspect of air quality in the context of climate change. Ejidoh emphasized the significance of air quality monitoring in combating the deteriorating climate, noting the absence of such monitoring systems in Nigeria, which hampers data collection efforts.
In her words, “A major problem we are facing in Nigeria is the absence of air quality monitoring. Without this, gathering data is difficult. It is through the monitoring system that we obtain data to relay to stakeholders and help people understand the gravity of what is happening.
“Air quality monitors are crucial tools for countries to safeguard public health by detecting harmful pollutants such as particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. By monitoring air quality, we can assess the impact of human activities on the environment, identify sources of pollution, and implement measures to mitigate them, thus protecting ecosystems and wildlife.
“Additionally, air quality monitoring ensures compliance with regulatory standards and provides data for policymakers to adjust policies as needed. It helps to regulate industries’ activities. In Nigeria, the activities of industries as they relate to air quality are not properly monitored. There is a need for industries to be regulated on air quality to minimize harmful emissions, protect public health, and mitigate environmental damage caused by pollutants released during industrial processes.
“Lack of regulation can result in air pollution levels exceeding safe limits, contributing to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and other health issues, among others. Hence, the importance of air quality cannot be overemphasized.”
Speaking from the perspective of policymaking in combating the effects of climate change and ensuring a safe environment, Dr. Michael Nwoko, a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health in the United Kingdom, a member of the American Public Health Association, and a Senior Special Assistant on Health Monitoring to the Delta State governor, acknowledged that climate change is one of the biggest challenges the world is currently facing.
In Nigeria, Dr. Nwoko stressed the need for a sustainable and renewable environment, emphasizing the importance of taking recycling initiatives seriously and fostering a cultural orientation that aligns with climate change action. He advocated for structured systems to be implemented, even at the local level.
Dr. Nwoko also praised notable Nigerians committed to environmental issues, such as Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment. He highlighted Senator Nwoko’s efforts in championing a bill for the Establishment of Waste Management and Malaria Eradication Agency, which has successfully passed its first reading.
“Both the private sector and government sector have a huge role to play in addressing the issue of climate change. Private sectors must constantly assist with sensitization and advocacy, just like what we have here today. Putting up panelists to offer solutions and explain the situation in layman’s terms enables everyone to understand their role in saving the earth.
“In Nigeria, we have a significant role to play in establishing a sustainable and renewable environment. We must take recycling initiatives seriously. We must create a system that charges the value system of the people. We must build cultural orientation to align with climate change action. Organized structures must be put in place even at the local level.
“Fortunately, there are notable Nigerians who are committed and passionate about environmental issues. One such person is Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, the vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment. His passion for a sustainable environment and malaria eradication in Africa, particularly Nigeria, prompted him to champion a bill for the Establishment of Waste Management and Malaria Eradication Agency. A bill that has successfully passed its first reading.
“As Dr. Ayorinde perfectly mentioned, climate change can increase the chances of malaria, and we cannot evade the stark reality that malaria, a lethal ailment, is not just a burden placed upon distant shores but one that relentlessly plagues our own communities. This truth demands our proactive pursuit of solutions within our grasp. Had malaria afflicted the Western world, a solution might have been reached swiftly, akin to the rapid response seen in combating COVID-19. It is incumbent upon us to chart the path towards resolving our own challenges.
“Policies like this are what we need as a nation to combat the issue of climate change. Policies that take into consideration our unique peculiarities.” Dr Nwoko asserted.
Samuel Robert Kwasari, an Agri-Business Generalist with a focus on management and operations and a keen interest in machine learning, delved into the issue of food security in relation to climate change.
Kwasari emphasized the often-overlooked aspect of food quality when discussing the impact of climate change on food security. He stressed the importance of nutritional value alongside quantity, lamenting the absence of a nutritional plan in Nigeria compared to more advanced nations. He highlighted the prevalent use of excessive chemicals by farmers, posing risks to both the environment and consumer health.
He said, “Often, when we discuss the impact of climate change on food security, there is an aspect that we tend to overlook – food quality. As a farmer, I am not only concerned about food quantity, but I am primarily concerned about its quality, particularly its nutritional value. It is unfortunate that our country lacks a nutritional plan, unlike more advanced nations. Yet, many farmers use excessive chemicals to grow food, endangering the environment and the health of consumers.
“Regarding the impact of climate change, it is unfortunate that my sector – the agricultural sector – is the second-highest contributor to climate change after fossil fuels. Consequently, my team and I are taking action to address agricultural practices. We have committed to growing 100% natural food, with zero chemical inputs in our practices.
“This approach will not only improve the quality of food but also have zero negative impact on the environment. We aim to achieve this through ecological agriculture, known as agroforestry, where edible plants will grow alongside trees.
“If proper attention is given to this practice, it will significantly contribute to solving the issue of climate change. The question is, do we have leaders with the political will to walk the talk by implementing the right policies?
“During one of my research trips, specifically my visit to Switzerland, I had conversations with a fellow farmer. He revealed that the government pays for the upkeep of his 60 cows and collects the milk in return. He further explained that he does not make a direct profit from this arrangement, nor does the government. However, the government prefers to support local milk production rather than importing it.
“I was curious about how he makes money, so I asked. He practices natural agriculture, taking cow dung to his natural grapevine farm, which sits on half a hectare of land. There, he harvests a minimum of ten tons every year and makes more than a 70% return on that farm with zero chemical threats to the environment.
“My point is, the best way to practice agriculture to save the environment is to return to natural agriculture. However, we need substantial government support to easily achieve our goals.”
The founder of the NGO, Sonia Somuvie, unveiled the organization’s strategy to plant 50 thousand trees annually in regions susceptible to both natural and human-induced desertification as part of their efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change. She announced that the initiative would commence before the year’s end.
Representatives from the Ministry of Environment, alongside other prominent figures, attended the event.
