Since the beginning of this year, the weather in many parts of Nigeria has been very hot! Experts in the health sector have also expressed concern over the ongoing heat-wave across the country. In fact, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Nimet, warned that if safety precautions are not taken, Nigerians in Abuja, Kano, and many other Northern states are likely to suffer heat strokes due to the scorching heat-wave.
So, what are some of the causes of extreme weather, or heat waves in particular? Climate researchers say that heat waves occur when there is high pressure in the atmosphere that forces hot air downward and traps it near the ground. This high-pressure system acts like a lock that prevents the hot air from rising, causing the temperature to rise further.
Also, extreme heat increases the demand for air conditioning, thereby fueling carbon pollution and putting a strain on our energy system which leads to poor electricity supply or power outages. Global warming, fueled by burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial activities, has also contributed to the increase in climate temperatures.
Experts have therefore called on Nigerians to take measures towards reducing Methane emissions in the environment. The experts say that by reducing human activities that lead to methane production, we can reduce the emission of Methane into the atmosphere. There is also a need to take control in terms of advocacy and in terms of trying as much as possible to manage our waste well as a way of reducing the short-term Methane emissions into the atmosphere.