Authors : A.O. Akinro , D.A. Opeyemi and I.B. Ologunagba
Abstract: Climate change and global warming are now scientifically established facts. Climate change is a massive threat to human development and in some places, it is already undermining the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the international community�s efforts to reduce extreme poverty. The issue of climate change is global. Nigeria is not excluded from its threats. Nigeria is reported to have 123 flaring sites in the Niger Delta region of the country. Making Nigeria one of the highest emitter of greenhouses in Africa. Carbon dioxide emission in the area are among the highest in the world. Some 45.8 billion kilowatts of heat are discharged into the atmosphere of the Niger Delta from flaring 1.8 billion cubic feet of gas everyday. It has been reported that gas flaring has raised temperatures of the region and rendered many areas uninhabitable. This study examines the scenarios of the climate change in the Niger Delta region, its vulnerability and impacts and provided possible mitigations to stem the tide of global warming and environmental degradations in the region.
A.O. Akinro , D.A. Opeyemi and I.B. Ologunagba , 2008. Climate Change and Environmental Degradation in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria: Its Vulnerability, Impacts and Possible Mitigations. Research Journal of Applied Sciences, 3: 167-173.