CLIMATE CHANGE, GLOBAL WARMING AND ADAPTABILITY FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

There is global warming that is gradually changing the climate too. The objective of this paper is to examine the physical environment of the country vis-à-vis global warming and climate change with a view to making suggestions for adaptability for sustainable growth and development. Books and materials on physical environment of Nigeria were extensively read. News paper cuttings, magazines, journals and documents from the Federal and State Ministries of Environment were contacted. I listened to radio and television documentaries on the changing face of the earth. The country was divided into six geographical zones for data collection. Empirical observations were made on selected weather elements. Vegetation and other elements of the physical environment were studied. Weather records were obtained from six stations of IITA; and from Federal Meteorological stations across the country. Temperature, rainfall and relative humidity have increased. Cloud cover is more. Double maxima of rainfall and August break are no longer obvious. The hamattan lasts shorter period of time, less hazy but dustier. Wind directions have not changed significantly. Desert encroachment is obvious. Vegetations have changed mostly from natural to manmade. River courses have changed. Lengths, volumes and loads carried by rivers and streams have relatively increased. Acid rain is experienced. There is inclement warmth. The reclaimed lands are being covered by water again. There are new human and animal ailments and diseases. The challenges are not peculiar to Nigeria. It is global. The world is working towards zero emission; and identified with ozone recovery. Nigeria should not be left out. There must be legislations and environmental education that should address the global warming, climate change and their effects.