Dr John Abubakar, an environmental expert, has called for the adoption of comprehensive strategies in Nigeria, to help mitigate the effects of climate change.
Abubakar, who is also the Head, Center for Literacy and Sustainability Education Initiative, an NGO, said this in a statement signed by his secretary, Mr Christopher Nwadike, on Tuesday in Jos.
According to him, deploying strategies such as recycling materials like polythene and plastic materials, and repairs and refurbishing of initially used items, will help in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.
“The act of recycling, refurbishing, amongst others, play a key role in mitigating climate change.
“Rubber materials aren’t biodegradable, and the act of dumping them in the environment, asides becoming breeding sites for vectors and rodents, also leads to the presence of heavy metals, which pose the risk of leaching toxins into the groundwater.
“It also releases Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins (PCDDs), compounds which are green house gases, into the atmosphere which affects the ozone layer, there by enhancing climate change,” he said.
Abubakar further warned that climate change would have catastrophic effects on the society if urgent actions were not taken to mitigate it.
“Our country Nigeria has so much to lose, with our diverse ecosystems, fertile land, and large population, all are at risk due to the overexploitation of natural resources.
“This has led to a disruption of nature’s balance and allowed climate change to enter our ecosystem.
“The extreme temperatures, frequent droughts, destruction of forests, spread of deserts, and devastating floods, are all clear signs of the damaging effects of climate change. We must address this issue before it is too late,” he advised.
The expert further called on both the state and the federal governments, to actively engage in initiatives that aimed at promoting sustainable practices among students and the larger community.
According to him, the inclusive involvement of all individuals and entities in this endeavor, the cultivation of culture of sustainable living, will serve as powerful weapons against climate change.
