Have you Heard about Climate Change?

Basic Facts Every Nigerian Child Should Know About Climate Change & the

Environment

By : Edem Dorothy Ossai

Weather vs. Climate

• Weather refers to the state of the atmosphere over several minutes up to several days. It includes lots of things that should be familiar - temperature, humidity, rain, snow, wind speeds, or wind direction.

• Climate refers to the long-term average (and other statistics) of weather measured over long periods of time (at least several decades).

Here’s a simple way to think about it:

Climate is what you expect, but weather is what you get. Imagine you were going to visit your aunty in Lagos for a few days in April. You would expect it to be sunny and warm, because that’s what the climate of Nigeria is usually like in April. What It turns out to be wet and cold during your trip? Or imagine that there is a heavy hail storm, noisy winds, dark clouds. The roads and streets might soon turn out to be flooded, chilly and dangerous.

What is Climate Change?

It is a process whereby The Earth is getting warmer because people are adding heat-trapping gases to the atmosphere, mainly by burning fossil fuels. These gases are called greenhouse gases. Warmer temperatures are causing other changes around the world, such as melting glaciers and stronger storms. These changes are happening because the Earth's air, water, and land are all linked to the climate.

What Causes Climate Change?

electricity generation is the largest source of carbon dioxide. It is responsible for nearly 40 percent of emissions. Transportation -- cars, trucks, trains, boats and airplanes – contributes a little more than 30 percent of carbon dioxide emissions. The rest come from industry, such as factories that make products we use, and from energy we use in our homes and businesses.Burning bushes, refuse and other waste products

Impacts of Climate Change• Heat waves. Heat waves are long periods of

time with above-normal temperatures. As the Earth warms, more areas will be at risk for extreme heat waves. Have you noticed that the weather is so much hotter these days?

• Heavy Precipitation. Heavy downpours are becoming more common in many locations. Have you noticed the heavy downpour of rain these days and the result of flooding?

• Sea Level Rise. Sea level has risen about 8 inches in the last century, making coastal storms more damaging. Have you visited a beach in Lagos or Port Harcourt before? Did you notice how the waters have flooded their banks?

• Threats to habitats and animals. As temperatures warm, many plants and animals have been migrating to higher elevations or toward higher latitudes. Some animals may have difficulty moving to or adapting to new habitats.

• Floods, Erosions and land slides. The heavy rainfalls are resulting in major floods which in turn lead to the destruction of farm lands, homes and even lives. The earth’s surface is gradually giving way to form huge gaping holes making most lands unsafe, unmotorable and unusable. The soil is also sliding away in many places.

• Drought. Global warming will increase the risk of drought in some regions. Also, warmer temperatures can increase water demand and evaporation, stressing water supplies.

How can people slow warming and prepare for climate change?

• The first is to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions responsible for climate change: By using less energy, or using energy more efficiently. We can drive cars that use less fuel or run on electricity or other alternative fuels. We can also use less energy in our homes, offices, and schools. We can stop bush burning. We can recycle more waste items.

• The second is to prepare for life in a changing climate. We need to make sure our buildings, roads, businesses and all the services they use can withstand the climate changes that we can’t avoid.

What can you do to help?• There are lot of things you can do to save energy and help

stop global warming, like:1. Turning off the lights when you leave a room,2. Don’t waste water resources3. Recycle/re-use your waste e.g. Newspapers, bottles. 4. Stop burning refuse or weeds5. Plant more trees (in your schools, homes and

communities)6. Avoid cooking with fire wood or kerosene stoves7. Educate and enlighten others