The Nigerian Meteorological Society has called on the Federal and State governments to take proactive steps in addressing climate change challenges affecting food security and the safety of lives and property across the country.
The society raised concerns about worsening weather patterns, including irregular rainfall, severe flooding, prolonged dry spells, violent storms, and intense heatwaves, as key indicators of climate change.
The President of the association, Prof. Debo Adeyewa, stated this at the society’s National Conference and 34th Annual General Meeting held at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, Ondo State, on Thursday.
The conference was themed ‘Sustainable development in a changing climate: The role of meteorology.’
Adeyewa, who is a former Vice-Chancellor of Redeemers University, Ede, Osun State, noted that industrialisation and other negligent human activities such as deforestation, the emission of fossil and greenhouse gases, and CO2 significantly contribute to climate change.
He stressed that climate, if properly managed, could be a valuable asset but if neglected, it could result in unimaginable socio-economic catastrophes for society.
The don stated, “Redirecting human and financial resources towards research endeavours that enhance the comprehension of climate change scenarios, leading to reliable seasonal and climate forecasts, is imperative for formulating effective adaptation and mitigation strategies.
This challenge must be squarely addressed by the Nigerian Government to ensure sustainable national progress, safeguard lives and property, and shield against the impact of future climate variations.
“Over the next five years, climate change will intensify, impacting various sectors of Nigeria’s socio-economy, particularly agriculture, further imperilling food security and potentially culminating in famine, water scarcity, exacerbation of freshwater availability issues, sea level rise, consequent flooding, accelerated coastal erosion, displacement of coastal communities, and an increase in natural disasters. However, these outcomes can still be mitigated through prompt actions.”
In his address, the Director General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Professor Charles Anosike, represented by the Director of Weather Forecasting Services, Professor Vincent Weli, emphasised that climate change posed significant threats to the planet, manifesting through rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and unpredictable weather patterns, necessitating proactive measures.
Anosike affirmed that climate change undermined global efforts to address hunger, poverty, ill-health, enhance access to clean water, and other facets of sustainable development.
According to him, the requirement for global and national investments in climate and water-related sciences and services along agriculture value chains.
“This investment is crucial for enabling farmers to make informed decisions regarding crops and planting strategies to bolster food and nutrition security.
“Meteorology and climate science hold the solutions to many climate change challenges. From predicting severe weather events to comprehending atmospheric science intricacies. Our field plays a critical role in informing policies, guiding decision-making processes, and safeguarding lives and livelihoods,” the don asserted.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of OAUSTECH, Prof. Temi Ologunorisa, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. David Aworinde, commended the conference’s theme as timely and appropriate.
He urged participants to devise innovative solutions that address the impact of climate change effectively in Nigeria and worldwide.
SOURCE: PUNCH NEWS
