Climate change hazards drench, drain families across the world

The devastating rains and flooding which swept across towns and cities in Nigeria in recent weeks compelled a critical look into the ruins, mishaps and hazards of climate change on families across the world.

We have seen on our streets, watched in shock on televisions, read in newspapers and on social media, accounts of the intensity of damage caused by downpours which on some occasions submerged homes and roads, washed away business premises, disrupted lives of hundreds of residents, in some cases thousands of people, displacing the most vulnerable members of society including children, sick people, elderly, and the economically disadvantaged, thereby  exposing the country’s vulnerability to extreme weather events and inadequate infrastructure. These accounts have thrown our cities and towns into overwhelming chaos, to say the least.

Vibrant streets have been transformed into waterlogged expanses with floodwaters reaching alarming heights in many areas and the impact has been felt far and wide, forcing businesses to shut down, schools closing their doors and transportation turning into nightmares.

Hazards of Climate Change on families, businesses and society are numerous and these can have multiple implications for many aspects of life. Many of these hazards seem, and in some cases are classified as natural events or phenomena but the reality of our world indicates that some of them are man-made outcomes of our modern life and survival endeavours.

The following hazards/events are associated with climate change.

Flooding: These are extreme weather events that have grievous, devastating effects on individuals, families and society in general. Recent incidents in some cities in Nigeria including Lagos, the business and economic hub of Nigeria, have left many people with jaw-dropping consternation. One begins to wonder how statistics of missing people, damaged properties and infrastructure can be accurately gathered. The economic implications on governments at various levels, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), public and private sector organisations and communities are undoubtedly huge. Critical stakeholders are constantly challenged by the effects of this one factor out of many that are results of climate change.

LandSliding: Climate change impacts vegetation patterns. Deforestation, wildfires or changes in plant species can alter the stability of slopes as vegetation plays a crucial role in holding soil together, so changes in vegetation cover can increase the risk of landslides. Sea level rise due to climate change can lead to coastal erosion which can destabilise coastal slopes and cliffs, increasing the risk of landslides.

Hurricanes: Severe weather occurrences such as hurricanes, can cause significant damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure. Repairing and rebuilding impose untold costs leading to financial strain on individuals, families and communities. For some days now and counting, many cities in Texas, United States of America, have been reported facing the severity of Hurricane Beryle which has left many buildings damaged and many trees fallen, businesses shut down for days, power (electricity) failure and internet disruption, leaving many people incommunicado and in despair.

Crop failure and food price increase: Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can negatively impact agricultural productivity leading to crop failure and food shortages, resulting in higher food prices and putting immense strain on families and individuals, particularly those already facing financial difficulties.

Financial drain: This can disrupt the smooth running of families, businesses and society in different ways, such as increased insurance costs as insurance companies may raise their premium to cover the higher risks associated with frequent and severe/extreme weather conditions. 

Eventual business collapse: Physical damage, supply chain disruption, regulatory changes, increased operating costs, market shifts, reputation damage and legal liabilities are some of the many troubling effects of climate change that can bring eventual collapse of  some businesses as climate change poses a significant risk to businesses across various industries, and those that fail to adapt and mitigate these risks may face serious consequences, including business collapse. It is crucial for businesses to assess their exposure to climate risks and take proactive measures to build resilience and sustainability into their operations. All these could cause anxiety and depression for business owners thereby, impacting their health in a dramatic manner. The complex and interconnected nature of climate change effects can create uncertainty, anxiety and depression for business owners as they navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by changing climate. 

Health issues/Healthcare costs: Climate change, no doubt, has diverse effects on human health such as increase in heat-related illnesses, respiratory problems due to poor air quality and the spread of infectious diseases. These can lead to costlier health care services for both individuals and government. 

Rains and flooding in Nigeria should not be seen as isolated cases, but rather, as a symptom of bigger issues plaguing the world as a result of Climate Change and its many baggage. Therefore, as our cities continue to grow, and many of them doubling their population in decades to come, the need for sustainable infrastructure and disaster preparedness should be top priority.

Global concerns over climate change and its implications have taken centre stage for quite some time now. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) “Peoples’ Climate Vote 2024”, the world’s largest standalone public opinion survey on climate change, “people everywhere are experiencing climate change in increasingly disruptive ways”.  The survey indicates that 87 percent of people around the world are increasingly being bothered by climate change and 56 percent of people globally think about it frequently. 

Similarly, the survey shows that 53 percent of people worldwide are more worried now about climate change than they were a year ago; a concern that is most likely linked to the growing number of climate change impacts that people hear about or have experienced themselves. The survey notes that: “More than two out five people (43%) think extreme weather events were worse this year than last.  Nearly eight in ten people (78%) want more protection for people at risk from extreme weather”.

Climate change impacts are becoming crucial considerations for individuals, families and organisations on decision-making about where to live or work and what to buy, as indicated by the UNDP Survey, as “a third of people (33%) said climate change is affecting their big life decisions a lot”.  According to the survey, “There is a consensus on the result of Peoples’ Climate Change Vote 2024. That is to say, the vast majority of people agree the climate crisis is here and that the world needs to act now”.

Our experiences with these hazards year in, year out should propel everyone to get familiar with  climate change issues, causes, challenges, impacts and mitigation. Individuals understand their role in the factors  and actions that contribute to climate change; and should be encouraged to use energy-efficient appliances, turn off lights when not in use, and consider using public transportation, biking, conserve water by fixing leakages and plant trees.

Families should endeavour to protect natural resources, preserve forests, wetlands and other natural ecosystems that help absorb carbon dioxide and regulate the climate.

Industries can play a significant role in mitigating their contribution to global warming  which is a big factor in climate change, by transitioning to a more sustainable and low-carbon future; as well as engaging in sustained environment-friendly initiatives in their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and responsible corporate citizenship.

Governments should ensure compliance with policies and initiatives that will ensure conservation of natural environments, avoid encroachment on natural habitats in the name of urbanisation, and take enduring measures at reconsidering some decisions and projects that impact negatively on the environment such as ocean reclaiming, felling of trees, mining and deforestation, among others.

It is important to initiate, implement and monitor overall programmes aimed at communication, sensitisation and compliance by all and sundry in the efforts to conserve our environment and save humanity.

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