We humans take the quality of air we breathe for granted, forgetting the fact that we can’t live without it.

Luckily, air is a renewable resource constantly being replenished through our natural ecological cycles – carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, water, and nutrient.

Additional benefits are provided through other processes, called ecosystem services, which includes the dispersion of many environmental contaminants.

The first air pollutants emitted by humans probably occurred when early cave-dwellers learned to harness fire. Ancient Roman writers often complained about the effects of wood smoke on health.

In addition, the effects from power plants and automobiles contribute to ozone layer depletion and acid rainfall, while also affecting the chemical makeup of soils and bodies of water.

Besides, with the growing prevalence of airtight and energy-efficient homes and offices, the quality of indoor air is increasingly becoming a matter of concern, since dust particles and other pollutants are less likely to escape outdoors.

Smog and dust particles reduce visibility and can cause health problems, particularly for the elderly and those with respiratory problems.

These pollutants can also be transported by winds to affect other areas.

Although, emissions of all major air pollutants have decreased since 1970, concerns regarding nitrogen oxides from automobiles still exist. Between 1980 and 2006, total emissions of the six principal air pollutants dropped by 49 percent, with lead emissions decreasing by 98 percent.

During this same time, gross domestic product increased by 121 percent, vehicle miles traveled increased by 101 percent, and energy consumption increased by 29 percent.

Technological and regulatory efforts needs to be in place to control air pollution, although, considerable progress has been made.

Many of the easiest and most cost-effective measures have already been implemented; further reductions may require changes in individual behaviour, including restrictions on driving.

Therefore, we need to work together to achieve a healthy environment. By so doing, we will enjoy unpolluted air and live a healthier life.

https://enviroliteracy.org/air-climate-weather/air-quality/

 

An environment firm, Prigem Concepts, has said there is need to maintain an ecologically balanced environment. This means having a sustainable environment where human activities do not cause distortion to the atmospheric structure and nature.

The firm’s managing partner, Owa Raymond, said, “If available data is anything to go by, our consumption pattern, lifestyle modification and excessive rural-urban migration have stretched the already inadequate infrastructure.

Wastage’s are associated with our population growth, post-harvest losses etc.

He maintained that a lot of the problems are contributed by the change in our behavioural pattern. This has evolved over-time and has largely been due to traditional disparity and family structure’ [Read more]

Federal Government to Revamp Urban Water Supply Nationwide

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to revamping urban water supply nationwide to meet the international target of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on water for all by 2030.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo stated this in Abuja at the opening ceremony of the National Retreat on Revitalising Urban Water and Sanitation Sector in Nigeria.
He noted that clean potable water, in addition to adequate sanitation, were key factors for socio-economic development in the country.
“The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, places priority on infrastructure development including those of water supply and sanitation towards ensuring better life for our people’ [Read more]

NESREA Cautions Nigerians on Environment

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), South-West Zone has urged members of the public to protect their environments to guarantee sustainable development in the country.
The Zonal Director of NESREA, Mr Adeleke Ajani told newsmen in Ibadan that safeguarding the environment was a collective responsibility of everybody.
“We all have to work together as stakeholders to ensure cleaner environment for our own survival and sustainable development. Whatever we give the environment is what is given to us,” he said’ [Read more]

Lagos Clamps Down On Illegal Dumpsites

Lagos Government has ordered the closure of all illegal dumpsites across the state, saying it would not hesitate to take over sites used for unauthorized dumping of refuse.

Special Adviser to the Governor on the Environment, Mr. Babatunde Hunpe gave the order during monitoring tour of the State where he discovered an illegal dumpsite in the Anthony area of the State.

He condemned the existence of illegal dumpsites in Lagos State, stressing that such unauthorized sites do not only deface the Lagos mega-city but also create serious health and environmental hazards to the people’ [Read more]

NCF Embarks On Waste Management Advocacy in 20 Lagos Communities

The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has embarked on a 6-month waste management advocacy campaign in selected 20 communities in Eti-Osa local government area of Lagos state.

In a statement made available in Lagos by the foundation, “the activities are geared towards making our environment sustainable and habitable for future generation.”

The selected communities include: Sangotedo, Idado, Gbara, Elegushi, Iru/Victoria Island, Agungi, Olugborogan, among others.

“The project will be carried out over a period of six months, commencing from September 2017. It has been divided into 5 major phases: Community Entry; Community & School Sensitization Clean up Exercise; Monitoring & Evaluation; and Post Project Supervision.”[Read more]

 

 

 

As part of efforts at reducing health hazards and protecting the environment, Global Environment Facility (GEF) of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Friends Of The Environment (FOTE) in partnership with Zenith Bank, have empowered over 100 women in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State on the use and benefits of cooking gas.

Chairperson of FOTE, Mrs. Joanna Maduka, said the programme is aimed at preventing health hazards from environmental pollution among rural women in the country.

She noted that from baseline study conducted during the pre-event survey, it was discovered that 86 per cent of the women cook with kerosene stove and firewood, while 14 per cent make use of gas.

“Averagely, 86 per cent of the people surveyed spend between N5,000 to N10,000 monthly on firewood and kerosene while those who use the LPG spend averagely N3,500 on refilling the gas. On further discussion, all of the women indicated their interest in the use of gas. However they lacked the initial sum for purchase of the cylinder and gas burner,” she said.

Head of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Zenith Bank, Mrs. Eunice Sampson, advised the women to take advantage of the reduced prices in LPG, insisting that it would help improve their health and also protect the environment.

Watch Video Below

The event was also used to introduce the Zenith wonder bag, a heat retention cooker, which saves more than 30 per cent of regular energy costs. The event is the first of a seven-part awareness campaign, which includes four more local councils in Lagos and two local councils in Ogun State.