Flood has been a part of life at all ends of the earth, they occur in forests, cliffs, and even deserts. Flood mostly occurs during rainy season. This Article will examine the causes, effects and prevention of floods.

The main cause of flooding is when it rains consistently for days. The ground becomes so wet that rain can no longer seep through the earth. This rain runs into the rivers, and the water level quickly becomes much higher. The river cannot cope with this extra water, and the water breaks over the riverbanks. A good example is the heavy rainfall that occurred in July 2017. This event led to flooding in most parts of Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and Lekki areas of Lagos State.

Dam failure can also be the producer of flood. If engineers do not open enough of the dam holes in times of heavy rainfall, the water can then spill over the top of the dam. The outcome of floods can be disastrous. Environmental disasters can take place as a result of flood. occur

The Outcome of Flood as a Result of Heavy Rainfall

The effect of flood can be seen everywhere afterwards. There can be broken roads, wrecked houses, electricity pole and trees fall over, traffic congestion, etc.

How can this outcome be avoided?

There are ways to prevent the damage caused by floods. People can protect their property by insurance. Nevertheless, this does not stop a flood from happening, or prevent damage to property.

Government should make riverbanks higher. When a flood agent occurs, a flood-wall built by the riverbank will protect the town from floods. If the river bursts its banks, the water would stay in front of the flood-wall. The water will not reach the town as it is trapped between the riverbank and the flood-wall.

Another method is to improve drainage: Improving water drainage helps control  by floods facilitating easy flow of excess water .

Building canals, dikes and levees is another approach to flood-control.

These are just some of the ways effects of flood can be prevented. Nevertheless, we can also prevent floods by disposing of refuge properly and keeping our environment clean.

https://www.writework.com/essay/cause-and-effect-floods

“Renewables are a central pillar of SDG7 and they represent one of the most effective and economical means available in the pursuit of universal energy access” – Rabia Ferroukhi, Deputy Director of Knowledge Policy and Finance, International Renewable Energy Agency.

Nations both developed and underdeveloped are coming to the realisation that modern energy is key to attaining a good number of development goals especially as it pertains to environmental sustainability, the delivery of public services and poverty eradication. The obvious linkages between reliable and affordable electricity to quality of life, access to health, education, etc. and the inherent transformations it brings to any society contribute directly to the SDGs and have the potential to lift communities and nations out of poverty.

Bridging the Electricity Gap in Nigeria

Nigeria’s energy supply has been a major source of concern among various stakeholders, underpinning the need for a thriving economic climate that will attract local entrepreneurs, the international private sector, as well as financing institutions.

As part of the solutions in bridging the electricity gap in Nigeria, especially in the rural communities where the lack of electricity affects the quality of life of the citizens, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in 2016 released a new Mini Grid Regulation. The regulation aims at governing the development of integrated electricity generation and distribution supply systems of under 1MW either in isolation from the Distribution Companies (Discos) or interconnected to the Discos’ existing network infrastructure.

Through this, private sector actors can generate as high as under 1MW of electricity for localised groups of customers across Nigeria. Studies reveal that mini-grid systems often incorporate a 75-99% renewable supply.

Creating Opportunities in the Nigerian Market

Of the 7,000 megawatts of electricity produced in the country, only about 5,000 megawatts is currently being used on the grids leaving about 2,000 unused megawatts of power.

From the foregoing, the discussions at the Sustainable Conversations which held on Friday, September 21, 2018 at Four Points by Sheraton, Victoria Island, Lagos, addressed the obvious gaps in developing the renewable energy sector in Nigeria. It unravelled the obstacles to private sector investments in mini-grids and ultimately addressed the concerns of the civil society in taking advantage of renewable sources of energy. The conversations around the topic highlighted the practical ways in which mini-grid power options can become a more affordable alternative for both investors and consumers in terms of regulations, cost and prospective funding.

This proves the extent of the successes that can be achieved when concerned interest groups work together to meet set goals and drive growth in affected sectors.

http://sustainableconvos.com/mini-grids-bridging-the-electricity-gap-through-renewables/

 

 

Climate change is a global issue that calls for urgent attention.
Nigeria happens to be one of the most vulnerable countries to the harshest impacts of climate change. As a nation, we feel the burden of climate change in our everyday lives, whether directly or indirectly.

Causes of climate change in Nigeria

Climate change is caused by both natural occurrences and human activities. But the environment is majorly affected by human activities. Human causes however, is as a result of deforestation, air pollution, and poor agricultural practices such as bush burning, excess and wrong application of inorganic fertilizer, burning of fossil fuels, urbanization, industrialization, inefficient transport system, among others.

Climate change and global warming if left unchecked will cause adverse effects on livelihoods in Nigeria.  Livelihood such as crop production, livestock production, fisheries, forestry and post-harvest activities.
Rainfall regimes and patterns will be altered, floods which devastate farmlands would occur, increase in temperature and humidity which increases pest and disease would also give rise.
Natural disasters like floods, ocean and storm surges, which would not only damage Nigerians’ livelihood but also cause harm to life and property.
In addition, burning of bush and deforestation has a serious effect on climate change.

Ways in which climate change can be reduced

Forests play an important role in climate change. The destruction and degradation of forests contributes to the problem through the release of CO2.
One of the practical ways to combat climate change is to plant more trees in order to take more carbon out of the atmosphere (as long as the trees are planted in the right place).

Measures that can be taken against climate change include campaigning against forest loss. Trees, throughout their lifetime, absorb tons of CO2. Hence, it is important not to cut down trees without good reason. Planting more trees is a big plus.

Another giant step to take is to avoid anything that may be a fire hazard. Waste burning should be discouraged.
There are a whole lot of other practices to adopt but starting from the ones listed above can go a long way.

Climate change and its effects on present-day Nigeria

Air pollution is a serious issue in Nigeria and to countries around the world. Every year, air pollution causes severe damage to human health and the environment.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), ambient air pollution is the greatest environmental risk to health – causing premature deaths worldwide. Air pollution affects human health by causing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Note: Environment is a place where humans as well as plants and animals live. Therefore, keeping it clean and neat is our responsibility. It is important to keep our environment clean because it aids fresh air and reduce pollution.

Importance of Keeping a Clean Environment

Keeping our environment clean is a very important part of our lives. It is important to focus on this as we have to make sure that the environment is preserved for future generation.

In our day to day lives, people litter the roads instead of thrashing it properly. This acts lowly accumulates and transforms into huge garbage which in turn welcomes sickness and diseases and people are affected by it.

Below are some of the ways with which we can keep our environment clean.

Using the waste bin: Disposing our waste properly by using a trash can.

 Plant trees: We should cultivate the habit of planting trees and taking care of them. Trees helps in controlling pollution and providing ventilation.

All these steps and more help keep the environment clean and aid fresh air.By maintaining a beautiful green society, we inspire others to follow and by so doing we are able to save our environment.

http://oecdinsights.org/2016/06/09/love-where-you-live-but-love-it-more-with-cleaner-air/

 

June 6 has long been the world environment day.

Friends of The Environment (FOTE), in collaboration with the Conservation Club of Federal Science and Technical College(FSTC), Yaba and West African Seasoning Company Limited organized a symposium to commemorate the world environment day.

During the lecture, the chairperson of FOTE, Engr. Mrs. Joanna Olu Maduka, emphasized the need to draw attention to the scourge of plastic waste and its effects on the environment. She stated that solutions to plastic pollution would differ from community to community.

According to her, when there is too much plastic in the environment, it prevents plants’ growth and some components of the material can contaminate the food chain.

She said, “We want to educate our young people about what is happening around them, for them to be productive members of their communities.  Young people should be able to put a stop to plastic waste, which harms organisms in the oceans and pollutes the natural environmental”.

Besides, we would like to reiterate that, Nigerians should be educated more on the need to recycle plastic waste rather than dump the waste in every available space. Read more…

FOTE advises govt on plastic waste dangers

 

 

The Lagos state government says it plans to phase out the use of plastic bottles in the state by 2023.

Mr Adebola Shabi, the Special Adviser to Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode on Cleaner Lagos Initiative (CLI), made the disclosure in Lagos.

Shabi said that plastic bottles, also known as pet bottles, needed to be phased out because they could hardly degrade in the environment.

He said that it could take over 500 years for the bottles to degrade, thereby causing environmental (plastic) pollution.

“In the world now, it is called plastic pollution because they end up in the ocean and affect aquatic lives; they also affect water transportation,” he said.

https://www.von.gov.ng/well-phase-plastic-bottles-2023-lagos-government/

United Nations (UN) Declares War on Plastic Pollution

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has launched an unprecedented global campaign to eliminate major sources of marine litter, micro-plastics in cosmetics and excessive and wasteful usage of single-use plastic by the year 2022.

The #CleanSeas Campaign was launched at the Economist World Ocean Summit in Bali according to statement by UNEP.

The campaign is urging governments to pass plastic reduction policies; targeting industry to minimise plastic packaging and redesign products; and calling on consumers to change the habit of discarding plastic packages, before irreversible damage is done to the seas.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/un-declares-war-on-plastic-pollution.html

NEWMAP Sets to Tackle Land Degradation in 9 Kano Communities

Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) a federal government program in collaboration with Kano state government with support from the World Bank will intervene in nine sites in Kano as a first phase work in Erosion sites , and Water Conservation in Dawakin Tofa, Kiru, Ungogo shinono, Takai, Tarauni and Makoda Local government areas.

This was disclosed by the state project coordinator of NEWMAP Malam Musa Shu’aibu during a sensitization workshop held at Bakoda local government. According to him the project will address flooding, poor management of solid waste and enhance water conservation with good impact on the affected communities by providing economic livelihood to the poor and affected people.

He added that, the creation of the project was in line with the country’s strategic response to the challenges and worsening land degradation and environmental insecurity in Nigeria.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/newmap-sets-to-tackle-land-degradation-in-9-kano-communities.html

Lagos State Completes 2 Million-gallon-per-day Water Project in Badagry

The Lagos State Water Corporation (LWC) says it has completed construction of a two million gallon-per-day waterworks in Badagry.

The Managing Director of the corporation, Mr Muminu Badmus, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Lagos on Monday.

According to him, the completion of the project would enable Iweke, Iworo and other communities in Olorunda Local Council Development Area in Badagry to enjoy potable water supply.

”The corporation is test-running the waterworks and confirming ongoing mains extension in the area through standpipes located in different parts of the communities.

https://thepress.ng/2018/03/lagos-state-completes-2-million-gallon-per-day-water-project-in-badagry/

The effect of drought cannot be overemphasized. We all know its negative impact on crops and land in general. For those that don’t, we would be shedding more light on this topic today.

Drought is associated with extended absence of rainfall. It is categorized as a season in weather condition where short rainfall is witnessed within a long period of time.

Research shows that drought is caused by change in weather patterns such as low rainfall, uncontrolled build-up of heat, on the earth’s surface. These factors are worsened by human activities such as deforestation, bush burning, overgrazing and poor cropping methods which reduce water retention in soil.

This can lead to famine in areas where agriculture is the major booster of the economy.

Drought is one of the reasons people migrate from their comfortable places to unknown locations for safety and shelter purposes. Drought can lead to scarce natural resources, food insecurity and starvation, socio-economic instability, and damage of critical habitats.

It is no more news that drought is a devastating occurrence in Northern Nigeria and should be curtailed to avoid its rapid growth and obvious negative effect on the production of agricultural crops, migration of people, loss of lives and destruction of properties.

Northern region of Nigeria is estimated to be about 38% of the total land area of Nigeria. The northern region is the grain belt of the country populated by small scale subsistence farmers and nomadic livestock herders. Drought is perceived as one of the costliest natural disaster of the world and affects more people than any other natural disaster.

Note: Drought is a temporary abnormality, which is restricted to low rainfall and is a permanent feature of climate.

Hence, this article explains that drought is an extreme weather occurrence which, causes more harm than good to the land. Therefore, ways to remedy the situation includes but not limited to: irrigation, efficient weather forecast, storage of excess production and development of fishery and livestock industries, etc.  These remedies would greatly assist in reducing the risk of drought.

https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/historical-analysis-of-the-economic-effect-of-drought-on-tropical-forestmanagement-in-northern-nigeria-2332-0761-1000214.php?aid=78504

To say that the harmattan season is here again would be stating the obvious.

The nation is besieged with a different kind of weather towards the end of every year.

There is nothing unusual about it. If anything, the harmattan arrived a bit late this year, coming in early December instead of mid-November.

This is observable from the last rain of the year which occurred sometime last week, in most parts of Lagos. After the rain, came the much-dreaded season, and for others, the long expected break from the rain and the scotching heat of the sun.

Harmattan comes during the Yuletide season.

It comes with its own aura and many prefer it to the hot weather. This northeasterly wind blows from the Sahara towards the entire West Africa sub-region.. This begins from mid-November and attains a peak in mid-January but wanes by mid-February.

Despite the dry wind which comes with the season, it is also characterized by an extremely cold weather – quite a contrast. For this reason, it is not unusual to find out that fans and air conditioners are used less during this season.

The weather impacts on the socio-economic life in the country.

It brings with it very dry winds that are capable of inflaming unintended ashes into raging fires that can effortlessly get out of control causing destruction of lives and property. Hence, fire outbreaks are one of the general risks during harmattan.

Humans and vegetation also feel the immediate impact of harmattan.

One common feature of the season is that it comes with a variety of health hazards. For instance, common cold and its symptoms such as catarrh, sneezing and coughing are very rampant during harmattan. As the throat gets sore; sneezing is frequent while sometimes the eyes become wet or ruddy. Asthma patients suffer mostly during this period due to dusty environment. The same goes for sickle cell disease patients whose crises are triggered frequently due to the cold.

But like a bittersweet pill, harmattan is not entirely a negative season; it has some positive sides.

For example, good agricultural activities and rich harvest. Fruit trees like mangoes, avocado, guava, among others bloom with flowers and fruiting.

Traditionally, farmers use this period to clear farms and get them ready for planting.

It is also advisable that people improve on their hygiene pattern during this period. In the course of patronizing hawkers, fruits, vegetables and other of such items must be thoroughly cleaned before eating to prevent food borne diseases. Similarly, medical practitioners advice an increased intake of fruits and vegetables containing vitamin C, water and other fluids.

Since every season comes with its own challenges, there should be no cause for alarm during harmattan, except that people don’t get prepared for it.

It is, therefore, the collective responsibility of everyone, to not only adapt to changing environment conditions, but to also adopt individual and joint strategies to confront all challenges associated with the harmattan season.

http://thepointernewsonline.com/?p=35092

https://guardian.ng/opinion/my-friend-harmattan/

 

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, says that the Federal Government is partnering with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) to implement a Participatory Slum Upgrading Programme (PSUP) initiative in Nigeria.

Fashola disclosed this on Tuesday, October 31, 2017 at the commemoration of the 2017 “World Habitat Day” and “World Cities Day” by the Ministry with the themes: “Housing Policies: Affordable Homes” and “Innovative Governance, Open Cities” respectively.

While the World Habitat Day is observed on every October 2, the World Cities Day is celebrated on October 31. [Read more]

Nigeria: Lagosians Sensitized On Flood Prevention, Waste Sorting

In order to salvage their community from the perils of future flooding, residents of Akobi Crescent in Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State have been enlightened on the importance of sorting out their waste rather than dumping them in the canal.

The advocacy was championed by the Junior Chambers International (JCI) Lagos City. This was in collaboration with RyclePoints, a waste transformation firm, and the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA).

For a while, Akobi has been notorious for incidences of flood, leading to wanton loss of property. [Read more]

Sterling Bank Gets Recognition for Commitment to Sustainable Environment

Sterling Bank Plc has received recognition from Wecyclers Nigeria Limited for its commitment to the sustainable implementation of the Nigerian Sustainable Banking Principles (NSBPs), through its Sterling Environmental Makeover (STEM) programme and the recycling of waste materials at its Lagos head office.

Wecyclers Nigeria, Nigeria’s pioneer waste recycling firm, gave the endorsement at the ceremony organised to mark one year of Sterling Bank’s waste recycling initiative held in Lagos.

Chief Marketing Officer. Sterling Bank, Mr. Henry Bassey, said he was quite excited about the recognition given to the various initiatives that the bank has embarked on over the years to promote environmental sustainability practices. [Read more]

Nigeria: Cloud Energy Offers Affordable Access to Solar Energy

 

In order to create affordable access to solar energy for all segments of the Nigerian society, Cloud Energy has launched a multi-function solar home system, Nigeria’s first with a 30 Watts solar panel.

The Multi-Function Solar Home System is designed with a 9AH battery. This will provide dependable basic electricity solutions to the poor and under-served in the society.

Launching the Solar Home System at a Resellers’ Forum at the weekend, the Managing Director, Cloud Energy, Theophilus Nweke, revealed that the multi-function solar home system would provide LED Home lighting, charge phones, power fan, radio and MP3 player, and other basic electricity functions with an advanced battery protection and maintenance system. [Read more]

Sokoto to Connect Solar Power in Rural Areas

The Sokoto State Government said it had started the process of connecting a number of rural households with solar power. This will help deepen energy usage and enhance rural electrification in the state.

Alhaji Bashir Gidado, the Special Adviser to Governor Aminu Tambuwal on Public Private Partnership (PPP), made the disclosure at a news conference in Sokoto on Sunday, October 29, 2017.

Gidado said the project was a partnership between the state government and Nigeria Energy Support Project (NESP), GIZ of Germany and GoSolar.

He added that a pilot scheme had already started in Kurdula, a rural settlement in Balle town in Gudu Local Government Area of the state. [Read more]