Climate Change and Thermal Comfort: Implications for Building Design in Southern Nigeria

Abstract

One of the greatest challenges facing the world in this century is the twin phenomena of global warming and environmental degradation with their consequential effects. There are growing cases of ocean surge, desert encroachment, hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, acid rain, heat stress, flash floods, etc. which have been claiming many lives and rendering several million homeless. Recent scientific studies have predicted that these events, rather than subsiding, would be more severe and more frequent in the future, with many of the developing countries most vulnerable. This suggests that man’s response to these challenges should not be limited to combating efforts alone but should also include adequate adaptation strategies that would minimise the impending disasters. This paper examines the science of global warming and its implications on thermal comfort in buildings in Southern Nigeria. It contends that as the area becomes warmer, the cooling potential of natural ventilation in the area would be reduced with fatal consequences. The paper closes by highlighting certain design strategies that could minimise the impending catastrophes.

Keywords:  Architectural Design, Climate Change, Global Warming, Hot-Humid Climate, Thermal Comfort