Climate Change and Environmental Impacts of Flood in Nigeria

Abstract

Flood incidences pre-date Nigeria. It was one of the natural phenomena applied as retributive justice in the Holy Bible. Although, flood cases were fewer in the bible, but the most notable was that of Noah which occurred during forty days and night of continuous downpour of rains resulting into total destruction of all living things on the earth except the immediate family of Noah and the pairs of animals that were carried into the constructed Noah’s Ark as directed by God. Today, Nigeria is wallowing in deep water distress especially flood from one place to the other. The causer factors and effects are controversial. Could it be the result of our sins as it was the case during the bible time or a total neglect of climate change or as a result of human radical interference with the environment? One major thing that is certain about the flood is that it has added pepper to a painful sore of Nigerians. The extent of this has not been estimated. These form the reflection of this discourse. However, it is revealed that most floods in Nigeria result from both human unhealthy interference with the environment as well as neglect of climate change. These have gone too far to affecting the environment. In other words, there is mass land and water conflict, forest shrinking and animal disappearance as well as rising wave of environmental refugees. Meanwhile, amnesty programme and institution of environmental laws are advocated.

Keywords: Climate Change, Environmental Impacts, Floods, Nigeria