Environmental and Health Effects of Climate Change in Kaduna Metropolis

Abstract

This study examined environmental and health effects of climate change in Kaduna metropolis. Primary data were obtained through randomly administered 184 structured and semi structured survey questionnaires to purposefully selected groups of people, workers and students in the metropolis. Secondary data were obtained from desk reviews of other literatures and interviews of staff of Nigerian Metrological (NiMET) Agency and Ministry of Environment Kaduna. Descriptive statistics using Likert rating scale was employed for the analyses of the data. Findings revealed percentage range of strongly agree and agree of 80% - 59.8% that climate change has negative environmental and health effects in Kaduna metropolis. The environmental effects identified are: flooding, desert encroachment, drought, land degradation, run-off, soil erosion, loss of water resources and biodiversity and poor agricultural productions while the health effects are: hyperthermia, vector and water borne diseases (cholera, malaria), heart ailments, dehydration and diseased crops. The study also discovered that the comprehension of the concept climate change in the metropolis is limited. Finally, the study recommends intensive public education and enlightenment on the causes and effects of climate change, strong legislations and enforcement of environmental laws and adaptation measures.