Climate change

Effects of Climate Change on Human Health

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Climate Change Significant Effects on Human Health

Climate change is one of the most pressing global challenges of our time, and its impact on human health is increasingly evident. The shifting patterns of weather, rising temperatures, and frequent extreme events all pose direct and indirect threats to human well-being. This blog post explores some of the most significant ways in which climate change is affecting human health.   Heat Stress One of the most direct effects of climate change is the increasing frequency and intensity of heat waves. Rising global temperatures mean that we are more exposed to heat stress, which can lead to serious health problems, particularly for the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing conditions.   The body struggles to maintain its normal temperature, and vital organs like the heart and kidneys may be severely affected. Urban areas, in particular, face the risk of “heat islands,” where temperatures can soar due to concrete structures trapping heat.   Hardship Climate change increases socio-economic hardships, particularly in vulnerable populations. As extreme weather events such as floods, hurricanes, and droughts become more frequent, the economic impact on communities becomes more severe.   Homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods are often destroyed, leading to increased poverty, displacement, and migration.  In turn, these hardships contribute to increased rates of mental health problems, including anxiety and depression.   Loss of Crops Agriculture is one of the sectors most severely affected by climate change, and this has dire consequences for human health. The loss of crops due to changing rainfall patterns, extreme temperatures, and natural disasters. In many parts of the world, especially in developing countries, agriculture is the primary source of income and food.   As crops fail, farmers lose their livelihoods, and the food supply chain is disrupted. This can result in malnutrition, particularly among children and other vulnerable groups. Moreover, the rising cost of food due to scarcity makes it harder for people to access nutritious food, leading to long-term health problems and increased susceptibility to diseases.   Increased Spread of Diseases Climate change also affects human health by facilitating the spread of infectious diseases. Warmer temperatures and altered rainfall patterns expand the habitat range of disease-carrying vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks. This has led to the spread of diseases like malaria, and fever disease into regions that previously had cooler climates and were less affected.   Additionally, extreme weather events such as floods can contaminate water sources, increasing the incidence of waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery. The combination of climate change and weakened health infrastructure in many regions makes controlling the spread of diseases more challenging.   Mental Health Impacts The mental health consequences of climate change are often overlooked, but they are becoming increasingly apparent. As people face the loss of homes, livelihoods, and loved ones due to extreme weather events, the psychological toll is immense. Mental health issues are on the rise in communities affected by climate-related disasters. The constant stress of dealing with climate uncertainty, displacement, and loss creates a long-lasting impact on mental health, particularly in children and adolescents. Additionally, the fear of future climate events can cause chronic stress and worry, even in those not directly affected by disasters. Water and Sanitation Issues As temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, access to clean water becomes increasingly difficult. Droughts reduce water availability, while floods can contaminate water supplies with pollutants and pathogens. Lack of access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation leads to a range of health problems.   In many parts of the world, climate-induced water scarcity forces people to rely on unsafe water sources, exacerbating the spread of illness. The problem is serious in developing countries, where water infrastructure may already be inadequate, and the impact of climate change only worsens the situation. Also read:  Climate Change: 10 Major Effects On Human Life

Eight Benefits of Planting Trees in Residential Areas

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Eight Benefits of Planting Trees in Residential Areas

Planting trees in residential areas offers numerous benefits that go beyond just improving the aesthetic appeal. Trees contribute to healthier environments, reduced energy costs, and overall well-being. Here are eight significant benefits of planting trees in your residential neighbourhoods. 1. Releases Stress-Relieving Hormone – Phytoncides Trees release a chemical called phytoncides, which have been scientifically proven to reduce stress and anxiety levels. Phytoncides are organic compounds emitted by trees, particularly coniferous species, that have a calming effect on us, humans. Studies show that being in the presence of trees and green spaces significantly reduces cortisol levels in the body, helping us feel more relaxed. This is why spending time in parks or tree-filled environments leads to better mental health and a more peaceful state of mind. Ecological Restoration Trees play a critical role in ecological restoration, particularly in urban and residential areas where human activities have led to environmental degradation. By planting trees, we help restore natural ecosystems. They also contribute to maintaining the balance in local ecosystems, which in turn supports cleaner air, and water, and improved soil health. Temperature Reduction One of the more noticeable benefits of trees is their ability to reduce ambient temperatures in residential areas. Through the process of transpiration, trees release moisture into the air, helping to cool their surroundings. In addition, their leaves provide shade, reducing the amount of heat absorbed by buildings and roads. This cooling effect can lower the temperature in residential areas by several degrees. The presence of trees can help reduce the need for air conditioning, leading to energy savings and a more comfortable living environment. Encourages Biodiversity Residential areas with trees are essential havens for biodiversity. Trees provide habitat and food sources for various species, including birds, insects, and small mammals. As a result, they promote greater biodiversity in urban environments, which are typically less hospitable to wildlife. The presence of diverse species enriches local ecosystems and contributes to a more balanced environment. By planting native tree species, you can further enhance biodiversity, supporting the survival of local wildlife and plants. Reduction of Accidents Trees can play a surprising role in reducing accidents in residential areas. By strategically planting trees along roadsides, visibility is enhanced, and natural barriers can be created, preventing pedestrian-vehicle collisions. Additionally, studies show that tree-lined streets tend to encourage drivers to slow down, making your neighbourhoods safer for pedestrians and cyclists. The calming effect of trees can also contribute to reducing road rage, resulting in more careful and attentive driving. 6  Controls Soil Erosion One of the major environmental benefits of planting trees is their ability to control soil erosion. Trees anchor the soil with their roots, preventing it from being washed away during heavy rainfall. This is particularly important in residential areas with sloping landscapes or in regions prone to flooding. By stabilizing the soil, trees help protect residential infrastructure from erosion-related damage, reducing the risk of property loss and preserving the natural landscape. Reduction of Noise Pollution Trees act as natural sound barriers, reducing noise pollution in residential areas. Their leaves and branches absorb, deflect, and block sound waves, making homes in tree-filled neighbourhoods much quieter than those in treeless areas. This benefit is especially valuable for residents living near busy streets or highways. A tree-lined street can reduce noise by up to 50%, creating a more serene and peaceful living environment. This improvement in sound quality can significantly enhance your quality of life, contributing to your overall well-being. Sucks in Carbon Dioxide and Releases Oxygen One of the most well-known benefits of trees is their ability to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) and release oxygen. This process is essential for maintaining air quality, particularly in urban areas where pollution levels tend to be higher. Trees act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 that would otherwise contribute to global warming. In exchange, they release oxygen, which is crucial for human and animal life. By planting trees in residential areas, communities can help mitigate the effects of climate change while improving air quality for all residents. ALSO READ: 7 Health Benefits Of Aforestation

5 Effects Of Car Emissions On Our Lives And Environment

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5 Effects of Car Emissions on Our Lives and Environment

This article focuses on the effects of car emissions on our lives and environment . In today’s world, cars are a vital part of our lives, getting us, to different places. But every time we get in our vehicles, we contribute to a growing environmental problem, car emissions. The gases released from cars may seem invisible, but they have very real and long-lasting effects on the ours and environment. The following are some of these emissions that affects the environment. Acid Rain: This is a real consequence of vehicle emissions. When cars release nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide, these pollutants can mix with water vapour in the atmosphere to form acid rain. Acid rain can damage forests, lakes, and even buildings. It affects the pH of bodies of water, making them uninhabitable for fish and other wildlife. Hence, affecting living bodies in water. Air Pollution: One of the most immediate effects of car emissions is air pollution. Have you ever walked down a busy city street, only to be overwhelmed by the smell of exhaust? That’s just a tiny part of what cars release into the atmosphere. Cars emit a range of harmful pollutants, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and other dangerous compounds. These pollutants lead to smog, particularly in urban areas with heavy traffic. Smog is not just an eyesore—it’s dangerous to our health. It can cause breathing problems, aggravate conditions like asthma, and even lead to more serious respiratory diseases. The elderly, children and those with pre-existing conditions are especially vulnerable. Disruptions of Ecosystems: Car emissions don’t just affect the air—they also disrupt ecosystems. Pollution from vehicles can settle in the soil and water, harming plants and animals. Additionally, climate change caused by car emissions is putting many species at risk. As temperatures rise, animals that can’t adapt to the changing conditions may face extinction. Even the simple act of building roads and highways for cars fragments natural habitats, cutting animals off from food sources and migration routes. Driving Climate Change: Beyond air pollution, car emissions are a significant driver of climate change. Cars that run on diesel, release carbon dioxide (CO2), one of the major greenhouse gases. These gases trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, leading to rising temperatures.  The effects of climate change are everywhere. This is leading to more extreme weather events like hurricanes, floods, and droughts. All of this can be traced, in part, to the emissions that come from the billions of cars on the road. Economic and Health Costs: The environmental impact of car emissions goes hand-in-hand with public health concerns. Air pollution from cars has been linked to a rise in illnesses like asthma, heart disease, and lung cancer. This, in turn, puts pressure on healthcare systems and costs the economy billions in medical expenses and lost productivity. Moreover, climate change caused by vehicle emissions has an economic toll. Dealing with natural disasters, repairing damage from storms, and managing droughts and floods all drain resources from economies around the world. To curb these impacts, we could begin to invest in greener public transport systems and implement stricter emission standards, by ridding faulty vehicles. On a personal level, being mindful of our transportation choices, like opting for fuel-efficient cars or using alternative forms of transport—can make a difference. In conclusion, the environmental implications of car emissions are clear. By making smarter transportation choices and supporting cleaner technologies, we can help reduce the damage done to the planet. Every action counts, and together, we can steer toward a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable world. Let’s drive the change, one ride at a time! Also read: Climate Change: 10 Major Effects On Human Life

Climate Change: 10 Major Effects On Human Life

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10 MAJOR CONSEQUENCES OF CLIMATE CHANGES ON HUMAN LIFE

This article you are about to read is an expository on the consequences of climate change on human life and the natural environment. Climate change refers to a shift in the Earth’s temperature and weather conditions as a result of human actions. This is driven primarily by greenhouse gas emissions and has extensive effects on the Earth’s climate system. The impacts of climate change manifest across multiple dimensions. These include temperature increases, altered rainfall patterns, and rising sea levels, among other consequences on natural systems and human infrastructure. As a result of temperature increases, regions around the world now experience global warming. Research has shown that the global average temperature has increased by approximately 1.2°C since the late 19th century, with significant regional variations. This warming trend is attributed to high concentrations of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O). Also, extreme heat events now occur around the globe, owing to climate changes. Higher temperatures are associated with an increased frequency and intensity of heat waves. According to recent climate models, the likelihood of extreme heat events is projected to rise, with potential impacts on human health, agriculture, and energy consumption. For example, heatwaves have been linked to increased incidences of heat stress, cardiovascular, and respiratory disorders. Likewise, climate change is altering global rainfall patterns, which is leading to more intense and frequent rainfall in some regions and prolonged droughts in others. Regions such as the Mediterranean and southwestern United States are said to be experiencing decreased rainfall and increased drought frequency, while monsoon regions like South Asia are facing more intense rainfall. In the same vein, there is now an alteration of rainfall patterns, thus affecting the hydrological cycle. This includes river flow and groundwater recharge in regions of the world. Increased rainfall intensity can lead to more frequent and severe flooding, while reduced rainfall and higher evaporation rates worsen drought conditions in regions experiencing drought. Another consequence of climatic changes is the rise in sea levels. Sea level rise results from the thermal increase of seawater and the melting of ice sheets. Thermal increase contributes approximately 30% of the observed sea level rise, while the melting of ice from Antarctica accounts for the rest. Additionally, rising sea levels threaten coastal ecosystems and human settlements. Coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, and increased flooding risk affect infrastructure, agriculture, and ecosystems. According to the National Institute of Health, projected sea level rise of 0.3 to 1.2 meters by 2100 under current emissions scenarios poses significant risks to seaside cities and lowland areas. In addition, climate change is causing shifts in species distributions and affecting biodiversity. For instance, many species are migrating in response to changing temperatures. This is disrupting ecosystems and leading to the loss of habitats and, in turn, species extinction. In oceans, increased CO₂ concentrations are leading to higher levels of carbonic acid in ocean waters, resulting in ocean acidification. Acidification infests marine organisms, which are vital for marine ecosystems and fisheries. Another effect of climate change is on human infrastructure and health. Climate-induced extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and heavy rainfall, pose risks to infrastructure. Increased storms can lead to greater damage to buildings, roads, and utilities. In health, its impacts include the spread of vector-borne diseases, such as malaria. This is because changing temperatures and rainfall patterns affect the habitats of disease vectors like mosquitoes. Then, heatwaves and poor air quality from wildfires can aggravate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. The impacts of climate change are wide-ranging and multifaceted, affecting various aspects of natural systems and human communities. The understanding of these impacts will help develop effective mitigation and adaptation strategies. It is also necessary to address the challenges posed by climate change, as they will inform policy and planning efforts aimed at reducing its adverse effects. Also read: Climate change in Nigeria and its remarkable mark in Agriculture

Climate Change In Nigeria And Its Remarkable Impact In Agriculture

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CLIMATE CHANGE IN NIGERIA AND ITS REMARKABLE IMPACT IN AGRICULTURE

Globally, climate change has impacted the world in remarkable ways from global warming to drastic changes in weather conditions, natural disasters to say but a few.In this article our focus will be on climate change in Nigeria and its remarkable impact in Agriculture i.e.; how it has adversely affected agricultural production. Climate change is defined by World Bank as the significant variation of average weather conditions becoming for example warmer, wetter or drier- over several decades or longer. United Nations refers to it as the long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. According to Price Water Coopers (PWC), Nigeria became committed to the Climate Change Crusade after attending the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) which took place between 31st October to 13th November 2021 in Glasgow; committing to achieving net-zero by 2060. Her government after the COP26 signed into law the Climate Change Act, 2021 which was passed by the National Assembly in October 2021. The purpose of the law is to develop and implement mechanisms that will foster low carbon emission and develop a sustainable environment in the country. Pre-Climate Change Act, 2011, unregulated activates such as gas flaring, bush burning, carbon monoxide emission, etc. from refineries, rigs, farming activities, exhaust of cars and burning tyres in abattoirs has depleted the ozone layer significantly. As a result we experience changes in weather conditions (hotter or wetter, etc.) which in the long run affected agriculture negatively. Nigeria has two seasons: rainy and dry season. Before the adverse implication of climate changes, rainy season begins from April – September with July being the peak of the rains and a two week August break and Dry season starting from October to March. Coastal areas usually experience shorter dry seasons and longer rainy season and vice versa for desert areas. Today however, climate change has altered the seasons remarkably. More recently we don’t see rains sometimes till May and April is the peak of the heat; the peak of the rains now is August with the breaks now in September. CAUSES OF CLIMATE CHANGE Climate Change can be caused by either natural or human factors. The activities of man most especially during the industrial revolution has released large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere which has in turn caused global warming in our world. These causes include: Green House Gases emission: Examples are Carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. These greenhouse gas has increased the greenhouse effect and caused the earth’s surface temperature to rise. Carbon dioxide (CO2): Apart from humans exhaling carbon dioxide, man’s activities like burning coal, oil or natural gas has led to CO2 emission. Reflectivity or Absorption of the Sun’s Energy: This is caused by activities such as agriculture, road construction, deforestation and emissions of small particles (aerosol) into the air. The Earth changing its orbit and rotation. Solar activity variations. Volcanic Eruptions: This can throw Sulphur dioxide (SO2) into the atmosphere. Changes in the ocean’s current. CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS REMARKABLE IMPACT IN AGRICULTURE In Nigeria, the climate change has led to several harmful effects which in turn has affected agricultural production and these effects include: Increase in heat – related mortality, dehydration, and spread of infectious diseases (meningitis). Rising Ocean current, sea levels, fluctuating rainfall has resulted in flooding mostly in the coastal regions in Nigeria. Cancer of the skin as a result of the harsh weather conditions. Hunger, starvation and death as a result of food shortage. Climate change is a threat to Nigerian Food Security because of the unpredictable length and onset of the farming season which has in turn affecting both subsistence and commercial farmers. Nigeria still practices rain fed agriculture. Rain Fed Agriculture is a practice where farmers depend on weather conditions to begin the onset of farming. As a result of this practice, it has rendered her vulnerable to the adverse effect of climate change which includes, soil degradation which resulted in low crop yields. Rain fed Agriculture practice in Nigeria make farmers wait for the rains before the onset of farming and this in turn has led to shortage in food supply, hunger, inflation, pest infestation to mention but a few. Deforestation activities has increased erosion most especially in sloppy areas, leading to depletion in the soil’s nutrients and in turn causing poor farm yield. Climate change causes (greenhouse gases, Sulphur dioxide, etc.) has deposited unhealthy substances in our soil which in turn has caused the underwater layer to be polluted and then resulting in poor agricultural yields. Flooding one of the effects of climate change has made farmers to lose their farm produce which has led to pollution, pest and insect infestation, hunger, starvation and death. With conscious efforts from our government to implement the net-zero by 2060 and the adoption of best practices to reduce the effect of climate change and its remarkable impact in Agriculture, Nigeria can become a giant of Africa in all ramification. Also read: WORK HABITS AND ITS AMAZING EFFECT ON THE HEALTH OF THE EYES. https://thereadywriters.uk/work-habits-health-of-the-eyes/