Nigeria-Climate change and conflict
The Nigerian economy is one of the largest in Africa, based primarily on the petroleum industry. Resource extraction plays an important part of the economy that includes minerals like crude oil, natural gas, coal, tin and columbite. Nigeria has been the victim of many oil spills, causing severe degradation in food security, affecting the health of communities and constricting access to food and clean water.
2020 marked the 60th year of independence for Nigeria and the end of colonial rule. Currently its the 7th most populous country with approximately 206mn people, and growing to 391mn by 2050.
It is now well understood that climate change affects the most vulnerable and it is evident in the extreme weather events and disasters experienced in Nigeria. Coupled with increased inequality, and a declining economy, Nigeria battles two wars simultaneously, climate change and conflict.
This conflict stems not only from Nigeria’s dependence on oil but also the increase in land scarcity, water shortage, significant displacements and hunger.
In 2012 unprecedented flooding affected 30 of the countries 36 states, with damages estimated at $16.9 billion. Farmlands were swept away, settlements destroyed which displaced 1.3 million people from their homes.
It is well document that there is now a deeper understanding between the relationship of climate change and armed conflict, especially in Nigeria where 70% of the labour force work on farmlands. With flooding affecting the little fertile lands that are left, all livelihoods are lost which in turn increase conflict.
This blogpost will celebrate the female eco-warriors in Nigeria, who despite the escalating conflict are fighting a different war, the war between man and nature.
Adenike Olandosu
“In Africa where I am from, climate change is leading to conflicts and it can lead to war. We have seen various environmental crises in Africa ranging from the Niger-Delta pollution, farmer-herdsmen crises, armed banditry and the rise of Boko Haram in the Lake Chad basin”
Adenike started her climate activist, eco-feminist journey when she joined the University of Agriculture, Markurdi earning a first-class degree in Agricultural economics. She witnessed farmlands being swept away due to flooding, the essence of the communities livelihoods being destroyed by climate change.
Her activist role started by educating communities and schools to plant more trees. Her passion for climate change made her the recipient of the Ambassador of Conscience Award from Amnesty International Nigeria and allowed her the stage at the 2019 UN youth climate summit to address world leaders.
Adenike is calling for a “modern concept of democracy that can fight environmental crises too, not just the human crises”. She is calling this the green democracy. She describes this “green democracy” as a long term solution, which embodies both environment and people. A green democracy that can counter the negative effects that man’s war on nature caused. A green democracy asking for system change to strike equality between people and the environment.
She is the founder of I Lead Climate, an initiative that focuses on community empowerment for sustainable development and climate education. She continues to fight for equality, security and peace-building across Africa. She inspires action through her many journal articles that she publish on medium and have an active following on Twitter.
Deborah Adegbile
“I will tell our world leaders to pay attention to the cries of their citizens about the effect of this climate change.”
Deborah has lived her whole life in Lagos, Nigeria and at a young age of 9 years old, she faced the consequences of air pollution. Being diagnosed with Asma, she had to trade her valuable school days with hospital visits.
Today she is 12 with a passion to make her voice heard on behalf of her generation and to spread the word on taking action and solving the climate crisis.
She explains that oil is Nigeria’s main source of income leading to many oil spills and environmental damage. This causes health issues not only for their community but also damages the ocean ecosystems, destroying marine life which is a source of livelihoods for many Nigerians.
Nigeria’s main source of power supply comes from imported generators that released carbon monoxide into the air causing respiratory problems, a common cause of hospital admissions. Deborah continues to fight for restrictions to be put in place by her government to reduce the significant impact that untreated gas plants which reduce Nigeria’s air quality. She continues to advocate a reduced carbon footprint amongst her community although this is hardly achievable being a poor nation with very limited alternatives available.
Listen to Deborah and Dominion Adegbile talking about the importance of water preservation and plastic pollution.
In September 2019 Deborah joined 15 other youth activists, represented by Earthjustice. They brought to the UN a legal complaint that charges nations with failing to seriously address the climate crisis.
Nigeria is increasingly being affective by climate change due to its low-lying coast of the Gulf of Guinea and the impact of sea-level rise in these areas. In addition, up to 40% of the country’s land area is affected by drought. With the population continuing to increase and without the needed infrastructure to address urbanization, the country will continue to suffer the consequences of natural disasters. A drastic need for mitigation and adaptation measures is needed. They might be able to turn the tides on climate change with the government pledging to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2030 and will rise to 45% on the condition of international support, but will this be enough to ensure the livelihoods of the communities.
We continue to be thankful for our female eco — worries that are shouting for climate justice and a future for their generation.
