Prof. Adeyewa, president of the Nigerian Meteorological Society (NMets), delivered this urgent message during the opening ceremony of the society's National Conference and 34th Annual General Meeting at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) in Okitipupa, Nigeria from Tuesday to Thursday, November 26-28, 2024. The conference was themed "Sustainable Development in a Changing Climate: The Role of Meteorology."
The former Vice-Chancellor of Redeemers University, Ede, highlighted that alarming weather modifications, shifts in rainfall patterns resulting in decreased rainfall, excessive flooding, prolonged aridity, violent storms, and intense heatwaves are among the detrimental effects of climate change. These impacts pose a significant threat to agriculture, thereby jeopardizing food security and human survival not only in Nigeria but globally, particularly across the African continent.
Prof. Adeyewa underscored that industrialization and other negligent human activities such as deforestation, the emission of fossil and greenhouse gases, and CO2 significantly contribute to climate change. He emphasized the necessity for strict adherence to governmental directives, widespread tree planting initiatives, environmental conservation, reduced carbon emissions from vehicles, adoption of CNG vehicles, and the utilization of eco-friendly energy sources.
He emphasized that climate, if properly managed, could be a valuable asset, yet if neglected, it could result in unimaginable socio-economic catastrophes. "Therefore, redirecting human and financial resources towards research endeavours that enhance the comprehension of climate change scenarios, leading to reliable seasonal and climate forecasts, is imperative for formulating effective adaptation and mitigation strategies. This challenge must be squarely addressed by the Nigerian Government to ensure sustainable national progress, safeguard lives and property, and shield against the impact of future climate variations," the leading meteorologist asserted.
"Over the next five years, the climate change will intensify, impacting various sectors of Nigeria's socio-economy, particularly agriculture, further imperiling food security and potentially culminating in famine, water scarcity, exacerbation of freshwater availability issues, sea level rise, consequent flooding, accelerated coastal erosion, displacement of coastal communities, and an increase in natural disasters. However, these outcomes can still be mitigated through prompt actions," Adeyewa cautioned.
Continuing the discourse, the Director General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Professor Charles Anosike, represented by the Director of Weather Forecasting Services, Professor Vincent Weli, emphasized that climate change poses significant threats to the planet, manifested through rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and unpredictable weather patterns, necessitating proactive measures.
He affirmed that climate change undermines global efforts to address hunger, poverty, ill-health, enhance access to clean water, and other facets of sustainable development.
The NIMET Director General, Nigeria's permanent representative at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), stressed the requirement for global and national investments in climate and water-related sciences and services along agrifood value chains. This investment is crucial for enabling farmers to make informed decisions regarding crops and planting strategies to bolster food and nutrition security.
"Meteorology and climate science hold the solutions to many climate change challenges. From predicting severe weather events to comprehending atmospheric science intricacies, our field plays a critical role in informing policies, guiding decision-making processes, and safeguarding lives and livelihoods," Prof. Anosike asserted.
He emphasized the significance of early warning systems, championed by NIMET, to facilitate anticipatory actions guiding farmers on optimal planting and harvesting timings amidst the unprecedented weather alterations experienced in the country in recent years. This proactive approach aims to safeguard agricultural livelihoods, identify potential crop failure areas necessitating intervention.
Prof. Anosike highlighted NIMET's provision of early alerts for heatwaves, meningitis, floods, and other weather-related services for the nation's benefit.
"We urge Nigerians to rely on NIMET for preparedness in case of disasters. We collaborate with NEMA, Nigeria Hydrological Services, and other agencies to ensure the dissemination of vital weather information to Nigerians, especially farmers, to bolster food security and protect lives and property," he urged.
He called upon state governors and local government chairpersons nationwide to actively support federal government initiatives aimed at mitigating climate change impacts on citizens. This support involves ensuring the timely dissemination of weather information and forecasts to citizens, particularly farmers, to enhance food security and safeguard lives and property.
"Our climate weather forecasts are now accessible in English, Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Pidgin, and other major Nigerian languages. Therefore, all relevant stakeholders at the grassroots level, including local government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, youth, and opinion influencers, must engage in these commendable projects. This inclusive approach ensures that farmers and other stakeholders take necessary precautions promptly. Furthermore, IITA and related agencies should collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture to explore the feasibility of cultivating early-maturing crop varieties for successful planting and harvesting experiences," Anosike emphasized.
During his lead paper presentation, Prof. N.J. Bello defined meteorology as the science of the atmosphere, which aids in comprehending weather patterns, predicting storms, and tracking air mass movements. He emphasized that meteorology, beyond daily forecasts, provides essential tools for understanding climate systems vital for sustaining life on earth.
He elaborated on the concept of the sustainable spiral, highlighting that human survival instincts drive the exploitation of environmental resources at both local and sophisticated levels. This exploitation alters environmental components and leads to the emission of various greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, posing new challenges to human survival.
Similarly, another lead paper presenter, Prof. V.O. Ajayi, suggested that if geoengineering is adopted as an alternative strategy against climate change, its limitations and risks must be meticulously quantified, especially in the global south.
Professor Ajayi underscored the necessity for extensive research founded on robust international governance and cautious ethical considerations to ensure that the benefits of geoengineering outweigh the risks, upholding global equity without compromising existing adaptation and mitigation approaches.
Addressing the audience, the Vice-Chancellor of OAUSTECH and the chief host, Prof. Temi Ologunorisa, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. David Aworinde, commended the conference's theme as timely and appropriate. He urged participants to devise innovative solutions that address the impact of climate change effectively in Nigeria and worldwide.
The conference welcomed attendees
Welcoming attendees to the event, the chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Prof. Isaac Olaniyan, emphasized that the conference aimed to convene meteorologists, climate scientists, hydrologists, government officials, policymakers, and stakeholders from academia, farmers' associations, water-related professionals, environmentalists, and engineers to exchange knowledge, experiences, and inventive solutions for ensuring sustainable development amidst a changing global climate.
The conference witnessed a significant turnout of policymakers, government agencies, academia, and climate scientists from various disciplines, among other participants.
SIGNED
Abiodun Peter Okunniga, FITD, MNIM, MANUPA,
Registrar and Secretary to Council