A Meteorologist with the Ekiti State Ministry of Environment, Mrs Mosunmola Ogunsakin, has urged residents to take concerted action to mitigate the causes and effects of climate change.
Ogunsakin made the call while delivering a lecture titled “Climate Change: Causes, Effects and Solutions” at the Ekiti State Ministry of Works in Ado-Ekiti.
She described climate change as significant, long-term changes in weather patterns, largely driven by human activities, particularly the excessive emission of greenhouse gases.
According to her, indiscriminate bush burning, deforestation, improper waste disposal and excessive use of fossil fuels are among the major contributors to carbon emissions and climate change.
“The effects include rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, flooding, drought and soil degradation,” she said, adding that these could harm agriculture, infrastructure and human health.
She noted that communities whose livelihoods depend largely on agriculture and other climate-sensitive activities are likely to be hardest hit socio-economically.
Ogunsakin urged the public to embrace tree planting, proper waste management, energy conservation and environmentally friendly energy sources to reduce the impact of climate change.
She also called for increased public awareness and environmental education, stressing that individuals, communities, government institutions and other stakeholders all have roles to play in protecting the environment.
The meteorologist specifically urged staff of the Ministry of Works and other relevant government agencies to integrate climate considerations into the planning and execution of infrastructure projects.
“Such measures will promote sustainable development and strengthen resilience to extreme weather events,” she said.
Ogunsakin stressed that collective responsibility and sustained commitment to environmental protection are essential to curbing climate change and ensuring a healthier, safer environment for present and future generations.
