By Shalom Oyero
It’s been scorching lately, hasn’t it?
The heat’s been relentless, making cold baths a necessity and seeking refuge in moving vehicles or by the air conditioner a daily routine.
Even with the occasional rain, the heat persists, leaving us feeling super uncomfortable.
I’ve also heard jokes about Nigeria edging closer to the sun or sharing a border with hellfire because of the searing condition.
But behind the humor, there’s a serious concern: With temperatures consistently rising nationwide, this year’s heat wave could exceed last year’s intensity.
With some regions peaking as high as 39°C, over the past few months.
Just like the economy, the relentless heat has taken center stage in public conversations, highlighting the severe consequences of climate change.
Grasping the larger context – Heatwave
A heatwave is an extended period of exceptionally hot weather, often accompanied by high humidity levels.
It can pose health risks, especially to vulnerable populations, and can also impact agriculture, infrastructure, and the environment.
In some parts of Nigeria, such as Adamawa, Sokoto, Borno, Kano, Zamfara, Katsina, Abuja, Gombe, Jigawa, Bauchi, Kebbi and Lagos, hot temperatures are a familiar presence almost throughout the year.
Even in places like Warri, and Asaba in Delta State, excessive heat is becoming the norm.
It’s hard not to wonder how people manage to endure such scorching conditions, especially with the recent escalation in heat levels.
Now, even Jos City, renowned for its typically cool climate, is feeling the heat wave’s impact.
This prolonged period of intense heat is quite unusual for a place known for its chilly weather.
What is causing the Heatwave?
Experts have pointed out that the heatwave stems from various factors, both natural and human-induced.
The increasing emissions of greenhouse gasses like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide are trapping heat in the atmosphere, depleting the ozone layer, and exposing the earth to direct sunlight, leading to global warming.
Moreover, urbanization, deforestation, and changes in land use are exacerbating the heat effect, causing high temperatures in many parts of the country due to human activities and infrastructure.
Also, climate analyses conducted by attribution scientists suggest that many of these extreme events wouldn’t have occurred without the impact of global warming from increased carbon emissions.
Consequence of the Heatwave
The intense heat wave in Nigeria is causing serious problems beyond just feeling hot.
With millions enduring health hazards and electricity failures, the situation has become increasingly disturbing as electricity is needed in mitigating the heat’s effects.
However, for many citizens, access to cooling equipment remains a luxury.
Experts also warn of the deadly consequences of the heat wave, labeling it a “silent killer”.
This silent menace is not unique to Nigeria; globally, the World Health Organization predicts a staggering toll, with climate change expected to claim 250,000 lives annually from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress by 2050.
Moreover, the projected health-related costs of climate-induced illnesses are set to soar to between US$2-4 billion annually by 2030.
Furthermore, health experts note that extreme heat often leads to an increase in hospital visits to dermatologists for symptoms like rashes and itching.
Dehydration is another concern, potentially causing fainting, chickenpox, measles, heat rash, bodily weakness, mild fever, and dry lips.
Additionally, it can lead to heat-related illnesses, respiratory problems, and heightened susceptibility to chronic conditions.
Consequently, there may be a rise in reported cases of meningitis, stress, stroke, high blood pressure, and other related health issues.
Will it get any better?
While it’s unsure to say if it will get any better soon, there are however advisory measures and precautions we can adopt to ease the effects of the heatwave on us.
According to news reports, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a public forecast warning about the prolonged heatwave.
They cautioned that the intense heat could lead to dehydration, heat-related ailments, respiratory problems, and exacerbate chronic conditions.
Therefore, the agency recommends that the public adhere to adequate fluid intake to maintain hydration, use fans, and wear breathable clothing to lessen exposure to high temperatures.
Additionally, they caution against engaging in strenuous activities during peak heat times to prevent heat-related illnesses.
The bottom line:
How many more years of extreme weather events like this will it take before the severity of climate change fully registers in the public’s awareness?
With each scorching heatwave, the signs become clearer, yet the urgency of the situation often goes unnoticed.
There’s therefore a pressing need for action to address this, spanning from individual efforts to governmental initiatives.
Every action counts, whether it’s reducing personal carbon footprint or advocating for policy changes on a larger scale.
It’s crucial for everyone to be greatly aware of their environment and the things that could ultimately spike climate change in the long run and strive to create a better place for our survival.
Heat-related issues and environmental hazards are not distant concerns but immediate threats demanding swift solutions.
