THE PERCEPTION OF THE PEOPLE OF ESAN WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, EDO STATE, NIGERIA ON THE CAUSES OF GLOBAL WARMING

Abstract

This paper investigates the perception of the people of Esan West Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria on the causes of global warming. Global warming refers to the long-term rise in the average temperature of the Earth’s climate system, primarily driven by increased greenhouse gas emissions from human activities. Global warming is caused by natural events and human activities believed to be contributing to an increase in average global temperature. The paper investigated the perception of the people of Esan West Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria on the major causes of global warming, the major indicators, the effects and the mitigation and adaptation strategies in the study area. To achieve these objectives, the paper used both primary and secondary sources of data collection to obtain the required data. The primary data collected from the field were through the administration of questionnaires and personal interviews. The population of the study area was projected to be 201,423 persons in 2025 at 2.5% growth rate. Out of this population, 400 respondents (0.2%) of the total population were reached via the use of structured questionnaires and oral interview. The data collected from the field were analyzed using frequency tables and percentages. From the analysis, the paper reveals that burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, bush burning, urbanization, modern agricultural practice and industrial emissions as the perception of the people on the major causes of global warming. It also shows that the major indicators of global warming in the study area are heavy and erratic rainfall, very high temperature, and deterioration of built structures. The paper also shows the perception of the people on the effects of global warming in the study area include extreme cold (the most serious effect of global warming in the study area), excessive heat, seasonal bushfires, shortage of food, serious flooding and shortage of water, and the several mitigation and adaptation strategies that have been implemented over the years to alleviate the excruciating and exacerbating effects of global warming in the study area are enhancing water conservation techniques, the use of alternative sources of power, construction of high roofs and well ventilated buildings, practicing climate-smart agriculture and improving cultural practice. Based on the findings, the paper, recommends the promotion of agro-forestry and sustainable farming techniques to reduce deforestation and soil degradation, encouraging the increase in the use of alternative energy sources to reduce reliance on fossil fuels for auto-mobile and generators. Community led initiatives to reduce bush burning and improve waste management, public awareness and education, measures to help modify climatic conditions in order that the temperature near the surface of the earth could be moderated to reduce global warming. The paper concludes by suggesting that government should implement policies and regulations to limit greenhouse gas emissions, promote sustainable development, encourage the people to minimize activities that drive global warming, accept and adapt to the effects of global warming with equanimity.