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Unizik Physical Sciences lecture: Prof Kalu Mosto Onuoha explains solution to climate change

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  • Prof Onuoha informed that Climate change is usually caused by global warming, greenhouse effect which are majorly product of Human activities like burning of fossil fuels, decomposition of materials, burning of plastic and rubber materials to mention but a few.

UGOCHI NWAGBO writes that President Nigeria Academy of Science and Professor Emeritus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof Kalu Mosto Onuoha has risen to the challenge of climate change in Nigeria by proffering solutions to the menace.

He spoke at the Faculty of Physical Sciences of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka on Thursday 23rd May, 2019 when the faculty held its 8th Annual Faculty Lecture series at the University Auditorium.

The theme of this year’s lecture is on “Climate Change and Menace of Floods in some states in Nigeria: The role of Physical Sciences”.

The guest lecturer Prof Kalu Mosto Onuoha who is the President Nigeria Academy of Science and Professor Emeritus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka gave an erudite lecture on the topic.

Prof Onuoha informed that Climate change is usually caused by global warming, greenhouse effect which are majorly product of Human activities like burning of fossil fuels, decomposition of materials, burning of plastic and rubber materials to mention but a few.

He said: ‘’These causes gases especially carbon dioxide to be emitted into the earth’s atmosphere and form a thick blanket of gases to build up without escaping outside the earth’s atmosphere. These gases then causes the earth’s atmosphere to keep getting warmer and warmer. Nigeria and Africa may not be the major culprit in flaring of gases which is one of the highest source of emission of carbon dioxide, they are the one suffering it most’’.

He went further to say that the warming of the earth’s atmosphere has resulted to irregular rainfall, drying up of some lakes like (Lake Chad has reduced from about 27,000 sq km to 18000, which causes reduction in the number of sea animals) melting of glaciers, reduction in rain forest, desert encroachment (Sahara desert has claimed about 350 hectares of farmland) which has increased the number of environmental refugees and poverty level.

However, he said that Flooding is also as a result of global warming because according him, ice in the ocean and glaciers are melting causing increase in sea levels, adding that due to urbanization, more rain is gathered and this increases sea level, Marine transgression, coastal Inundation, and Nigeria is very vulnerable to this, as can be seen in Lagos State especially Lekki area. Little rainfall, the whole place is filled with flood and the result is usually loss of human lives and property. So, many people has become homeless because of flood and this has added to the percentage of poverty level in Nigeria. As was seen in Lokoja, Kogi State and part of Benue state in 2012. According to report from Nimet about 2million people was displaced in Nigeria in 2012 and about 100,000 in 2015.

Prof Mosto Kalu Onuoha said further that: ‘’as scientists we can’t fold our hands and watch. There is a lot to do. The 20th century birthed Quantum mechanics, double helix and Internet. So, there is need for as researchers and Scientists to be able to birth something in this 21st century as our colleagues in other climes are doing. There is need to be more innovative, infuse students with Practical knowledge and Culture of experimentation, foster Creative thinking in them. And we need Climate change education, Digital Mapping/Modelling techniques, Climate change need to be studied.

Yes, all these require right infrastructure and enabling policy, and we can leverage on United Nations framework on Climate change which is basically on Mitigation (measures to control harsh effects of Global warming) and Adaptation ( action designed to tolerate effects of global warming) which includes international framework like UNFCC, Piyoto protocol New Paris agreement which Nigeria has subscribed to. And also the National framework like National Adaptation Strategy and plan of action on Climate change for Nigeria NASPH-CCM launch in 2011 by Former President Goodluck Jonathan’’.

He challenged the Scientists to put on some measures like Planting more trees ,research crops can be planted at Anam and its environ which is closer to us, adopt improved agricultural system for both crops and livestock, improved system for animal husbandry like Ranching, recycle more, use less fossil fuels by using more renewable energy resources like solar energy, use better livestock feeds e.t.c.

He encouraged the institution to make good use of the African Union Scientific research and Innovation Council, which is established to give research grants to university institutions, but must have a link with another two university institutions whether local or International. He encouraged more Scientists to join the Nigeria Academy of Science. You must not be a Professor to be part of it. According to him: “the major requirements is to have written journals, be researcher and you must be referred by someone who is already a fellow of the Academy.

Those present at the event includes, the Vice Chancellor, Prof.J.E Ahaneku represented by Prof F.J.C Odibo, Prof. Emeritus Ikenna Onyido, Prof J.A Ogbuagu (immediate past provost Umunze College of Education Technical),Prof P.A.C Okoye (Chairman of the Occasion),Prof.S.O Anigbogu(Dean Faculty of Physical Sciences), Prof Chika Muo, Prof. Donald Okoli (Chairman LOC) and many more.

Source
The Authority
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