The climate crisis affects everyone. Girls and boys in vulnerable communities are taking the strongest hit, even though they are not responsible for it, adults and aquatic life are also not left out.

Millions of people who live in Nigeria are at high risk of climatic change and environmental hazards like my state of residence, Ogun state. Let me also begin by emphasizing on the effects of climatic change. Fossil fuels – coal, oil and gas – are by far the largest contributor to global climate change, accounting for over 75 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90 per cent of all carbon dioxide emissions. Places like Agbara, Sagamu and Ota are major industrial hubs of the state. 

As greenhouse gas emissions blanket the Earth, they trap the sun’s heat. This leads to global warming and climate change. This poses many risks to human beings and all other forms of life on Earth. Therefore there is an urgent need to reduce or eliminate the threats posed to us. If we do not make changes, the following will be most affected: Food, our food supply depends on climate and weather conditions.

Although farmers and researchers may be able to adapt some agricultural techniques and technologies or develop new ones, some changes will be difficult to manage. Increased temperatures, drought and water stress, diseases, and weather extremes create challenges for the farmers and ranchers who put food on our tables.

Human farm workers can suffer from heat-related health issues, like exhaustion, heatstroke, and heart attacks. Rising temperatures and heat stress can also harm livestock. Human health, climate change is already impacting human health. Changes in weather and climate patterns can put lives at risk. Heat is one of the most deadly weather phenomena. As ocean temperatures rise, hurricanes are getting stronger and wetter, which can cause direct and indirect deaths. Dry conditions lead to more wildfires, which bring many health risks. Higher incidences of flooding can lead to the spread of waterborne diseases, injuries, and chemical hazards.

As the geographic ranges of mosquitoes and ticks expand, they can carry diseases to new locations. The most vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, people with preexisting health conditions, outdoor workers, people of colour, and people with low income, are at an even higher risk because of the compounding factors from climate change. But public health groups can work with local communities to help people understand and build resilience to climate change health impacts. One major solution to reduce this is to practice AFFORESTATION. Let every family plant at least a tree in their environment, this will help reduce the effect of heat emitted from the greenhouse gas emissions.

The best time to take action on this petition is now, trees are planted during the wet season to ensure its survival. I will also be working with the Ministry of Forestry to ensure the actualisation of this change.