Climate change and harsh weather conditions in developing countries: implications on water resources, public health and food security
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Date
2013
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research,
Abstract
The changes in weather and climate in Nigeria and other developing countries have precipitated ecological and health problems. Variations in rainfall pattern/amount have resulted in negative implications on water resources, agriculture and food security. Surface waters are affected by the prevailing climate change resulting in the drying/total loss. Excessive evaporation with attendant heavy rainfall causes water pollution/contamination, erosion and landslide. Low crop yields due to change in rainfall amount results in food insecurity and increase in poverty. The sudden severe climatic changes with attendant rapid southward desert encroachment encourage migration. Many ensuing diseases such as malaria, meningitis, diarrhea, bronchitis, asthma, eye problem, cholera and typhoid attributed to the recent climate change are commonplace. The resultant implications are more severe in the rural areas and disproportionately affect the rural poor especially women and children. Public health and food security implications of the recent climate changes are yet to receive the deserved attention. The ecological scourge of heat waves, desertification, windstorms, flood disasters, soil and gully erosion and pollution of water resources require multi-objective and integrated approach and management measures. Involvement of expertise from relevant fields in climatic change study for the containment of the resultant global implications is recommended.
Description
Journal article
Keywords
Water resources, Public health, Food security, Climatic change, Ecological hazards