“Climate Crisis: The Urgent Link Between Health and Life Expectancy in Nigeria”
The recently concluded COP28 UN Climate Conference marked a significant milestone with the inclusion of a Health Day, where health ministers from 123 countries signed the non-binding COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health. This historic event underscored the growing recognition of the undeniable link between health and climate change. While the declaration is non-binding, it reflects a realization that collective action is necessary to address the climate impact on health. The Health Day provided a platform for health to take center stage in climate negotiations, emphasizing the critical role of the health sector in driving climate-resilient policies and sustainable development initiatives globally.
In Nigeria, climate change is increasingly influencing health and well-being, with far-reaching consequences, including the potential impact on life expectancy. Recent studies have highlighted the intricate relationship between climate change and health, particularly its connection to life expectancy rates. Research has shown that even a slight increase in temperature could lead to a decrease in life expectancy at birth. Nigeria has made progress in raising life expectancy rates, but experts warn that climate shocks like floods, droughts, and heatwaves could reverse these gains and exacerbate disease outbreaks.
Climate change also affects life expectancy through its impact on food production. Decreased rainfall has led to crop failures and food shortages, resulting in malnutrition and food insecurity, especially among vulnerable populations. Increased temperatures create a conducive environment for disease vectors like mosquitoes, leading to a rise in preventable vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. Changes in rainfall patterns can also contribute to the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid, further widening health disparities in communities with limited access to healthcare and sanitation.
According to the World Bank, climate change could lead to a significant loss in Nigeria’s GDP by 2050, potentially impeding human development, including improvements in life expectancy rates. Urgent action is needed to prioritize climate adaptation and mitigation efforts to safeguard public health. Establishing early detection systems for disease outbreaks caused by climate shocks, launching climate education and disease prevention initiatives, and enhancing access to primary healthcare services are crucial steps to limit the climate’s impact on life expectancy.
Addressing the impacts of climate change on health and life expectancy in Nigeria requires coordinated action at all levels. Implementing policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promoting sustainable development practices, and building resilience to climate-related events are essential strategies to protect the population from the detrimental effects of climate change. It is imperative for government actors and stakeholders to work together to mitigate the health risks posed by climate change and ensure a healthier and more resilient future for all Nigerians.