Abstract
According to the United Nations’ Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation ‘World in 2030 Survey Report’ 2021, Climate Change and loss of biodiversity is one of the most pressing challenges of the next decade. By the 2023 edition of the emissions gap report by United Nations Environmental Program, emissions must be cut by forty-two percent by 2030 if global warming will be limited to 1.5 degrees above industrial level. The climate crisis as evidenced by extreme weather conditions, rise in sea levels, drought, heavy flooding, desertification and other changes in weather have negative impact on the ecosystem of the environment and affect humans and all other living things that depend on the ecosystem for survival. Ecological jurisprudence advocates for a balance in caring for human aspirations and also for a healthy environment and preservation of the ecosystem. Anthropogenic factors are responsible for the increase in greenhouse gases that warm the climate as humans are mostly concerned with development and their welfare at the detriment of the ecosystem. The paper briefly explained climate change; espoused the issues around environmental degradation, global warming and climate change crisis. It itemized some challenges and impacts of climate change on humans and the environment, with a view to showcasing the need to join hands with government to combat climate change. It reviewed some sections of the Climate Change Act, 2021 of Nigeria and concluded that effective implementation and adequate budgetary provision is required to achieve a reduction in greenhouse gases. The paper recommended an aggressive creation of awareness and environmental education for the goals of the Act to be achieved; and commencement of a robust mitigation and adaptation strategies for curbing the climate crisis.
Dr. Ojiaka Chigoziri, pp 30 – 43
