Journal of
Ecology and The Natural Environment

  • Abbreviation: J. Ecol. Nat. Environ.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2006-9847
  • DOI: 10.5897/JENE
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 408

Full Length Research Paper

Impact of climate change and anthropogenic activities on renewable coastal resources and biodiversity in Nigeria

Amosu A. O.1,2*, Bashorun O. W.2, Babalola O. O.3, Olowu R. A.4,5 and Togunde K. A.2
1Aquaculture and Marine Biology Unit, Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, Faculty of Natural Science, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535. South Africa. 2Department of Agricultural Science, School of Vocational and Technical Education, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Otto/ Ijanikin, P. M. B. 007, Festac town, Lagos State, Nigeria. 3Ecophysiology Laboratory, Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa. 4Department of  Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Science, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag  X17, Bellville, 7535. South Africa. 5Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Lagos State University, P. O. Box 001 LASU Post Office, Lagos, Nigeria.
Email: [email protected]

  •  Accepted: 18 April 2012
  •  Published: 31 May 2012

Abstract

Climates related disaster is greatly human induced warming, leading to substantial fluctuations in earth temperature which is currently a global issue of environmental concern. Human proximity and pressure in and around the coastal region has threatened flora, fauna and micro-organic resources of economic importance in most developing nations. Two-third of the word populations lives in or around the coast and 16 of the 23 world mega cities are currently in the world coastal belt. Transitively, the coastal environment, which harbors the highest percentage of biodiversity, is significantly important for economic activities and leisure. Nigeria’s climate may witness increases in temperature, rainfall, storms, and sea levels throughout the twenty-first century and improper management of these desiccations can result into degradation in some parts of the country. Apart from climate change, coastal environment is subject to various anthropogenic impacts, often associated with high population, industrial and agricultural activities. Both disasters have led to heat stress, sea level rise, and erosion, salinization of the soil, evapo- transpiration, desertification and others. The overall resultant effects are feasible on environmental indicators including renewable coastal resources. It is therefore recommended among others that thinking globally and acting locally on environmental issues could save our coastal nation.

 

Key words: Climate change, anthropogenic, environment, population, conservation.