THE PROBLEMS INDUCED BY GLOBAL WARMING ON THE ECONOMY OF EKPOMA, EDO STATE, NIGERIA

This paper investigates the problems induced by global warming on the economy of Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria. Global warming refers to the long-term rise in the average temperature of the earth’s climate system, primarily driven by increased greenhouse gas emissions from human activities. Global warming is caused by natural events and human activities believed to be contributing to an increase in average global temperature. The specific objectives of this paper are to: examine the major causes of global warming in Ekpoma, the major problems induced by global warming on the economy of Ekpoma, assess the level of awareness of the inhabitants on the problems induced by global warming on the economy of Ekpoma, and identify the existing mitigating and coping strategies for alleviating the problems induced by global warming on the economy of Ekpoma. In order that these stated objectives are achieved, data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. The primary data were collected from the field through the administration of questionnaires and the conduct of personal oral interviews and personal observations in the field. The projected population of Ekpoma in 2025 at 2.5% growth rate is 176,089 persons. Out of this population, four hundred (400) respondents (sample population) which represent point two three percent (.23%) of the entire population in the study area were considered.. The data collected from the field were analyzed using frequency, tables and percentages. From the analyses, the paper depicts that burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, bush burning, urbanization, modern agricultural practices and industrial emissions are the major causes of global warming. In addition, it reveals that shortage of food (the most serious), emergence and spread of diseases, devaluation of infrastructure, seasonal bushfires, seasonal flooding, and shortage of water are the major problems induced by global warming on the economy of Ekpoma. The findings also show that more than half of the sample population possesses a very high level of awareness on the problems induced by global warming on the economy of Ekpoma. The mitigation and coping strategies on the problems induced by global warming on the economy of Ekpoma include: intensive farming/practicing of climate-smart agriculture, enhancing water conservation techniques, the use of alternative sources of power, evacuation of blocked drains; effective community awareness/sensitization, regular and effective immunization, hygiene, sanitation, and improving cultural practices, such as proper drainage and canopy management that are able to mitigate the risks induced by variable weather conditions. The paper concludes by advocating for the implementation of the recommendations, policy interventions and carrying out further researches on the subject matter to keep the people updated.