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Effects Of Global Warming
CHAPTER ONE -- [Total Page(s) 7]
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One of the effects of man’s activities that is resulting to increase in
temperature is based on the exercised through which changes in
atmospheric composition particularly the CO2, Ozone and aerosols content
of the atmosphere. There is unequivocal evidence that the CO2 content
of atmosphere has been increasing over the years as a result of man’s
use of fossil fuels, for energy. For instance the exploration of oil,
has led to deforestation, the exploitation of oil has led to gas flaring
in the southern part of Nigeria and that now exacerbate high
temperature and lower humidity. The coastal location and presence of
River Ethiope in Abraka helped to create humid condition and heavy
amount of rainfall in Abraka, but the influence of the gas flaring (in
neigbouring community such as Ebedei), fumes from generator sets etc.
has shadow over this factor (Efe, 2002). Some other human activities in
Abraka and its environ has in turn resulted to global warming. Some of
these other activities include the use of generator sets, fumes from
automobile vehicles and factory buildings, indiscriminate dumping of
waste/refuse etc. Most of the farm products that are being produced at
Abraka P.O, are being affected due to the adverse effect of human
activities as most of the plant are being poorly produced as a result of
too much high temperature in that part of Abraka. These substances
(Fumes from factory building, generator sets, motor vehicles, tricycles
and motorcycles) have also caused air pollution and also increased the
temperature of the region there by causing Global Warming. This is as a
result of increase in the numbers of building structures and warm air
conditioners that adds warmth to the surroundings, much pollutes and
radiate heat into the surrounding landscape and also turning of
landscape into townscape also altered the natural environment. This
alternation according to Efe (2002a and 2006) resulted in increased
temperature of the urban canopy.
Similarly research efforts
in the past years have focused mainly on education, economic
activities, religion, political system, sporting activities,
administrative divisions and other non geographical aspect of Abraka
region. Virtually, as s result of intense research, it was discovered
there has not been much emphasis laid on the effects of global warning
in Abraka region, neither has interest been shown towards the idea.
In recent times there has been a call for periodic re-examination of
the urban climate of tropical cities in order to have an update and
compare the situation in these cities with that of other cities in the
world (Lowry, 1998; Efe, 2004 and Adelekan, 2005). Based on these calls
and with these numerous problems and the neglects associated with Abraka
as an urban centre, the needs arises to carry out this study in order
to find out how global warning has affected Abraka community in Delta
State.
This study is also meant to truly point out the
effects of global warning in Nigeria using Abraka region as a case
study, including how urbanization and civilization has affected the
climate of Abraka and its environs.
1.3 Aim and Objectives
The study is aimed at evaluating global warming effects in Abraka, and specific objectives are to:
1. Identify the various climatic characteristics in Abraka
2. Discuss temperature trend over the years
3. Access the effects of anthropogenic/human activities on the climate of Abraka region
4. Examine the effects of global warming on the residents of Abraka
5.
Offer suggestions to solve the problems associated with the effects of
global warning in Abraka region and how to reduce adverse effect of
urbanization on both human activities and climate.
1.4 Hypothesis
1. Abraka has not experienced significant warming over the years
2. Human activities does not significantly affect the climate of Abraka region.
3. Global warning has no significant effects on the resident of Abraka.
1.5 Significance of the Study
The
significance of the study lies in all over the effects of human
activities resulting to global warning within Abraka. The effects and
the importance of human activities on climate cannot be over emphasized.
It is to this effect that the study is aimed at informing the people of
Abraka the extent to which human activities have resulted to global
warming.
Hence effort must be put in a place to control
human activities in order not to affect the climate of Abraka
negatively, as if the climate of the study area is continued to be
affected by the excess of human activities. There may be excess of
rainfall which in turn might cause flooding in the area or there might
be over increase in the temperature of the area which will in turn
affect not only agricultural activities but other activities also that
human’s depend upon for survival. It is therefore hoped that the result
of this research work will go an extra mile to control global warming
caused by human activities resulting to depletion of the ozone layer
which have greatly affected the climate of Abraka region. The findings
will also provide useful background information to future research in
the contribution of geography towards nations.
1.6 STUDY AREA
1.6.1 Location and Size
Abraka
is located in the South-South zone of Nigeria. It is located in
latitudes 050 471 and 050 501 North of the equator and longitudes 060001
and 060 081 East of the Greenwich Meridian. It is situated at the
Eastern Bank of River Ethiope in Ethiope East Local Government Area of
Delta State, Nigeria.
Abraka covers a total land area of
21.2 square kilometer (Ufuoma, 2000). In the North it is bounded by
Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, in the South, it is
bounded by Ughelli Local Government Area of Delta State, in the East, it
is bounded by Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State and in
the west, it is bounded by Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State.
Abraka region is located in the Benin lowland (Udo, 1987). Abraka is in
the Humid Tropical Climate with very high temperature between months of
November and April. It may be as high as 250c to 310c.
CHAPTER ONE -- [Total Page(s) 7]
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