Causes of Climate and Environmental Changes: The need for Environmental-Friendly Education Policy in Nigeria

Abstract

Man cannot naturally be detached from his environment. From time to time, changes in climate and environmental conditions occur as a result of natural and human factors. Obviously, the natural factors are almost beyond human control. But, the human factors are to a very large extent under human control. Thus, this paper tried to discover natural and human factors that cause climate and environmental changes which have negative effects on the existence of man on earth. Such human factors include, air, water and land pollutions, production of greenhouse gases, deforestation, desertification, emission of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and other harmful gases. Natural factors include, volcanic eruption, ocean variations, solar variations, Plate Tectonics, Thermohaline circulations, etc. Amazingly, the paper discovered that there is a complete negligence of climate and environmental education in many countries education system, including Nigeria. This is proven by the fact of the absence of climate and environmental education stipulations, in the National policy of education, 2004 edition. It is based on this that the paper advocated for the inclusion of climate and environmental education in Nigeria education policy. There were suggested policy statements made that will enhance climate and environmental education which will enlighten people about the dangers of causing harm to the environment. When this done, there will be a drastic reduction in the negative effects of climate and environmental changes.

Keywords: Climate, environmental changes, environmental-friendly education policy, Nigeria.