“Climate change.” You have probably seen the phrase scrolling through your feed, heard it during school discussions, or caught it in a news headline. But let us be clear: this is not just a global conversation between presidents, scientists, or billionaires. It is a Nigerian issue. And whether you live in Kano, Lagos, or Enugu, it is already affecting your life, even if you have not noticed yet.
The good news? You do not need a title or a trust fund to make a difference. Your actions, your voice, and your choices matter more than you think.
What Exactly Is Climate Change—and Why Should You Care?
At its core, climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns. While natural factors can cause some of these changes, human activities—especially the burning of fossil fuels like petrol, diesel, and coal—have made the problem worse and faster.
The result? A warming planet.
According to NASA, the Earth’s average temperature has increased by 1.1°C since the late 1800s. It may sound small, but that shift is fuelling disasters. The last decade was the hottest in recorded history.
The Nigerian Reality: Our Climate, Our Crisis
Here is the truth: Nigeria is not just a victim of climate change—it is already on the frontlines.
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Floods: In 2022, over 1.4 million Nigerians were displaced due to one of the worst floods in a decade. Entire communities lost homes, farms, and schools. Rainfall is becoming more intense and unpredictable.
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Desertification: The Sahara is encroaching further into the north. Over 60% of Nigeria’s land is under threat, turning fertile areas into dust and forcing families to migrate.
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Heatwaves: Cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt are recording record-breaking temperatures. Without stable electricity, millions face health risks and rising discomfort.
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Food insecurity: Farmers are struggling. A UN FAO report estimates that climate change may reduce Nigeria’s food production by up to 40% by 2050 if nothing is done.
This is not just about weather—it is about jobs, education, public health, and survival.
But I Am Just One Person… What Can I Do?
That is the question most people ask. And that mindset is part of the problem.
Imagine if one million young Nigerians made one small climate-conscious choice every day. That is 365 million actions a year.
Here is how to start, no matter where you are:
1. Rethink Waste. Reduce What You Can.
Nigeria generates over 32 million tonnes of waste each year. Yet only 13% is recycled. The rest clogs gutters, fills dumpsites, and pollutes our air and water.
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Carry a reusable water bottle or bag.
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Avoid plastic cutlery and sachets.
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Repurpose containers instead of discarding them.
A single plastic bottle takes up to 450 years to decompose. Your choice to reuse helps.
2. Save Energy—Not Just for Yourself, but for the Planet
Nigeria’s dependence on petrol-powered generators means we burn a lot of fuel—one of the major causes of pollution.
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Switch off appliances when not in use.
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Choose energy-efficient bulbs and devices.
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Walk or bike short distances instead of taking a cab or bike.
Small changes in daily habits lead to massive savings in emissions.
3. Eat for Impact
The link between food and climate change is stronger than you might think.
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Buy locally grown produce—less transport means less pollution.
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Reduce meat consumption once or twice a week.
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Don’t waste food—plan meals and store leftovers properly.
Globally, one-third of all food is wasted. That waste releases methane, a greenhouse gas even more powerful than CO₂.
4. Plant and Protect Green Spaces
Trees do more than give shade. They clean the air, improve health, and reduce heat.
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Plant a tree where you live, school, or worship.
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Support reforestation drives in your area.
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Protect parks and community gardens.
Nigeria loses about 400,000 hectares of forest every year. The fightback begins with you.
5. Speak Up. Stay Informed. Get Others Involved.
Your voice is a tool—use it.
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Share facts about climate issues on social media.
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Ask your school or local government what their environmental policies are.
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Join or start an eco-club.
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Challenge businesses to do better.
Change often begins with awareness. And awareness begins with you.
Young Nigerians Are Already Leading the Charge
Across the country, young people are building solar-powered solutions, running clean-up campaigns, lobbying for climate-smart policies, and changing the narrative. You are not too young. You are not too small. You are not too late.
But you do not have to do it alone.
That is why Z-in-Action, an initiative by CSR-in-Action, exists: to give young Nigerians the knowledge, support, and platform to lead local climate action and drive impact.
Whether you want to volunteer, learn more, or lead a project in your community, Z-in-Action is your home base for meaningful youth-led sustainability.
Start Where You Are. Use What You Have. Do What You Can.
Say no to single-use plastic. Walk when you can. Talk to your peers. Plant a tree. Join a movement. Advocate for your future.
Because climate change is here.
But so is your power.
Sources:
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NASA (2023) – Climate Change Facts
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UN FAO (2022) – Food and Agriculture Outlook
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UNICEF (2023) – Climate Impact on Nigerian Children
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World Bank (2021) – Nigeria’s Waste Management Stats
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International Energy Agency (2022) – Generator Emissions in Africa