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Global anthropogenic activities resulting in the emission of harmful greenhouse gases (GHGs) to the atmosphere have increased the challenges faced from climate change. The greater awareness of the need to mitigate climate variability has brought about intense focus on the adverse impacts of fossil-fuel based energy on the environment. Being the single largest source of carbon emissions, energy supply has attracted much attention and more so that, climate change impacts extend beyond national boundaries. Since energy use is sine qua non to economic development, scientists have reiterated the necessity of developing and utilising renewable energy. Although, past and present CO 2 emissions have and are majorly caused by industrialized countries, it is envisaged that future GHGs emissions would be mostly from developing countries as they industrialize. Renewable energy sources that include biomass, hydroelectric, wind, solar and hydrothermal systems, are carbon-neutral, releasing relatively no emissions. This paper discusses the initiatives associated with the provision of renewable energy to the energy mix in Nigeria as an indication of the country’s commitment to adopt a sustainable development strategy in shaping the economy. It reviews the literature and employs a discourse analysis to examine the limited use of renewable energy sources in Nigeria and the factors prevailing against their development. The paper concludes by identifying social and political obstacles as most significant roadblocks towards rapid implementation of a green economy through the deployment of renewable energy for sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is aimed at assessing the effect of the analysed physico-chemical, microbial parameters and heavy metals on run-off in selected routes at Nsukka Urban. The major roads selected included campus gate (CG), Ikenga road (IR), Enugu road (ER) and Ikpa/Orba road (IKPR); with university market road serving as control location (C). Four run-off samples were collected from each of the selected roads; in October 2020. The heavy metals were analysed using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS); other parameters were analysed using standard methods. The results revealed that the analysed metals concentrations ranges from (in ppm): Cd (0.00–0.09), As (0.23–1.58 mg/L), Fe (6.48–79.72), Hg (.00–3.00), Pb (0.25–0.75), Ni (0.21–0.92), Mn (0.10–0.21), and Cr (0.67– 01.33) indicating increase in the concentration of samples as against control showing anthropogenic influences. The results also unravelled that metal concentrations are above the permissible standards for potable water. Coliform ranged (0.00–1736.00 cfu/mL), Turbidity (22.50–52.80 NTU) and Organic matter (55–130 mg/l). All other parameters like pH, EC, K+, Mg2+, and Na+ are all within the permissible limit of WHO. Multivariate and Sorensen analyses were also employed to separate chemical variables into components which gave a clue to the different sources of contaminants within an area, based on the indicator parameter associations. This analysis unravels anthropogenic contamination from domestic solid and sewage wastes on the quality of surface run-off and should be mitigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wetlands play a very important role in the sustenance of both the surface and groundwater resources of the country. It is sad to observe that the country is fast losing her wetlands, as the rich wetlands are being seriously threatened by a number of anthropogenic and biophysical factors. Some of the notable human actions include population pressure, rapid urbanization, mining, oil and industrial waste pollution, overgrazing, logging, dam construction, transportation routes and other physical infrastructure. Others factors are uncontrolled tilling for crop production and unprecedented/unregulated land reclamation. Subsidence, saltwater intrusion, sand storm, desertification and droughts, invasion by alien floral and faunal species as well as marine and coastal erosion are natural threats to wetlands in Nigeria. Wetlands destruction affects negatively water supply and water resources management. This study examines in great detail the fate of wetlands in the face of climate change and recommends that efforts should be made to accurately document the country's wetland. The paper therefore suggested sustainable options for wetlands and water resources management in Nigeria. This, the paper opined, can be done through the strengthening of wetlands preservation and conservation regulation, mitigating the effects of climate change as well as the development of deliberate restoration programmes and policies aimed at sustaining degraded wetlands in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper attempts to discuss the links between the geochemical composition of rocks and minerals and the geographical distribution of diseases in human beings in Nigeria. We know that the natural composition of elements in our environment (in the bedrock, soils, water, and vegetation) may be the major cause of enrichment or depletion in these elements and may become a direct risk to human health. Similarly, anthropogenic activities such as mining and mineral processes, industrial waste disposal, agriculture, etc., could distort the natural geochemical equilibrium of the environment. Thus, the enrichment or depletion of geochemical elements in the environment are controlled either by natural and/or anthropogenic processes. The increased ingestion of toxic trace elements such as As, Cd, Hg, Pb, and F, whether directly or indirectly, adversely affects human health. Of these, Cd has most dangerous long-term effect on human health. Environmental exposure to As and Hg is a causal factor in human carcinogenesis and numerous cancer health disorders. Available information on iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) in Nigeria indicates goiter prevalence rates of between 15% and 59% in several affected areas. There have been reported cases of dental fluorosis resulting from intake of water with fluoride content >1.5 ppm. Dental caries among children shows an overall prevalence rate of 39.9%. Within the Younger Granite province in central Nigeria, cases of cancer and miscarriages in pregnant women have been linked to natural radiation These examples and a number of others from the existing literature underscore the pressing need for the development of collaborative research to increase our understanding of the relationship between the geographical distribution of human and animal diseases in Nigeria and environmental factors. We submit that such knowledge is essential for the control and management of these diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining is one of the most environmentally damaging human activities, having long-term health effects on humans. In this research, the levels of contamination, source distribution, and health risks of heavy metals to residents from drinking surface water near Riruwai mining sites were investigated. The findings of the study indicated that the heavy metal levels ranged from As (0.00-0.04 mg/L), Cd (0.00-0.04 mg/L), Cr (0.02-0.06 mg/L), Mn (0.02-0.07 mg/L), and Pb (0.00-0.05 mg/L), with mean levels of 0.02, 0.013, 0.03, 0.02, and 0.04 mg/L, respectively. The concentrations of all metals, with the exception of Mn and Cr, are higher than acceptable limits. The values of the heavy metal pollution index (HPI) for all the metals, with the exception of Mn, exceed the threshold limit of 100, indicating serious pollution of the surface water. This was confirmed by the results of Nemerow's pollution index (NPI). Multivariable analysis revealed anthropogenic and natural sources as the main sources of heavy metal contamination, with Cd, As, Cr, and Pb originating from mining activities and Mn possibly coming from parent materials. The total hazard index (HI) and non-cancer risk (HQ) values in children and adults are within acceptable limits. However, the total life cancer risks (TLCR) of As and Cd were higher than the tolerable limit of 1.00E-06. Therefore, heavy metals in surface water, particularly As, Cd, and Pb, should be properly monitored and a treatment program implemented to safeguard the health of local residents, especially children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The disparity in both population and wealth distribution in Nigeria by geo-political zones is well recognized. There is also the recognition that some of the environmental problems in certain sections of the country can be attributed to the imbalance in both population and wealth distribution. Hence the various agitations for environmental resource control in the country. What is lacking however is the research that shows the magnitude of the linkages between the disparity and the environmental degradation in regional context. This provides the basis for this research. To achieve the aim of the research, a STIRPAT model was employed as an analytical tool. The findings show that the southern geopolitical zones are generally more densely populated and wealthier than the northern zones. The south is also experiencing a higher degree of environmental resource degradation attributable to anthropogenic factors. Thus, there is congruence between population density, wealth distribution and environmental degradation in Nigeria. Therefore the achievement of sustainable environment and development in Nigeria requires deliberate policies to mitigate the impact of population concentration and wealth creation on the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generally speaking, there has been a consensus on the primary drivers of anthropogenic induced environmental degradation. However, little progress has been made in determining the magnitude of the impacts, particularly in developing countries. This creates a lacuna that needs to be filled up. The purpose of this study therefore is to ascertain the degree of anthropogenic induced environmental impacts in Nigeria. To achieve the aim, fossil fuel consumption was used as a surrogate for carbon dioxide emissions while the magnitude of the impacts was determined by regression statistics and the STIRPAT model. The results show that only three variables, namely population, affluence and urbanization, were statistically significant and that the regression model accounts for 60% of the variation in the environmental impacts. However, population and affluence, which have ecological elasticities of 1.699 and 2.709, respectively, are the most important anthropogenic drivers of environmental impacts in Nigeria while urbanization, with an elasticity of −0.570, reduces the effect of the impacts. This implies that modernization brings about a reduction in environmental impacts. The paper therefore makes a significant contribution to knowledge by successfully testing the STIRPAT model in this part of the world and by being the first application of the model at political units below the regional or nation states. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study determined the intensity of anthropogenic activities that took place within the chimpanzees' distribution area in Oluwa Forest Reserve, Southwest Nigeria, and the anthropogenic activities having significant influences on the occurrence of this species. A binomial Generalized Linear Model with a logit link was employed in fitting the anthropogenic activities-Chimpanzees' occurrence relationship model. Eight human activity indicators were observed, while backward stepwise variable selection algorithm was used for selecting the most significant ones. The encounter rates per kilometer of human activity indicators in the rainy and dry seasons ranged from 0.46 to 1.84 and 0.57 to 2.53 respectively. The model had Akaike's information criterion of 22, and six anthropogenic activities were observed to have significant influences on the occurrence of chimpanzees namely; current or past agricultural activity, snareline, tree cutting/ timber extraction, regularly used human trails, matchet cuts or broken stems and bark stripping but, campsites were insignificant. Therefore, agricultural activities, timber extraction and hunting are major human threats to this disturbed enclave and their control is quite pertinent in order to curbing these environmental menaces. Control measures such as encouragement of forest guards to intensify anti-poaching and encroachment patrol, and adaptation of community- based participatory management approach in integrating the host communities of this reserve to ensure continual perpetuity of this species are necessary. These mitigating steps will bring effective and efficient management of chimpanzees towards their continued survival in the forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the significance of human behavior as a major driver of most environmental problems, it is generally agreed that efforts to promote global ecological and economic sustainability must now include attempts to understand public perceptions of, and attitudes toward, environmental issues. Research findings generally indicate that attitudes are important determinants of ecological behaviors, and over time, scientists have strived to develop sound measurement instruments for studying public environmental attitudes. Of these attitude measures, the New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) scale stands out as being the most widely accepted with documented validity and reliability. In this study, the NEP scale was used to examine environmental attitudes among 355 university students in Ibadan, Nigeria. Overall, the Nigerian students were found to have a lower endorsement of the pro-ecological ideologies included in the NEP compared with similar samples from other cultural contexts. However, a strong consensus was observed among the sample on the fragility of nature's balance and possibility of eco-crisis facets of the NEP. The findings of the study are discussed in the context of relevant Nigerian social and cultural factors, and recommendations for future research are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental sensitivity mapping of the coastal areas in south-western Nigeria in both wet and dry seasons was carried out in the years 2007 and 2008. Four out of the nine states that comprise the zone were sampled: Delta, Asaba, Cross River and Ondo. Towns were randomly selected for intensive ecological and socio-economic sampling: Koko village, Warri, Sapeple West, Awinkoko/Ugberoko and Igbokoda, Igbekebo, and Ekiti-pupa. Both direct and indirect sampling observations were used for an ecological study based on deductive and inductive modelling, while 300 structured questionnaires were administered to respondents in the areas. A simple, descriptive sampling method (percentage) was used to draw inferences. The results indicate that the coastal areas are well represented by a diversity of plant and animal communities. The flora consists of phytoplankton and macrophytes, while the fauna consists of zooplankton, macro-benthos, vertebrates and invertebrates. Coastal birds that utilise the coastlines for residence or as migratory routes include six families: Laridae (20 species), Stercorariidae (four species), Scolopacidae (two species), Haemtopodidae (one species), Procellariidae (one species) and Hydrobatidae (one species). The coastal area is dominated by a diversity of finfish and shellfish including about 199 species belonging to 78 families in brackish and marine environments. Fish account for up to 80% of the animal protein consumed by the local people. Endangered species, now locally extinct in the coastal zone, are hunted primarily for medicinal value, with every part of the animal being useful in medicinal preparation, and also for food. The author recommends that industry located in coastal regions be required to treat waste materials to a specified standard before they are discharged into the sea. Also, legislation needs to be strengthened for environmental information gathering, technical capabilities and capacity building for coastal zone management. There is a need for government funding to increase public awareness and participation in coastal zone management and to implement policies that protect the coastal zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Levels of Cd, Ni, and Pb in topsoil (0-5 cm) taken from seven different sites of the urban city of Akure, Nigeria, were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer after the wet digestion method. This was with a view to appraising the influence of various anthropogenic activities on heavy metal contamination of the urban soil. Results show that the range of Cd was 6.27-10.34 ppm, Ni 7.17-14.78 ppm, and Pb 9.22- 46.19 ppm. This analytical data indicated a significant accumulation of heavy metals above background levels, with highest concentrations found in mechanic/battery charger workshops. The level of accumulation was assessed using accumulation factor (AF), and the values obtained exceeded 4 in all sites. This implies that the heavy metals are not from the natural geochemistry of Akure but from human activities. The classes of contamination were differentiated using geoaccumulation index (Igeo). The Igeo performed revealed that Cd (2< Igeo<3: Class 3), Ni (2< Igeo<4: Class 3 and 4) and Pb (3< Igeo<5: Class 4 and 5) belong to different classes of geoaccumulation index, but the contamination patterns (moderately to strongly contaminated) are similar in all sites, except the mechanic battery/charger workshop (moderately to extremely contaminated). The differences observed in the metal concentrations among the sites are statistically significant (P < 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two creeks (Azuabie and Obufe) in the upper Bonny Estuary, Nigeria were studied to determine how industrial and other anthropogenic activities have influenced their relative sediment qualities. Total organic carbon, total hydrocarbons, zinc, lead, cadmium and iron were significantly higher in the Azuabie creek, while phosphate, nitrate, copper and chromium did not show significant differences between the two creeks. Principal component analysis (PCA) ordinations discriminated all locations in the Obufe creek into a cluster along with the less-contaminated sites in the Azuabie creek. The other two sites in the Azuabie creek clustered separately, showing that they were contamination hot-spots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]