Environmentalists seek course review on climate studies
Some environmental experts have advocated the review of the study on climate change to boost students’ knowledge on the causes, consequences and solutions to environmental challenges.
The experts made their views known in separate interviews in Lagos state.
They said it was important to review the curriculum on climate due to erratic weather patterns.
Ms Gloria Bulus, Founder Bridge-that-Gap Initiatives, stressed the need to review academic studies on weather variations due to the growing effects of climate change on the society.
”Climate change is a global phenomenon that affects the natural environment with the effects evident on the changing weather patterns which disrupts the traditional seasons of harmattan, dry and rainy.
”Therefore, it is important to review the basic knowledge of climate change and weather patterns taught in schools.
”If the studies are reviewed, this will ensure that students are aware of the causes, consequences, and solutions to environmental challenge.
”By updating the curriculum, tutors can help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as well as foster a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the planet,” she said.
Bulus also stressed the need to educate and update local farmers on climate smart agriculture practices to ensure food security.
“There is the need to sensitise local farmers on the changing weather patterns and to adopt climate-smart agriculture practices.
”It is important to use effective communication strategies that can reach farmers in their local languages, contexts, and cultures,” she said.
Bulus listed some of the possible communication strategies as organising farmer field days, demonstrations where farmers could learn from each other and expertise on the benefits and challenges of climate-smart agriculture practices.
She, however, said to cushion the effects of climate change on agriculture, various adaptation strategies should be implemented at different levels.
Bulus said these include; improving crop varieties, enhancing soil and water management, diversifying production systems, strengthening market linkages and building resilience among farmers and consumers.
She said that by adopting these measures, farmers could cope with the impacts of climate change and ensure food security for themselves and communities.
On his part, Mr Taiwo Adewole, the Director, Recycle Points NG, said the review of studies on weather patterns was long overdue.
Adewole said that variations in weather patterns could affect food security and crop cultivation.
”The review of the studies is long overdue, climate change should not only be thought in schools but within the community through religious houses and community development associations.
“We can clearly see the changing weather patterns so there is an urgent need to review and create awareness.
“Definitely the changing weather patterns will affect food security; we need to start looking toward nature based solution, what can grow under what weather condition and alternative to cover the gaps.
“This is where the nature based solution comes in and adaptation by adopting climate smart practices,” he said.
Adewole reiterated the need to start with smart agricultural practices by growing in bags and plastics.
He urged people to utilise available spaces within their households to boost food security.
Adewole added that farmers needed to be updated with latest adoption of climate smart practices.
NAN / Foluke Ibitomi
