REDUCTION IN THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE: EFFORTS TOWARDS SAFEGUARDING THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT IN KADUNA, NIGERIA

Abstract

In developing nations such as Nigeria, climate change has negatively affected the built environment, which necessitates adaptation and mitigation measures. The objectives of the study are to explore the predictors of climate change indicators, appraise the adverse effects of climate change on human health; and document the awareness of climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. The Relative Importance Index (RII) was used to analyze the collated and screened data from the respondents who are experts and professionals in the case study neighbourhood. Findings revealed the predictors of climate change indicators; biodiversity (4.21), pollution (4.13), Urbanization (4.06), and land degradation (3.96). For adverse effects of climate change on human health, findings revealed increases in; Nutritional infectious diseases (4.08); Temperature-related health effects (4.05), and Air pollution-related health effects (4.03). The study's outcome suggests that combating the menace of climate change in recent years calls for robust measures that will help in the long-term improvement and maintenance of the built environment. Hence, the need for urgent actions toward integrating climate change interventions into Nigerian government decisions, initiatives, and development.