Abstract

Climate change is a global problem of weather variations characterized by extreme conditions measured over several decades. This paper analyses the impact of climate change on the coastal zone of Nigeria with a major focus on the Niger Delta. It is aimed at ascertaining areas which are most vulnerable to the climatic variables and hazards and proffer mitigations and adaptation strategies. Obviously, coastal erosion, heavy rainfall, flooding, shoreline retreat and coastal submergence, degeneration of mangrove vegetation, seawater intrusion into coastal aquifers, change in ocean dynamics, among others are identified as products of climate change in the coastal zone. However, limited mitigation measures by government and private organisations noted include localized embankment of shoreline, beach nourishment, re-afforestation, channelization, etc. were more of reactive than proactive which pose serious challenges to management of climate change impact on the coastal zone. Holistic attitudinal change by individuals towards environmental protection, promulgation and implementation of eco-friendly policies by government and private institutions, environmental education as a teaching subject from primary schools, capacity development and poverty eradication, etc., are advanced as adaptation strategies to impact of climate change in Nigerian Coastal Zone.

Keywords: Climate change; Impact; Coastal zone; Mitigation; Adaptation