Nigeria's Ecosystem Takes a Breather Amid Planned Protest

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1 Aug 2024

Nigeria's Ecosystem Takes a Breather Amid Planned Protest

Introduction

The day dawned eerily quiet as the planned protest loomed large on the horizon. From my balcony, the sight was reminiscent of the early days of the COVID-19 lockdown. Streets lay deserted, devoid of the usual bustling human activity. The distant barking of dogs and the bleating of sheep in my backyard created a symphony of sounds that stood in stark contrast to the typical urban cacophony. As an environmentalist, the thought struck me: Nigeria's ecosystem might just have a rare opportunity to breathe, regenerate, and heal for a day or two. This article will explore the environmental gains that could be recorded as human activities slow down due to the fear of potential violence during the protest.

Reduced Pollution

One of the most immediate and noticeable benefits of the slowed human activity is the significant reduction in noise and air pollution. In Nigeria, as in many parts of the world, vehicular traffic is a major contributor to both forms of pollution. The empty streets, devoid of the usual flow of cars, buses, and motorcycles, mean fewer engines running and fewer horns blaring.

Noise Pollution

Noise pollution, often overlooked, has profound effects on both human health and wildlife. Continuous exposure to high levels of noise can lead to stress, hearing loss, and other health issues in humans. Wildlife, too, suffers as their communication, mating rituals, and general behavior are disrupted by constant noise. With the streets empty and the usual hustle and bustle of daily life on pause, a temporary silence descends, allowing both humans and wildlife a brief respite from the constant barrage of noise.

Air Pollution

Air pollution, primarily from vehicle emissions, is a major environmental and health concern. The World Health Organization has linked air pollution to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, among other health issues. On a day with reduced traffic, the levels of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) in the air would decrease significantly. This temporary reduction in air pollution not only provides a short-term improvement in air quality but also gives the environment a chance to start healing from the continuous damage caused by constant emissions.

Reduction in Carbon Emissions

Closely related to the decrease in air pollution is the reduction in carbon emissions. Vehicular traffic is a major source of carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas that contributes significantly to global warming and climate change. With fewer vehicles on the road during the protest, there would be a notable drop in CO2 emissions.

Image from Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative

This temporary reduction, while short-lived, highlights the impact of human activities on our environment. It serves as a powerful reminder of the potential benefits of reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and embracing cleaner, more sustainable modes of transportation. Even a single day of reduced emissions can make a noticeable difference in the atmosphere, demonstrating the cumulative impact of our daily choices.

Reduction of Urban Heat Island Effect

Image from El·lipse - PRBB

The urban heat island (UHI) effect is a phenomenon where urban areas experience higher temperatures than their rural surroundings, primarily due to human activities and modifications of land surfaces. One of the contributors to the UHI effect is the density of people, vehicles, and buildings in urban areas.

Reduced Overcrowding

During the protest, the usual overcrowding in markets and public spaces will be minimized as people stay indoors out of fear. This reduction in human activity can lead to a decrease in ambient temperatures in urban areas. Without the usual throngs of people and the associated heat generated by vehicles and other activities, the city can cool down slightly.

Vegetation and Green Spaces

Additionally, the reduction in human activity can have a positive impact on the urban greenery. Parks and green spaces, often overlooked in the daily rush, get a chance to thrive without the usual foot traffic. These green areas play a crucial role in mitigating the UHI effect by providing shade and releasing moisture into the air through a process called evapotranspiration.

Preservation of Vegetation Cover

Another significant environmental gain is the preservation of vegetation cover. In many parts of Nigeria, agriculture is a primary livelihood. Farmers, fearing potential violence, will likely stay indoors, resulting in minimal disruption to vegetation cover.

Image from SSWM.info

Reduced Deforestation

Deforestation and land clearing for agricultural purposes are major environmental concerns. These activities not only lead to loss of biodiversity but also contribute to soil erosion and degradation. A day or two of reduced farming activity means that fewer trees and plants will be cut down, and the soil will remain undisturbed. This temporary pause can help prevent further environmental degradation and allow the land a brief period to recover.

Wildlife Benefits

The preservation of vegetation cover also benefits wildlife, as many animals depend on these areas for food and shelter. With less human intrusion, wildlife can roam more freely, and ecosystems can function more naturally, even if just for a short time.

Additional Environmental Gains

Beyond the primary points discussed, there are other environmental benefits that can be observed during this period of reduced human activity.

Reduced Litter and Waste

With markets and businesses closed, there will be less generation of litter and waste. This can lead to cleaner streets and public spaces. Waste management systems, often overwhelmed by the sheer volume of daily waste, get a brief respite, allowing for more efficient processing of the existing waste.

Water Quality

Reduced human activity also means less industrial discharge and fewer pollutants entering water bodies. This can lead to temporary improvements in water quality in rivers, lakes, and other water sources. Aquatic life, often stressed by pollution, gets a chance to thrive in cleaner waters.

Energy Consumption

With businesses and industries operating at reduced capacity, there will be a decrease in energy consumption. This can lead to a reduction in the strain on power grids and a decrease in the burning of fossil fuels for energy production, contributing further to the reduction in carbon emissions.

Conclusion: A Sustainable Perspective

While the circumstances leading to this temporary environmental respite are far from ideal, they offer a glimpse into the potential benefits of reduced human activity on our ecosystems. The reduction in noise and air pollution, carbon emissions, and the preservation of vegetation cover are significant gains that underscore the impact of our daily activities on the environment.

This brief period of environmental regeneration should serve as a wake-up call, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable practices in our daily lives. Embracing cleaner modes of transportation, reducing deforestation, managing waste efficiently, and conserving energy are steps that can help mitigate our impact on the environment in the long term.

As we navigate the challenges posed by protests and other disruptions, let us also seize the opportunity to reflect on our relationship with the environment. By making conscious choices and implementing sustainable practices, we can ensure that Nigeria's ecosystems continue to thrive, providing a healthier and more resilient environment for future generations.