Addressing Environmental Degradation and Climate Change in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

This case study explores environmental degradation; climate change impacts; adaptation strategies as well as the potential role of stakeholders in climate change adaptation responses in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.The Niger Delta region of Nigeria is the second largest delta in the world. The main impacts of climate change in the region include coastal erosion and floods. Coastal vegetation especially the mangroves have been lost to coastal erosion while settlements in the region have been displaced by coastal erosion. The inundation arising from the rise in sea level will increase problems of floods, intrusion of sea-water into fresh water sources and ecosystems destroying such stabilizing system as mangrove, and affecting agriculture, fisheries and general livelihoods (Apata, 2010). It is predicted that with a one meter rise in sea level, the Niger Delta could lose over 15000 square kilometers of land by the year 2100 and if urgent action is not taken to address the problem, at least 80% of the people of the region will be displaced. The goal of this case is to help students learn through the development of communication message, sustainable climate change adaptation initiatives that would support rural livelihoods in the Niger delta region. Using group discussions; interrupted case methods and communication exercises, students will learn about the impacts of climate change as well as the potential roles of institutions and stakeholders in responding to climate change and environmental degradation in the region. Students will be provided with climate change stories and discussions will emanate from the stories.