Climate Change: Mitigating Effects of Landscaping on Carbon Dioxide Emissions in Nigerian Built Environment

Abstract

A great concern for environmentalist globally is the increasing concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and consequently the resultant effect on climate. The Nigerian built environment has a stake in this reality if it is to survive the adverse effects of climate change. This paper focuses on Climate change and mitigating effects of landscaping on carbon dioxide emissions in Nigerian built environment. The objective of this study is to review factors responsible for carbon dioxide emissions in Nigeria, and how this can be curtailed to reduce the impact of climate change. The study was analytical in nature and relied on secondary sources of reliable data, critical review of literature and synthetic presentation of facts. It was found that burning of municipal wastes, soil erosion, wood and bush burning, deforestation and fossil fuel combustion are major sources of C02 emission in the atmosphere. Likewise, the review identified establishment of large scale agro-forestry progammes, providing cost effective alternatives to charcoal and firewood, soil conservation measure in agriculture, recycling non-biodegradable wastes and banning the exportation of logs as effective mitigation strategies. It was concluded that sustaining the environment in which we live is very crucial to the survival of man on earth. Hence, promulgating relevant laws and environmental friendly policies, by government would mitigate emission levels.