This paper examined the impact of climate change on social conflict in Nigeria by identifying its progenitors and victims; and the roles of stakeholders in addressing the challenges of climate change adaptation and mitigation, especially social conflict. It x-rayed the two causes of climate change and locates the major trigger of social conflicts in Nigeria on the anthropogenic causes. The Anthropogenic Global Warming (AGW) and the social conflict theories were used to guide the analytical compass, using the conflict analysis perspective. This paper argued that the exploration, exploitation, refining and utilization of fossil fuels, soil erosion, desertification, environmental degradation, Green House Gas (GHG) emission etc. have negative consequences on the health and safety of the people, the supply chain and their socio-economic well being. The paper recommends democratisation of the people, respect for people's rights, unity, peace and stability of Nigerian democracy to ensure love for one another and unity of purpose for all. It also advocated the use of environmental impact assessment in the evaluation of projects by multinational corporations in Nigeria. The relationship between climate change and social conflict should be advocated by political elite in Nigerian democracy.
Table of Contents
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Conceptual Clarifications
1.3 Theoretical Framework
1.4 Methodology
1.5 Impact of Climate Change on Social Conflict in a Democratic Nigeria
1.6 Climate Change and Social Conflicts in Nigeria: Progenitors and Victims
1.7 Role of Stakeholders in Addressing Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Challenges Especially Social Conflict in a Democratic Nigeria
1.8 Conclusion and Recommendations
Research Objectives and Themes
This research examines the intersection of climate change and social conflict within Nigeria's democratic landscape, aiming to identify the primary drivers of these tensions and the role of key stakeholders in developing effective mitigation and adaptation strategies.
- Analysis of the nexus between anthropogenic climate change and societal conflict.
- Identification of the primary progenitors and victims of climate-induced conflicts.
- Evaluation of the impact of environmental degradation on democratic stability.
- Exploration of stakeholder roles in fostering peace and sustainable development.
- Assessment of current policies and the necessity for environmental impact assessments.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Introduction
Climate change is seen as a conflict trigger in Nigeria, Africa and the entire global community. Experts and policy makers have identified climate change as the greatest threat to human civilization and international peace and security. This is because; it stimulates both domestic and global tensions, thereby aggravating societal conflicts. The intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2007) identified Nigeria as one of the seventeen most vulnerable countries in Africa to climate charge variability and as a high risk trigger to social conflict.
The Commission on Human Security (CHS, 2010) also identified three sources of threats to climate change in a democratic Nigeria, Africa and the rest of the world. The first threat is the exploration, exploitation, refining and utilization of fossil fuels and the attendant pollution in both urban and rural areas in Nigeria. The second is the over use of fossil fuels and other industrial and mechanical activities in the environment that resulted into soil erosion, desertification, environmental degradation, deforestation and biodiversity depletion. The third is the build-up of Green House Gas emission (GHG) arising from gas flaring, emission of gaseous substances in petrochemical industries and burning of fossil fuels and other hazardous substances. These climate threats have also been identified as conflict trigger in a democratic Nigeria, Africa and across the globe by conflict experts and analysts. (Annan, 2016; Ki-Moon, 2007; Saul, 2009). They contended that climate change is an all encompassing threat to humanity. Climate change whether natural disasters, sea level rise or fresh water pollution etc has negative consequences on the health and safety of the people, the food supply chain and the socio economic and political well-being of the people. Climate change threats should be seen in the same prism as those in conflict, poverty, unemployment, corruption and proliferation of deadly weapons etc, as it threatens the foundation of life, peace and security in a democratic Nigeria and the entire globe.
Summary of Chapters
1.1 Introduction: This chapter introduces climate change as a significant threat to global and Nigerian security, highlighting its role as a catalyst for societal tensions and conflicts.
1.2 Conceptual Clarifications: This section defines the core variables of the study—climate change and social conflict—within the context of human activity and societal evolution.
1.3 Theoretical Framework: The study utilizes the Anthropogenic Global Warming theory and Social Conflict theory to analyze the drivers of instability.
1.4 Methodology: This chapter outlines the descriptive research design, emphasizing qualitative data collection through expert interviews and literature review.
1.5 Impact of Climate Change on Social Conflict in a Democratic Nigeria: The chapter explores how environmental changes have fueled lethal conflicts between farmers and herders and contributed to militancy in the Niger Delta.
1.6 Climate Change and Social Conflicts in Nigeria: Progenitors and Victims: This part identifies the human and natural factors behind climate change and details the specific groups suffering from its consequences.
1.7 Role of Stakeholders in Addressing Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Challenges Especially Social Conflict in a Democratic Nigeria: The chapter discusses the responsibilities of government and NGOs in implementing Environmental Impact Assessments to prevent conflict.
1.8 Conclusion and Recommendations: This concluding section summarizes findings and advocates for policy interventions, environmental audits, and increased public awareness to ensure future stability.
Keywords
Climate Change, Social Conflict, Nigeria, Anthropogenic, Fossil Fuels, Environmental Degradation, Democratic Stability, Conflict Mitigation, Sustainability, Stakeholders, Biodiversity, Migration, Farmers-Herders Clashes, Niger Delta, Environmental Impact Assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research investigates the direct and indirect impacts of climate change on social harmony and democratic stability in Nigeria, specifically looking at how environmental factors trigger conflicts.
What are the main thematic areas covered?
The work covers environmental degradation, the nexus between resource scarcity and violence, the role of human activity in climate change, and institutional strategies for conflict management.
What is the core research question?
The study asks how climate change challenges can be adopted and mitigated to avoid the escalation of social conflicts in a democratic Nigeria.
Which methodology is employed in this study?
A descriptive research design is used, incorporating primary data from qualitative interviews with key informants and secondary data from academic literature and reports.
What does the main body of the work address?
The main body evaluates empirical cases of conflict, such as the farmer-herder clashes and Niger Delta militancy, while applying theoretical models to suggest systemic improvements.
What keywords characterize this research?
Key terms include climate change, social conflict, Nigeria, anthropogenic causes, sustainable development, and environmental governance.
How does the author define the 'progenitors' of climate change?
The author identifies progenitors as those responsible for activities like fossil fuel exploitation, deforestation, and industrial practices that lead to environmental harm and subsequent social discord.
What role does the 'Environmental Impact Assessment' play in the findings?
The author argues that strict adherence to Environmental Impact Assessments is a critical tool for identifying potential conflicts before they manifest during development projects.
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- Leo Ebenezer (Autor:in), Dr. Chioma Ugwu (Autor:in), 2020, Climate Change and Social Conflict in Nigeria's Democracy, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/926031
