An Investigative Approach on the Effect of Air Pollution on Climate Change and Human Health in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

In Nigeria, like many developing nations, the causes of air pollution are legion: aggravated bush burning, combustion, gas flaring, improper disposal of domestic and industrial wastes; pollution through oil spillage; car exhausts, unsanitary and unsafe housing, etc. All these affect human well-being (the most affected groups are women and children) especially the health and socio-economic well-being of the people of the Niger Delta in Nigeria in particular and in the world as a whole. Therefore, this paper highlights the dimensions, nature and characteristics of these phenomena and further examines the implications of air pollution on the health and socio-economic well-being of the people of the Niger Delta. Air pollution has been identified as one of the most critical environmental problems confronting the Niger delta Area. Traffic, industry and gas flaring are the major air pollution sources in the region. Impact on socio-economic, ecosystems health, properties and climate have been linked with the pollution episodes in the area but which requires substantial scientific and empirical evidence. Multiple factors especially lack of equipment, inadequate skilled personnel and poor policy frame work has militated against effective and qualitative air quality studies in the area. To achieve long term goals for the region in this regard that would lead to the overall benefit of the people in the area, the paper recommends a holistic and integrated approach to air pollution management that will involve all the stakeholders.