Combatting Flooding: Climate Expert Calls on Government for Stronger Environmental Solutions

Climate technology expert and data scientist Okes Imoni is calling on the Nigerian government and other environmental groups to boost their efforts in tackling climate change. Her comments come after a devastating flood in Niger State that resulted in many lives lost and widespread destruction.

Imoni, a co-founder of Poca Techhub, acknowledges that the government has made strides, like signing the Paris Agreement and launching National Adaptation Plans. However, she feels that putting these plans into action has not lived up to expectations.

One major issue is funding. Climate projects in Nigeria receive far less financial support than needed, especially considering the rising risks from climate change. There’s also a problem with monitoring and enforcing environmental policies—these remain weak.

Despite some progress in renewable energy and flood control, the scale is still insufficient. Imoni suggests that Nigeria could leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to monitor climate and health risks in real time more effectively. “I’d rate the government’s efforts as fair, but there’s room for improvement, particularly in technology integration,” she remarks.

Imoni envisions a future where satellite remote sensing and AI work together to monitor environmental changes. She advocates for implementing ML algorithms that can predict climate patterns and optimize resource use. Smart grids and solar power can significantly contribute to clean energy access, and AI-driven crop modeling could improve food security.

She also highlights the link between climate change and various health issues. Rising temperatures can expand the reach of diseases like malaria and dengue. Additionally, flooding can lead to outbreaks of waterborne diseases like cholera. Air pollution, driven by fossil fuels, exacerbates respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD. Furthermore, heat waves can lead to heatstroke and heart problems.

“Researchers are now utilizing AI and ML to anticipate these health threats, allowing for prompt action,” she adds. This wave of technological advancement could pave the way for more effective responses to climate and health issues.

In the face of climate challenges, it’s clear that innovative solutions and collaborative efforts are crucial. The interplay between technology and environmental health offers a promising path forward for Nigeria and other nations grappling with similar issues.

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