Professor Christiana Ijagbemi from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, recently highlighted the urgent need for sustainable waste practices in Nigeria. During her inaugural lecture titled “Waste Engineering and Climate Change: An Ingenious Alliance to the Drawdown,” she emphasized that without immediate action, poor waste management will worsen the country’s climate issues.
Ijagbemi pointed out that cities are struggling with unmanaged waste. This problem poses risks not just to the environment but also to public health. She noted that organic waste in landfills releases methane, a greenhouse gas over 80 times more harmful than carbon dioxide. Moreover, the effects of badly managed waste extend beyond gases; it contributes to pollution in our soil and water and adds microplastics to our oceans.
Experts agree that waste management and climate change are closely connected. As urbanization and consumerism grow, so does the pile of waste we create. A recent UN report states that global waste generation is expected to increase by 70% by 2050 if trends continue. This alarming statistic shows that tackling waste management is critical to battling climate change effectively.
Ijagbemi proposed a decentralized approach to waste collection. She suggested setting up local waste stations that link to regional treatment facilities. This way, communities can get involved in the circular economy and create jobs while reducing transport emissions. Such a local model promotes economic, social, and environmental benefits.
She reiterated the saying, “Waste not, want not,” encouraging Nigerians to embrace resource efficiency. By viewing waste as a potential asset, innovative engineering can transform environmental challenges into economic opportunities. Research suggests that cities implementing effective waste management practices have seen improvements in air quality and public health, leading to happier, healthier communities.
Ijagbemi also pointed to the relationship between waste management and extreme weather events such as flooding. Effective waste management can reduce some impacts of climate change, helping communities adapt. A 2023 study found that cities with strong waste management measures experienced far less disruption during climate events than those that did not.
To this end, she called for collaborative efforts between government agencies, private companies, and communities. She emphasized the importance of training programs in waste management and resource recovery, supported by both local and global climate finance. By aligning Nigeria’s waste management policies with agreements like the Paris Accord, the country can enhance its commitment to climate action.
Ijagbemi advocated for innovative financing models like climate bonds and public-private partnerships to fund infrastructure improvements. She also highlighted the need for nationwide education campaigns focused on the “5Rs”: refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle. These campaigns should stress both environmental protection and climate benefits.
Additionally, establishing multidisciplinary research hubs could pool expertise from various fields to create actionable solutions. A centralized digital platform could track waste management efforts and emissions, improving transparency and regulatory enforcement.
Ijagbemi concluded by urging all stakeholders to recognize the transformative potential of sustainable waste management as a way to build a resilient economy. Quick action is essential, and with the right strategies, Nigeria can make substantial progress towards climate resilience.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji, praised Ijagbemi for her insightful lecture. She recognized the importance of the waste-to-wealth approach and stated that it aligns with the university’s vision to produce knowledge that benefits society. She encouraged everyone involved—from students to government partners—to see themselves as agents for change in creating a sustainable future.
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