Urgent Action Needed: Experts Warn Coastal Communities Face Existential Threat from Climate Change – Latest Insights from EnviroNews

Environmental experts from the Academic Associates Peace Works (AAPW) have issued a stark warning: several coastal communities in the Niger Delta could vanish by 2050 if stricter environmental protections are not put in place.

Dr. Judith Asuni, the Executive Director of AAPW, raised this alarm at a recent workshop in Port Harcourt titled “Conflicts in Coastal Communities.” She noted that climate change is wreaking havoc in the Niger Delta, contributing to rising sea levels, frequent flooding, and an escalating struggle over limited resources. These conditions are displacing people and heightening tensions among communities.

“Displacement leads to ongoing land disputes and increased conflicts in this region,” Dr. Asuni explained. She urged governments to act swiftly to enforce existing environmental laws and combat climate change impacts on these vulnerable coastal communities.

Adding to this, Mrs. Nkoyo Toyo, AAPW’s Deputy Director, highlighted the pressing need for these laws to tackle issues like land encroachment and biodiversity loss. She emphasized that the Niger Delta’s fragile ecosystem is under threat from both climate change and the unregulated practices of oil companies.

“Environmental degradation fuels migration and resource scarcity, increasing the risk of violent conflict,” said Mrs. Toyo. She called for a comprehensive strategy that involves community leaders and policymakers collaborating with security agencies. Traditional practices, such as seasonal fishing bans, are examples of grassroots efforts that need support against external pressures.

Mrs. Nimi Elele, representing the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, echoed these warnings. She noted that rising sea levels during the rainy season are leading to severe flooding, which damages infrastructure and forces people inland. The result? Increased risks of social issues, such as exploitation and poverty, as many residents lose their livelihoods.

Statistics from a recent survey show that fishing yields in the region have plummeted, pushing many families into hardship. Experts believe that without public awareness campaigns to educate residents on climate change’s impacts and proactive policy implementation, the future for these communities looks bleak.

This gathering drew participants from Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers, all calling for immediate government action. The concerns raised show a growing urgency to protect this unique and vulnerable region.

For more on the impacts of climate change in vulnerable communities, you can explore insights shared by the UN Climate Change Reports [here](https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/reports).

Check out this related article: Have You Experienced Federal Job or Funding Cuts? Share How They’re Affecting Your Community’s Environment, Health, and Safety!

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Academic Associates Peace Works (AAPW),climate change,Coastal Communities,Niger Delta