Why Kano Is Getting Hotter: Experts Explain
Kano has been facing severe heat recently, with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) warning about a heat wave affecting many northern states, including Kano.
The extreme heat has sparked discussions not only about its impact on residents’ health but also about the environmental changes contributing to such high temperatures.
Extreme weather events like heat waves, heavy rainfall, and strong winds have become more common in recent years.
Climate change experts say that significant changes in temperature, atmospheric pressure, and humidity can lead to these events, with even small shifts triggering dramatic weather patterns.
In the case of heat waves, high-pressure systems in the atmosphere trap hot air near the ground, preventing it from rising and causing temperatures to climb.
Human activities are also worsening the situation. Burning fossil fuels for energy, transportation, and industry releases greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane, which trap heat in the atmosphere and warm the planet over time.
The demand for cooling during heat waves puts additional pressure on energy systems, often leading to power shortages and creating a cycle of rising temperatures and increased energy demand.
Engineer Salisu Adamu, an environmental expert with Green Initiatives Africa, said that human actions are intensifying the effects of climate change.
“The continued emission of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide and methane, is accelerating the warming of the planet. The urban heat island effect, which is more noticeable in cities like Kano, worsens the heat wave because concrete and asphalt absorb and retain heat, while the loss of vegetation intensifies the temperature,” he said.
Methane, released from landfills, industrial activities, and agriculture, is also a major contributor to rising temperatures. Adamu explained that methane is much more effective than carbon dioxide at trapping heat.
“Methane contributes to about 40 percent of global heat-related environmental problems. We need to take action to reduce methane emissions by improving waste management and cutting down activities that produce it,” he said.
The heat wave is affecting people across Nigeria, and experts recommend taking precautions to stay safe. “Staying hydrated is crucial during heat waves,” Adamu advised. “Drink water regularly, even before you feel thirsty, and avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can dehydrate the body. Staying in cool, ventilated spaces and avoiding the midday heat also helps.”
Experts agree that solving the root causes of extreme weather, such as global warming, requires collective action. One long-term solution is tree planting, which absorbs carbon dioxide and provides shade in urban areas.
“Trees are our first line of defense against climate change,” Adamu said. “They improve air quality, prevent soil erosion, and even reduce the severity of windstorms. Planting trees is a simple yet powerful way to protect our environment and combat the effects of global warming.”
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