Climate Change: The Effects of Changing Weather Patterns on the Health and Well-Being of Students
Omolola Rukayat Sadik
Right now, you might be thinking, “I am a student; what exactly is my concern with climate change?” Climate change is just one of those many subjects we perceive as trivial. However, its importance and its effects on our lives go far beyond contestation.
In November 2023, USAID published that “as Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria’s wide range of livelihoods, agricultural practices, and commodities are threatened by climate change.” This is evident as the country currently experiences changes in weather patterns and even harsh weather conditions—a strong indication of climate change.
Just a few months ago, we experienced exceedingly scorching heat on a daily basis. It greatly affected us. I vividly remember that it was a topic of daily discussion in my room last session. My roommates and I complained bitterly every day. “It is too hot. The heat is extreme. Why am I sweating like this? The sun fried me today.” These words were the lyrics of our anthem. We collectively never stopped wondering why it was so hot, even in the month of May. And the only answer we had for our questions was ‘climate change’.
Fast forward to the present day. We have been experiencing subsequent rainfall. Our anthem has now become ‘It is raining. Will we go to class in this rain? When will my clothes ever dry?’ Don’t get me wrong. We experience the dry season, the monsoon season, or, in more common terms, the rainy season and harmattan. We are so familiar with this weather cycle that we know when to expect them every year. We know the months in which it would most likely rain, the ones in which we would most likely have sunny days. So, what is going on now? Why are we discussing climate change? And what exactly is climate change?
The phrase ‘climate change’ is not unfamiliar to many of us. We hear it occasionally, if not regularly. However, not everyone has a strong understanding of what it means. Climate change is the long-term warming of the planet, which is primarily caused by the increasing levels of greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. These gases, such as carbon dioxide, trap heat from the sun and prevent it from being released back into space. This leads to a rise in global temperatures. However, climate change is not just about rising temperatures; it also includes changes in weather patterns and shifts in the distribution of plants and animals. It is detected through a combination of observations, measurements, and data analysis.
Did you notice that you got exhausted easily when it was really hot months ago? Rising temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and other heat-related illnesses. Climate change can also increase air pollution. This worsens respiratory issues like asthma and other breathing problems. Weather events disrupt classes and campus activities, especially when they are extreme or unstable.
In addition, unstable weather patterns causes academic stress and unnecessary delays. This semester, I have had classes cancelled at the last minute as a result of the rain after fully preparing for them. I am certain I am not the only one who feels a rush of annoyance whenever this happens. One of the most frustrating situations for any student is seeing that your class has been cancelled after preparing yourself mentally and physically to attend the class. This is not only annoying; it is also destabilising.
There is also a mental effect. The seemingly overwhelming nature of climate change can trigger mental stress. You suddenly find yourself worrying about the weather. You do this to the point that you begin to ask yourself different questions. You ask people around you why it is so hot and complain to others about why it is so cold. This consistent feeling of stress and anxiety can affect our mental well-being as students.
The changing weather pattern has also had positive impacts. More students are now increasingly involved in advocating for and participating in sustainability initiatives. These initiatives push for the reduction of carbon footprints and the promotion of environmentally friendly practices. An example is the Green Campus Project launched in 2023 to reduce waste disposal as well as sensitise students about waste disposal and plastic recycling.
In conclusion, there is a pressing need to recognise and acknowledge the impacts of climate change on students and even society at large. We need to protect the environment. We can achieve this by reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases, providing support materials for established initiatives, and treating the environment with care.
Photo credit: Linkedin, Ioannis Tsouris
