Environmentalist calls for sustainable lifestyles to reduce heat wave

An environmentalist, Mr Emmanuel Emechete, has called for environmental friendly lifestyles to curb the growing reoccurrence of heat waves in the country. Emechete, a climate change enthusiast made the call on Monday in Lagos.

He noted that heat waves occurred when heat in an area increased due to more exposure to sunlight and anthropogenic (human) activities which in the long run increased climate change.

“When there is an abnormally high temperature in an environment over a period of two days or more, it is usually referred to as a heat wave.

“Climate change is real, global warming is real, so we need to start living with such consciousness and take actions that are friendly to the environment,” the environmentalist said.

Emechete expressed the need to engage sustainable lifestyles to curb the effects of climate change due to the increasing heat waves.

‘’The common health complications associated with heat waves include; Meningitis, heat stroke, heat cramps, and cardiovascular diseases among others.

“Heat waves also affect animals, and its damage on the health can be both physical and monetary in terms of low output and income for local animal farmers.

“Heat waves also result in low crops productivity; reduce supply of food and agriculture produce.

‘’In essence, it causes environmental discomfort for plant, animal and humans, disease and loss of life,” he said.

Emechete called for planting of more trees, reduction in the use of fossils fuel and stoppage of industrial air pollution, to reduce heat waves.

“We should also encourage green housing and roofing; keep gardens instead of cemented floor surface outdoors as well as usage of renewable and sustainable energy sources.

“We must practice energy efficient lifestyle by using energy efficient appliances in our homes and offices,” he said.