FREE REPORT:Conflict Implication of Environmental Pollutionby EmmanuelE Okon | 30-03-2021 01:08 |
|---|
4.jpg) 5.jpg) 3.jpg) .jpg) .jpg) .jpg) .jpg) 3.jpg) Globally, mining and combustion of fossil fuels, especially crude oil, have resulted in various environmental problems. The adverse effects of these industries on human health, agriculture and the general ecosystem, and how they could result in conflict, have been widely reported. Firstly, this study examines the current state of environmental pollution at a few places in Nigeria, and how it could possibly result in environmental conflict between the affected communities and the polluting industries. Secondly, using Nigeria as a case study, it suggests pre-emptive measures that can be taken to forestall such conflict. The issues raised in this study are supported by findings from previous studies conducted at Rumuoeleni, in the oil region base of port-harcourt Nigeria. Since the emergence of industries and technological advancement, our planet has faced many challenges which have put pressure on the global environment. One such challenge is environmental pollution, which is primarily caused by the mining of crude oil. This has resulted in ancillary environmental problems such as environmental degradation, global warming and climate change. Environmental pollution through air, water, soil and other factors, has become a serious issue throughout the world, especially in industrialized environments. All these have had adverse effects on human health, plants and animals and have led to the general disturbance of the earth's ecological systems. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that an estimated 1.3 million deaths annually can be ascribed to urban outdoor air pollution (Morakinyo et al. 2016:1). Moreover, if not addressed in time, these problems foreshadow and may culminate in threats to human life from human conflict. Looking at this region it is therefore noticed among them for the expensive sales of sea food and water due the oil spillage resulting to loss of lives and animals who die out of starvation. Another research conducted emphasized on how it also affected farmland as a result of flooding due to construction of industries in this area and diversion of drainages to the sea which allowed crude oil spills spread over agricultural designated areas resulting to the death of crops and micro organisms. One thing that is clear from the above overview of the serious consequences of pollution in Nigeria: if the situation is not addressed immediately, it may cause full-scale conflict among the affected communities, the industries, and the government in the near future. Such clashes might arise, when the community members, especially the current youth, become conscious and aware of the health problems which may emanate from environmental pollution. The growing awareness is acknowledged by a study earlier conducted , this study investigates the awareness high school students have of environmental pollution. The study reveals that students¡¯ level of awareness and knowledge of pollution is high (Olufemi 2012; Olufemi et al. 2016). The argument is that as these young ones grow older and increase their knowledge and awareness, there is a tendency for them to raise issues which may lead to conflict. Environmental activists may also bring the attention of the community to the effects of pollution on the inhabitants¡¯ health and the immediate environment. This may later give rise to incessant attacks. |
