![chrome_screenshot_1633593786749.png](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmRR5sDiPJGvrBgsqJ8UmWWjTV2KmZPjYoHxkheexnEG3R/chrome_screenshot_1633593786749.png)[]( https://www.google.com/search?q=climate+change+definition&client=ms-android-transsion-tecno-rev1&prmd=nbixv&sxsrf=AOaemvL7P-57dbsaUKoRy07X3kiUwHwllg:1633585037383&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjw2vO-yrfzAhXnz4UKHU1LACEQ_AUoA3oECAIQAw&biw=320&bih=512&dpr=1.5#imgrc=UxmjEjTj7OYpDM) **Introduction** For most people who are abreast with weather conditions, you may have discovered that when the rains come they come so hard and prolonged. The duration of period of rainfall has increased, from April to late November; sometimes it starts earlier and goes into December. When the sun comes the heat is usually intense and un bearable. That's the effect of climate change. What is climate change? **Definition** Climate change is defined as the change in werther condition from emission of greenhouse gases into the air and resulting in global warming [source]@nkoas The term greenhouse gases may be confusing to the ordinary person but it implies any gas that can trap radiation from the sun and thus protect all living organisms from the effect of the sun's radiation. If not for this effect, the temperature will be so high or so low that all living things may die. **What are greenhouse gases?** Greenhouse gases are gases that protect the earth surface from the direct effect of the sun. The greenhouse gases include water vapour, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane, ozone, chlorofluorocarbons etc. The greenhouse gases are like radiators bringing about cooling effect. Simply put, the greenhouse gases are insulators and regulate the amount of heat that reaches the earth atmosphere. In normal concentration, they keep the earth worm. Conversely, when their concentration increases, they absorb more heat which is then radiated unto the earth surface leading to global warming. **What causes increase in greenhouse gases?** Most greenhouse gases emission is mainly anthropogenic (human factor) particularly industrial activities and agriculture which lead to emission of carbon dioxide and methane respectively. Some of the causes include: ![chrome_screenshot_1633638258374.png](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmQiNFAZtWKaFezpuR7YWuv3opWqFbMfRfozwJFUfav8JA/chrome_screenshot_1633638258374.png)[]( https://www.google.com/search?q=Causes+of+greenhouse+effect&oq=causes+of&aqs=chrome.0.69i59j69i57j69i59l2j0i273.14627j0j9&client=ms-android-transsion-tecno-rev1&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8)

**Effects of Climate change**

Please don't be confused about the terminologies I'm using: emission of greenhouse gases leads to global warming which brings about climate change. The effects of climate change are many: environmental, ecosystem, agriculture and public health. I will concentrate on Health effects of global warming.

**Health effects of global warming** The health effects results from extremes of temperature: - Skin diseases including cancer - Gastroenteritis - The outbreak of Cholera all over Nigeria is definitely connected to the effect of climate change which has direct effect on the environment. - Respiratory diseases including pneumonia and asthma - Cardiovascular diseases - Renal diseases. Both cardiovascular and renal diseases occur from hypovolemia resulting from massive dehydration during the period of high temperature - Death. The increased number of deaths from Cholera in Nigeria maybe linked to climate change. The Nigeria Center for Disease control reported that about 2,141 deaths from Cholera occurred across 23 states as at September2, 2021[]( https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/483510-cholera-ravages-nigeria-2141-deaths-65145-suspected-cases-recorded-in-23-states.html)

**Preparing for climate change** The health effects of global warming are becoming obvious to us on daily bases. Individuals, communities states and the nation should take precautions and adopt measures to mitigate the effects of climate change. - Individuals and communities should try to clear drainages to avoid flooding which comes with serious health consequences. - During the rainy season, the vulnerable group, children and the elderly should be properly covered to prevent them from catching cold. - During the dry season when temperature goes high, light materials should be worn. - During the period of extreme temperature, always keep all windows open; if air conditioner is available that Will be better. - Take bath of cold water regularly to reduce the temperature of the body and to prevent dehydration. - Avoid crowded areas during dry season to prevent heat wave. - Good drinking water: bottled water, if not affordable, take satchet water, if not, boil water at 100 deg Celsius for about one hour. Then take it when cool. - Maintain the highest level of hygiene including hand washing after visiting the toilet and the use of hand sanitizer during outbreak. - The use of rain water for bathing and drinking should be stopped because of the effect of acid rain.

**Conclusion** Increased human activities such as oil exploration and intensive agriculture has brought about increased emission of greenhouse gases particularly carbon dioxide and methane leading to global warming. The effects of global warming are here with us and we must prepare for it.