CLIMATE CHANGE AND LITERACY CHALLENGES
Authors:
Dr. Mbalisi, Onyeka Festus
Abstract:
The earth is the only planet that supports the existence of life due to the presence of the atmosphere which naturally regulates the flow of energy from the sun and the out-going heat from the earth’s surface. The atmosphere creates the climate due to the ceaseless flow of energy from the sun which causes global cycling of air and water and hence distributes materials across the earth. The paper reveals that this ability of the atmosphere to maintain energy balance is altered by man through his activities towards achieving comfort of life, hence resulting in climate change. Climate change impacts negatively on human in various ways but, many people are unaware of the incident of climate change and its impacts on them. The paper attributes this ignorance to the inability of many people (especially in Nigeria) to read and write. It also maintains that though many can read and write and are aware of the incident of climate change but are unwilling to take responsibility for actions geared towards maintaining the earth’s energy balance. It concludes that when the capacity to maintain the earth’s energy balance is lacked due to the inability of the majority of a population to read and write, knowledge and awareness about climate change and its associated changes will lack and as a result, actions that will lead to climate change mitigation and adaptation may be hindered. The paper suggests various ways through which the illiterates can be made to be aware of and educated about climate change.