Effects of Climate Change on Tropical Forest Ecosystem of Three Selected Local Government in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluated changes in climate on tropical rainforest ecosystem in three Local Government Area of Rivers state, Nigeria. Structured  questionnaires were administered randomly to 300 respondents. 89.7% affirms that they are aware of the change in climate, 10.3% were not aware. 33.6% attribute the source of their awareness to village leaders/neighbours and relations, 28.3% Radio, 17.7% television, 13.7% internet and 6.7%
newspaper. On the causes of climate change, 32.7 attributes the cause to deforestation, 21.7% Urbanization and 20.7% Logging. 89.3% affirmed to being aware of the health implication of climate change, 10% were not aware while 0.7% were undecided. On the current state of the Tropical forest 82.7% expressed regret, 10% had no regret while 7.3% were undecided. 56% attest to loss in some indigenous specie while 44% were not aware. This research reveals that tropical forest ecosystems have been depleted and this has been attributed to human activities which include deforestation, urbanization, etc. leading to loss of forest.  Enlightenment/awareness campaigns will help curtail further depletion of the forest.

Keywords: Climate Change, Species loss, Health perception, Ecosystem