With Earth Day just four days away, Nigerians seem to be very anxious about issues pertaining to the…
With Earth Day just four days away, Nigerians seem to be very anxious about issues pertaining to the environment and have been doing everything they can to learn more about the latest trend, including seeking help from the popular search engine Google.
As often done, Google has released data showcasing the top sustainability-related trends in Nigeria in honour of the upcoming Earth Day on April 22nd, 2023. The research demonstrates Nigerians’ rising curiosity about environmental issues as they look for clarifications and learn more about the world’s critical issues.
It further indicates that Nigerians are actively engaging in the task of learning about the significance of a sustainable environment in relation to the future, and the findings provide an interesting window into their viewpoints and interests.
Reflecting on these findings, Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Communications and Public Affairs Manager in West Africa emphasized the importance of individual and collective action. He said,
Climate change is one of humanity’s most urgent challenges, and Earth Month is an opportunity for all of us to consider how we can make a difference. By providing accessible information on environmental topics, we hope to empower Nigerians to take action for a more sustainable future. It’s not just about what Google does; it’s about how we can all work together to protect our planet.
Climate change and global warming have been some of the primary concerns that Nigerians have concentrated on in their search for environmental challenges. This is a significant result because each problem severely impacts Nigeria’s environment, economy, and society negatively.
The top five most trending questions in Nigeria, as we look forward to Earth Day, include:
- What is global warming?
- What is climate change?
- What causes climate change?
- What is the greenhouse effect?
- What is an ecosystem?
The most searched topics showcase a range of environmental subjects that Nigerians are eager to explore:
- Flood
- Climate
- Solar power
- Solar energy
- Pollution
- Climate change
- Sustainability
- Recycling
- Nuclear power
- Renewable energy
And the list of the most searched trending topics in Nigeria includes:
- Flood
- Carbon neutrality
- Environmental, social, and corporate governance
- Tropical cyclone
- Climate change
- Landsliding
- Solar power
- Heatwave
- Solar lamp
- Climate
Read Also: Cyclone Freddy exposes Africa’s vulnerability to climate crisis
Earth Day: Nigeria is in dire need of environmental protection
Nigeria still has a long way to go regarding environmental and sustainability-related liberation. The country appears to urgently need environmental protection even if climate challenges are a worldwide concern because they also impact the way of life. Climate change has significantly impacted flooding, droughts, poor air quality, and habitat loss in Nigeria.
According to Google’s data, the most popular topics in Nigeria represent the country’s expanding interests and concerns. Floods may possibly be due to the impending rainy season and Nigerians’ efforts to draw attention to the significance of this issue in light of the devastating floods of 2022.
Nigeria’s wide coastline and numerous rivers make it very vulnerable to floods, which have, over time, destroyed homes, agricultural land, and infrastructure. According to a Google report, the catastrophic floods of 2022 affected over 33 out of 36 states and caused over 2 million people to become homeless.
Another popular topic that Nigerians are researching and learning about is carbon neutrality. As awareness of climate change grows and its effects become more clear, people are becoming increasingly interested in finding ways to decrease their carbon footprint and support global climate action. In a 2021 UN conference, President Muhammadu Buhari, according to The Cable, announced that Nigeria is committed to reducing its carbon emissions to zero by 2060.
However, these findings have brought attention to Nigeria’s growing commitment and sustainability awareness. The fact that these topics are receiving more attention is evidence of the growing public engagement on Earth Day and beyond, especially given the particular challenges the nation faces in tackling climate change.
Read Also: 3 Nigerian startups, 7 others benefit from $2m fund to drive Africa’s fight against climate change