DELSU JOURNAL OF NATURE, SOCIO-HUMANISTIC AND SCIENTIFIC VALUES

Climate change presents both an environmental and moral crisis, particularly in countries like Nigeria that contribute minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions yet suffer disproportionately from its effects. Rising sea levels, desertification, erratic rainfall patterns, and biodiversity loss are intensifying, with the poorest communities bearing the heaviest burdens. Scientific evidence from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) underscores the urgency of policy action. However, Nigeria's existing climate strategies often fail to embed humanistic values that prioritise equity, dignity, and participation in governance. This paper examines Nigeria's climate vulnerability through the lens of climate justice, integrating empirical climate data with human rights–based frameworks. It analyses three case studies flooding in Bayelsa State, drought in Yobe State, and deforestation in Cross River State revealing persistent gaps in implementation, weak enforcement, and exclusion of local voices in decision-making. Findings show that climate governance remains overly technocratic, reactive, and insufficiently inclusive, missing opportunities for equitable adaptation and mitigation. A Climate Justice Policy Framework is proposed, grounded in scientific forecasting, indigenous ecological knowledge, and participatory governance. Recommendations include targeted climate financing for vulnerable groups, stronger environmental law enforcement, climate literacy integration into education, and institutionalised annual climate justice audits.

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