The Untold Story of Heat Wave in Cross River

Written by Comrade Ukeme Ekong

The experience of Heat weave in Calabar is a call for concern.

It is no longer news that between December 2023 and February 2023. Calabar, Cross River State, has experienced some harsh weather due to excessive heat and effect ozone layer depleting. December 2023 residents did not witness the usual cold in the evening and early hours of the morning known as Harmattan. This, to many, was a call for serious concern as this help fruits and more. Hence the new waves of Heat was witnessed in the state Capital and it's environments. Where is our  thick Rain forest? Has it really been lost to deforestation activities? I remember that our forest usually protects citizens from exposure to excessive Heat and sun.

Heat waves in Cross River, like in many other regions, are primarily caused by a combination of meteorological factors and human activities. The main drivers of heat waves include:

Climate Change: Global warming, driven by the increase in greenhouse gas emissions, is a significant factor contributing to the frequency and intensity of heat waves. As temperatures rise globally, regions like Cross River are experiencing more prolonged and extreme heat events.

Urbanization: The expansion of urban areas in Cross River can exacerbate heat waves through the urban heat island effect. Concrete structures, asphalt roads, and reduced green spaces absorb and retain heat, leading to higher temperatures in urban areas compared to rural areas.

Deforestation: The clearing of forests for agriculture, logging, or infrastructure development reduces the natural cooling effect provided by trees. Deforestation can lead to higher temperatures and decreased humidity levels, contributing to the occurrence of heat waves.

Weather Patterns: Natural weather patterns such as atmospheric pressure systems can also influence the occurrence of heat waves in Cross River. Factors like high-pressure systems and lack of precipitation can create conditions conducive to prolonged periods of hot weather.

Impact on Children and Adults’ Health: Heat waves pose significant health risks to both children and adults in Cross River. The impacts on health include:

Heat-related Illnesses: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can result in heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion, heatstroke, dehydration, and heat cramps. Children and older adults are particularly vulnerable to these conditions.

Respiratory Issues: Heat waves can worsen air quality, especially in urban areas with high pollution levels. This can exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis, affecting both children and adults.

Cardiovascular Problems: High temperatures can strain the cardiovascular system, leading to an increased risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular issues among both children and adults.

Mental Health Impacts: Heat waves can also have psychological effects on individuals, including increased stress, anxiety, and irritability due to discomfort and sleep disturbances caused by high temperatures.

Impact on Human Productivity: Heat waves can significantly impact human productivity in various sectors in Cross River.

Workforce Productivity: High temperatures can reduce worker productivity due to physical discomfort, fatigue, and increased risk of heat-related illnesses. Industries such as agriculture, construction, and manufacturing may experience decreased output during heat waves.

School Performance: Heat waves can affect students’ ability to concentrate and learn effectively in schools without adequate cooling systems. Higher temperatures can lead to decreased academic performance and attendance rates among children.

Healthcare Services: Healthcare workers may face challenges providing care during heat waves due to increased demand for services related to heat-related illnesses and other health issues exacerbated by high temperatures.

Coping Mechanisms: To cope with heat waves in Cross River, individuals and communities can adopt various strategies:

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration during hot weather.

Seek Cool Environments: Stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces or use fans to cool down during peak heat hours.

Wear Appropriate Clothing: Dress in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made from breathable fabrics to help regulate body temperature.

Limit Outdoor Activities: Minimize outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day to reduce exposure to high temperatures.

Way Forward:

Addressing the challenges posed by heat waves in Cross River requires a multi-faceted approach:

Mitigating Climate Change: Implement measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change to lessen the frequency and intensity of heat waves.

Urban Planning: Incorporate green infrastructure such as parks, green roofs, and tree planting initiatives into urban planning to mitigate the urban heat island effect.

Public Health Interventions: Develop public health campaigns to raise awareness about the risks associated with heat waves and provide guidance on how individuals can protect themselves during extreme heat events.

Domesticate Forest in homes and nearby environment, plant trees

Evaluate the loss of forest and Mangroves and plan to replant them through community Efforts, Government and CSOs 

The Heat waves has impacted badly on our health as humans, it has affected the planting season Calendar, it has affected our crops and plants, our livestocks are starved the species of plant we feed them gradually dying off. We must restore our forest by ourselves. To curb or reduce the impact Heatwave all hands must be on desk

Comrade Ukeme Ekong

Environmental Justice Advocate