LEGAL EXEGESIS OF CLIMATE CHANGE AS A THREAT TO THE ENJOYMENT OF RIGHT TO LIFE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Climate Change (CC) is a change in the regular weather condition attributable directly/indirectly to human activities or natural variability that alters the composition of the global atmosphere over a comparable period of time, has a direct consequence on the environment and nature of life enjoyed therefrom. CC poses a momentous threat to the enjoyment of the right to life in Nigeria, aggravating existing environmental, social, and economic vulnerabilities precipitating increased temperatures, flooding, disrupt human health and security. This paper adopts doctrinal method in examining the laws on environmental protection, climate change control and the impact of climate change on right to life in Nigeria. The paper found that climate change causes and exacerbates mortality rates due to climate-related disasters, disproportionate impacts on vulnerable population, climate-related displacement, and heat-related illnesses on human well-being which negatively affect right to life. It emphasises the need for climate-resilient infrastructure, early warning systems, and community-led adaptation initiatives as safety measure against climate change reactions. The paper recommends urgent policy actions set-up/review to mitigate climate change effects, protect human rights through the instrumentality of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2009 in seeking environmental justice for victims of environmental degradation occasioned by climate change aimed at ensuring sustainable development in Nigeria.