‘Awareness creation, panacea for environmental challenges’

He explained that through massive awareness campaign, sustainable policy formulation and implementation, the socio-economic and health implications of environmental pollutants caused by human activities would be reduced drastically.Musa, who lectures Environmental Health at Hollings Faculty, Department of Food and Tourism Management, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, is a visiting lecturer to the Department of Environmental Sciences, […]

He explained that through massive awareness campaign, sustainable policy formulation and implementation, the socio-economic and health implications of environmental pollutants caused by human activities would be reduced drastically.
Musa, who lectures Environmental Health at Hollings Faculty, Department of Food and Tourism Management, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, is a visiting lecturer to the Department of Environmental Sciences, College of Pure and Applied Sciences, KWASU.
Speaking in an interview with journalists in Ilorin, the environmental scientist warned that unless a proactive measure was taken by Nigeria’s policy makers and professionals towards spreading environmental awareness among the citizenry, any other approach would amount to what he termed “academic exercise.”
He stated that professionals, particularly environmental scientists, needed to speak with one voice in order to drive home the message to the public, stressing that through such effort, members of the public would appreciate the urgent need to salvage the environment from degradation.
He advocated the need for the development of best management practice in buildings and surrounding natural environment as well as sustainable management approach aimed at reducing carbon emissions and other environmental pollutants related to building performance, especially in Kwara State.
He said research has shown that 60 per cent of carbon dioxide emissions are caused by anthropogenic sources emanating from the built-up environment including homes, offices and industries.
“Research has also shown that in this part of the world, we spend between 60-70 per cent of our time in indoor environment and if we do not give emphasis to this area and the issue of carbon dioxide reduction, it will continue to be a problem impacting on our health, and the local climate,” he noted.
Musa, who called for the adoption of alternative energy as a means of addressing health problems caused by emissions from power generating sets, also advocated adherence to best practices in construction works to reduce cases of building collapse across the country.