TITLE:
A Perspective of the Diurnal Aspect of Thermal Comfort in Nigeria
AUTHORS:
Oyenike Mary Eludoyin
KEYWORDS:
Day-Time Thermal Comfort, Coping Strategies, Effect of Extreme Weather, Climate Education
JOURNAL NAME:
Atmospheric and Climate Sciences,
Vol.4 No.4,
October
23,
2014
ABSTRACT: This study examines the day-time variations in the
physiologic comfort of Nigeria using the effective temperature,
temperature-humidity and relative strain indices (ETI, THI and RSI,
respectively) for 59 years (1951-2009) at 20 well-distributed (2 by 2°)
meteorological stations across Nigeria. It also examines the responses from
3600 sample population from tertiary institutions across Nigeria. Results
indicated thermal stress in Nigeria, and showed that both heat and cold stress
varied temporally and spatially (1200 - 1500 Local Standard Time, LST as the
most thermally uncomfortable period of the day, while before 0900 and around
2100 LST were more comfortable). The study showed that judgment on climate
issues were often beclouded by religious or ignorant sentiments. Efficient
coping strategies for thermal stress are generally lacking, being limited by
poor education, financial capacity and inadequate government commitment to
cater for the health effects of extreme climate conditions. The study concluded
that Nigeria, which exemplifies many developing countries, is not yet prepared
for the effect of future climate change. The study recommends climate
education, improves health schemes for climate-related morbidity and improves
greening of the urban environment.