Cities that rely heavily on fossil fuel are in trouble. When you have a huge population that depend on power generators, charcoal and kerosene stove to survive, the ozone layer which is designed by nature to protect humans from the direct heat from the sun suffers depletion. The result is increasing heat in homes, offices, schools and virtually everywhere. Africa’s most populous city, Lagos is feeling the heat like a people trapped in an oven. Many residents have taken to the social media to lament about the situation. Many parts of Lagos that are dominated by low-income earners are overcrowded. The desire to earn more rent has forced many houseowners to erect structures that make cross-ventilation a huge challenge.
Hot cities are also prone to accidental fires. In Lagos, several fire accidents have been reported recently including the one that affected a church in Ikeja. Hot weather can also cause exhaustion and worsen symptoms of respiratory diseases.
To make the hot cities livable, here are five things, also known as climate adaptation that must be done as a matter of urgency.
- Tree Planting
Trees are great for human health. They help remove pollutants from the air and act as filter. By letting out oxygen, trees remove carbondioxide from the air. Cities need to create desert greening projects aggressively to restore the trees lost to firewood, damage by fire, disease or other activity. After all, this is part of what was discussed on the global stage at COP26 climate talks.
- Installing Green or Cool Roofs
When you have green roofs that are covered by vegetation, heat is absorbed.
- Building with Clay
Before you write-off this idea as primitive, you need to know that clay building materials help to reduce the energy consumption of buildings. Brick blocks are more climate friendly because they trap cold air to cool the building.
- Eco-friendly practices
Cities should have community leadership that drive eco-friendly practices. Indiscriminate burning and use of firewood and charcoal should be discouraged. More people should be encouraged to use bicycles and tricycles for short commute. Roads should be built to making walking fun and not war. Houses should have flowers and trees, whether owned by the rich or poor.
- Cooling Spots
Cities should partner with makers of beverages to sell at subsidised rates or offer rewards for commuters on days characterised by heat wave. Businesses and homes can have cooling spots around their buildings.
