In search of missing links: urbanisation and climate change in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

The current study examines gaps between climate change and rapid urbanisation sub-Saharan Africa. Through a combined analysis of remotely sensed and meteorological data, the study revealed the extent of urban microclimate change trends within a few decades. Thus, upward changes in microclimate – tem...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Murtala Uba Mohammed, Nura Ibrahim Hassan, Murtala Muhammad Badamasi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2019-09-01
Series:International Journal of Urban Sustainable Development
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/19463138.2019.1603154
Description
Summary:The current study examines gaps between climate change and rapid urbanisation sub-Saharan Africa. Through a combined analysis of remotely sensed and meteorological data, the study revealed the extent of urban microclimate change trends within a few decades. Thus, upward changes in microclimate – temperature of nearly 2°C was witnessed in 2018 (27.7°C) against 25.9°C of 1980s. Whereas, the city expanded from 39.2 km2 in 1986 to 256 km2 in 2018. These changes witnessed in urban form and climate are attributed to rapid urban expansion and poor planning system that fails to preserve and protect the city’s green and blue infrastructure. The picture of the situation in Kano gives insights into the enormous challenges before cities in developing world to cope with local and global climate change risks. Indeed, this situation calls for an integrated approach to addressing climate change from within and without cities themselves. It is imperative on policymakers to increase expenditure on urban planning, financing adaptation strategies through urban planning, and strengthening of institutions of urban planning.
ISSN:1946-3138
1946-3146