Assessment of Impacts of Climate Change on Oil Producing Communities in Ahoada West

Abstract

This study examined the impact of climate change on oil-producing communities in Ahoada West, located in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region. It explored the causes of climate change in Ahoada West and assessed the response of multinational oil and gas companies to the resulting issues. A total of 260 participants were randomly chosen for the study. The Impacts of Climate Change on Oil Producing Communities in Ahoada West Structured Questionnaire (ICCOPCAWSQ) was given to all participants and successfully collected without any invalid responses. The data was analyzed using simple percentages. The findings showed that burning fossil fuels, industrial activities by oil and gas companies (like exploration and extraction), agricultural practices (such as livestock farming and rice growing), and emissions from transportation (including cars and planes) all significantly contribute to climate change. Additionally, burning bushes, clothes, and papers, as well as methane emissions from natural sources like wetlands and termites, were also identified as contributing factors. The study concluded that human activities are the main cause of increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Based on these results, it was recommended that oil and gas companies should stop gas flaring to reduce environmental damage. Instead, the flared gas should be converted into cooking gas for household use.