CHANGE IN RAINFALL AND TEMPERATURE PATTERNS AS EVIDENCE OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN BENIN-CITY, EDO, NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper examined change in rainfall and temperature patterns as evidence of climate change in Benin
City, Edo State Nigeria. To achieve the above goal, the paper examined the major causes of change in 
rainfall and temperature patterns, the major evidence of change in rainfall and temperature patterns as 
evidence of climate change, the pattern of rainfall and temperature as evidence of climate change in Benin 
City, Edo State, Nigeria from 2003-2017. To accomplish the above goal, the paper gave a detailed 
explanation of the selected climatic elements, collected and examined them. The data required for this 
study were climatic data. These data were painstakingly collected from the Meteorological Station of 
Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria (RRIN), Benin-City, Edo State. Oral interview schedule was used to 
collect first-hand information from the staff of Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria (RRIN), Benin-City, 
Edo State, Nigeria to further validate them where applicable. The paper examined the causes of monthly 
and yearly meteorological data of rainfall (mm), mean monthly and annual Temperature (oC) in Benin
City, Edo State of Nigeria from 2003-2017 (15 years), The paper shows that rainfall, and temperature in 
the study area vary from month to month and from year to year. The paper further reveals that the highest 
monthly rainfall amounts were recorded in July, 2012 (654.4mm), August, 2017 (608.5mm), May, 2013 
(516.0mm) June, 2012 (512.0mm), and August, 2010 (456mm). Also, the high rainfall amounts in August 
have altered the long-standing pattern of August Break in Benin City. This observed rise in rainfall amount 
and the alteration in August Break is crystal-clear evidence of change in the rainfall pattern in Benin City, 
Edo state, Nigeria. Maximum temperature of 35.20C recorded in September, 2017 (the highest within the 
period). This is not only revealing a rise in temperature but also a threat to the earth, its atmosphere and 
humankind. The findings also reveal that rainfall amounts and temperatures are higher in the latter years 
These findings, unarguably are crystal clear evidences of change in rainfall and temperature pattern as 
evidence climate change in Benin City, Edo state, Nigeria. Owing to the above, this paper concludes that 
human activities that are capable of affecting climate markedly and negatively should be discouraged, and 
where possible avoided completely. Finally, the following actionable policy recommendations are made: 
the creation of awareness, sensitization and orientation in every nook and cranny on the causes of climate 
change, the proofs, and the damaging effects of climate change particularly enhanced global warming. In 
addition, there is the urgent need to bring to bear ways of returning to or creating a pristine environment 
on earth lest man will soon face terrible risks or challenges of climate change. So, authorities at the 
family, ward, local, state, national, regional, inter-regional and global levels should be involved in non
political sensitization on the problems of climate change and how to avoid them.