A climate and environmental expert, Mr Usman Inuwa, has warned that rampant bush burning poses grave dangers to public health, wildlife and environmental sustainability.
Inuwa, the North-East Zonal Coordinator of the Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDEVNET), gave the warning in an interview with reporters on Monday in Bauchi.
He explained that bush burning undermines the concept of “One Health” or “Planetary Health,” which emphasizes the close link between human health, animal wellbeing and the environment.
According to him, uncontrolled fires are accelerating biodiversity loss while exposing both humans and animals to serious health risks.
Inuwa noted that Nigeria is richly endowed with unique biodiversity, hosting over 5,000 plant species, more than 940 bird species and over 270 mammal species.
He said many of these species are highly vulnerable to habitat destruction caused by indiscriminate bush burning.
“Bauchi State alone is home to rare wildlife species whose survival is increasingly threatened by recurring fires.
“Once a habitat is destroyed by fire, entire species can be lost forever. This goes beyond environmental damage; it is a direct threat to health, food security and human survival,” he said.
Inuwa further linked bush burning to the release of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, which worsen climate change.
He said smoke inhalation can trigger severe health conditions, including respiratory illnesses, heart attacks and strokes.
The expert also observed that rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall patterns are already disrupting farming cycles and reducing food production.
He consequently called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, health professionals, environmental experts and civil society organizations to curb bush burning and address the growing climate crisis.
