The Use of Information and Communication Technology in Libraries for Combating Global Warming in Nigeria

Abstract

Global warming has been increasingly recognized as the greatest threat in Nigeria and other countries world over. It is a serious problem which directly affects human life and also destroys property. The causes of global warming in Nigeria could be attributed to human and natural factors such as deforestation, volcanoes, ocean currents, gases from burning fossil fuels for cars, trains, aircrafts or high concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in atmospheres. The excessive emission of these GHGs causes the atmosphere to be in a polluted state which affects environment and human health directly or indirectly. One of the direct consequences of global warming to health includes cardiovascular respiratory disorder of elderly people, skin cancer, cholera and child and maternal health issues. These consequences of the global warming could be controlled, managed and mitigated with the effective use of Information and communication technologyavailable in libraries. This is because libraries provide ICTs capable of providing relevant information that could be used to combat global warming in Nigeria. This paper highlights the concept and significance ICTs, types of ICTs available in libraries for mitigating global warming which include: internet, computers, databases, e-mail among others use to store, retrieve, transfer and disseminate information to combat global warming. The paper also examines the causes and effects of global warming as well as use of ICTs available in libraries to combat the global warming. The paper further discusses some of the identified challenges
associated with the use of ICTs for combating global warming in Nigeria. The paper concludes that it is essential to note that libraries provide ICTs that will provide information about global warming, its causes, effects and possible measures to combat its menace in Nigeria.