The effects of climate change on built structures in Benin-city, Edo state, Nigeria

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Research Paper 06/09/2025
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The effects of climate change on built structures in Benin-city, Edo state, Nigeria

A. E. Ilenre, Y. H. Tashok, E. N. Uhumuavbi
J. Biodiv. & Environ. Sci. 27(3), 39-49, September 2025.
Copyright Statement: Copyright 2025; The Author(s).
License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Abstract

This paper examines the effects of climate change on built structures in Benin-City, Edo State, Nigeria. Questionnaires administration and oral interview to 500 respondents via random was employed. The findings highlighted the major causes of climate change, the major evidences of climate change, the level of awareness of the inhabitants on the effects of climate change on built structures, the climate change induced effects on built structures, and the mitigation strategies and policies adopted by the City dwellers in Benin-City. Based on the findings, the following actionable policy recommendations are made: effective and regular creation and promotion of community awareness on the effects of climate change on built structures in Benin-City. Edo State, Nigeria; climatic conditions should be monitored to help predict potential climate change related hazards and how to circumvent them; practicing the use of weather-resistant building materials and implementation of green building initiatives should be encouraged across the study area; regular and effective enforcement of environmental regulation, environmental sanitation and adoption of environmental building codes should be adopted and implemented. implementation of green building initiatives, and environmental sanitation; modern building techniques and technologies such as the use of cool roofs, construction of permeable pavements, elevated foundations, regular and effective inspections and monitoring of drainage channels to prevent dumping of wastes should be religiously enforced. Where the drainage channels are found to be blocked, the concerned authorities should ensure that they are evacuated aptly. The paper concludes by advocating for the implementation of the recommendations, policy interventions and carrying out further researches that are necessary and would ensure the resilience of the inhabitants in the face of the effects of climate change on built structures in Benin-City. Edo State, Nigeria.

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