Economic Impact of Climate Change in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

S. I. Efe^1*, V. E. Weli²

¹Department of Geography and Regional Panning, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.
²Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

DOI: 10.4236/jss.2015.33012                

Abstract

The study examines the economic impact of climate change. This is done through a field survey design which involves survey of marketers in Port Harcourt with the aid of archival data from Port Harcourt. Climate data were collected from the archives of Nigeria Meteorological Agency from 1950 to 2015 based on the availability of data. And data on prices and quantity of umbrella, cement, ice cream, cream, palm oil, rubber sander, cold sachet water sold, etc. were extracted from the traders’ dairies from 2004 to 2014. The data collected were presented in tables and descriptive diagrams, and analyzed with the multiple regression analysis; this was done to determine the effect of rainfall and temperature on prices of goods in the city. The results revealed an evidence of climate change in Port Harcourt with an increase of 1581 mm and 3°C for rainfall and temperature, and double rain maxima in the months of July and September. It also confirms the concept of econo-climate by establishing strong correlation between rainfall and temperature and price of goods demanded and supplied. The price and the quantity of goods demanded and supplied are significantly dependent on the amount of rainfall and temperature in the area, and as such the quantity of goods demanded and supplied negates the law of demand and supply which states that the higher the price, the higher the quantity supplied in the area. On this premise planners at the federal, state and local government levels are advised to incorporate climate mitigation and adaptation strategies in urban renewer and planning to avoid unforeseen climate disasters in our urban areas.

Keywords

Climate Change, Economic Impact, Goods, Urban Planning, Port Harcourt

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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