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Recent Trends and Emerging Research in Climate Change: A Review
with Focus on Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa
Daniel Chukwuma Nzereogu1 ,Umoru Grema Baizan2
1Department of History and International Studies Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
2Department of Political Science and International Studies Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.1210000023
Received: 08 Oct 2025; Accepted: 16 Oct 2025; Published: 29 October 2025
ABSTRACT
This paper provides a comprehensive review of recent and emerging research on climate change from 2024 to
2025, with a particular emphasis on Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa. It highlights key global trends such as
oceanic and cryospheric changes, attribution science, and emissions-related feedbacks. In the regional context,
the paper delves into six major thematic areas: urban heat island effects, climate-related health risks,
agricultural vulnerability, coastal degradation, climate-induced migration, and renewable energy transitions. It
identifies persistent challenges such as data gaps, policy-research disconnects, and the underrepresentation of
gendered and behavioral perspectives in climate studies. The review underscores the urgency for localized,
interdisciplinary research and proposes actionable recommendations aimed at bridging knowledge gaps and
supporting evidence-based adaptation and mitigation strategies in vulnerable regions.
Key words: Climate Change, Nigeria, Sub-Saharan Africa, Urban Heat Island, Climate-Related Health Impact,
Agriculture, Food Security, Coastal Vulnerability, Climate-Induced Migration, Sustainable Energy Transitions.
INTRODUCTION
Climate change remains one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century, affecting ecosystems,
economies, and societies worldwide. Although climate change is a global phenomenon, its effects are unevenly
distributed, with developing regions, particularly Sub-Saharan Africa, bearing a disproportionate share of the
burden. Countries like Nigeria are especially vulnerable due to their limited adaptive capacity, infrastructural
challenges, and socio-economic disparities (IPCC, 2023).
While earlier climate research focused heavily on global-scale projections and emissions pathways, recent
trends reflect a shift toward more localized, actionable research that prioritizes context-specific adaptation,
resilience-building, and the integration of indigenous knowledge. This review synthesizes emerging climate
research over the 2024–2025 period, drawing on recent peer-reviewed studies, policy analyses, and grey
literature, with a strong focus on Nigeria and the wider Sub-Saharan African context.
Global Trends in Climate Change Research (2024–2025)
Oceanic and Cryospheric Changes
A key global concern is the deterioration of ocean health due to acidification, warming, and deoxygenation.
Recent reports suggest that global oceans are approaching tipping points, especially concerning coral reef
collapse and marine food web disruptions (The Guardian, 2025). These trends have implications for global
fisheries, climate regulation, and coastal livelihoods.
The cryosphere is also showing accelerated signs of degradation. New findings on the Atlantic Meridional
Overturning Circulation (AMOC) suggest a potential collapse within the next few decades, which could
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drastically alter global temperature and precipitation patterns (Carbon Brief, 2024). This would be particularly
disastrous for West Africa, which depends on predictable monsoon patterns for agriculture.
Attribution of Extreme Weather Events
The field of event attribution science has matured rapidly, enabling researchers to quantitatively link individual
weather events to anthropogenic climate change. For instance, the 2024 European heatwave and the 2025
South Asian floods were both confirmed to be exacerbated by human-induced warming (Earth.org, 2025). This
kind of attribution not only enhances climate risk communication but also paves the way for legal
accountability and insurance frameworks.
Carbon Emissions and Climate Feedbacks
Despite international pledges, global CO₂ emissions hit a record 41.2 billion tonnes in 2024, driven mainly by
continued fossil fuel dependence (LiveScience, 2025). Moreover, positive feedback loops are becoming more
prominent. Thawing permafrost is releasing methane, and ongoing Amazon forest degradation is undermining
one of the planet’s largest carbon sinks, potentially turning it into a net emitter (LiveScience, 2025).
Emerging Research Themes in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa
Urban Heat Island Effects in Nigerian Cities
Rapid urbanization in Nigerian cities has led to intensified Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects. A study by
Yakubu et al. (2025) on Lafia, Nasarawa State, revealed significant increases in land surface temperature due
to impervious surface expansion and vegetation loss. These findings echo similar patterns in Lagos, Abuja, and
Kano, where poor urban planning exacerbates heat stress, especially for low-income populations lacking
access to cooling infrastructure.
Health Impacts of Climate Change
Climate change is emerging as a significant determinant of public health. Ugbomeh et al. (2025) conducted a
scoping review of climate-health studies in Nigeria and found a rising incidence of heat-related illnesses,
respiratory diseases due to worsening air quality, and vector-borne diseases such as malaria. However, there
remains a dearth of longitudinal studies that can track exposure-response relationships across various climate-
health stressors.
Agriculture, Food Security, and Climate-Smart Practices
The agriculture sector in Nigeria is highly rain-fed and thus susceptible to rainfall variability and heat extremes.
Adebayo et al. (2025) report low implementation of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices despite
moderate awareness. Barriers include inadequate farmer training, inconsistent policies, and low access to
finance. Bello et al. (2025) further noted that crop yields, particularly of maize and millet, have declined due to
shifting agroecological zones, thereby threatening national food security.
Coastal Vulnerability and Sea-Level Rise
Sea-level rise is an escalating concern for Nigeria's densely populated coastal zones, particularly in Lagos and
the Niger Delta. Okonkwo et al. (2025) conducted perception surveys in coastal communities and found high
levels of concern but limited adaptation actions due to low awareness of long-term risks and weak institutional
responses. Erosion, saltwater intrusion, and displacement are becoming recurrent issues.
Climate-Induced Migration and Immobility Traps
Achebe et al. (2025) introduced the concept of "climate immobility traps" in rural Nigeria. Their household-
level analysis demonstrated that vulnerable populations—particularly in flood-prone or drought-affected
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zones—often lack the resources, social capital, or institutional support to migrate, thus remaining trapped in
degrading environments. This challenges the common narrative that migration is always a coping mechanism.
Renewable Energy and Just Transitions
Nigeria is gradually embracing renewable energy, especially solar mini-grids in rural communities. Adeyemi et
al. (2025) found that these projects improve household income, education access, and women's empowerment.
However, issues related to maintenance, financing, and technical capacity threaten their sustainability.
Ogunleye et al. (2025) conducted a bibliometric review and concluded that although literature on energy
transitions is growing, few studies focus on community-led implementation and socio-cultural acceptability.
Cross-Cutting Issues and Research Gaps
Data Limitations
A persistent challenge in Nigerian climate research is the reliance on outdated or coarse-resolution secondary
datasets. Ugbomeh et al. (2025) argue for greater investment in real-time data collection networks, including
weather stations, air quality monitors, and disease surveillance systems. This would support more accurate
modeling and enhance early warning systems.
Policy-Research Disconnect
Despite Nigeria’s ratification of the Paris Agreement and the development of Nationally Determined
Contributions (NDCs), translation into policy and action remains weak. Institutional silos, lack of knowledge
brokers, and poor dissemination practices inhibit the uptake of research into policy (IPCC, 2023; Ogunleye et
al., 2025).
Understudied Themes
Several important areas remain under-researched. These include:
Gender-specific vulnerabilities and adaptive capacities- Climate change is not a gender-neutral
phenomenon; it affects men, women, and gender minorities differently based on social roles, economic
positions, and cultural contexts. Despite the growing recognition of climate change's differentiated impacts, the
intersection of gender-specific vulnerabilities and adaptive capacities remains an understudied theme in
scholarly and policy discourses. A nuanced understanding of how gender shapes exposure to climate risks and
the ability to respond is essential for inclusive climate resilience strategies.
Women, particularly in the Global South, often face heightened vulnerability due to limited access to resources,
decision-making power, and education (Terry, 2009). In agrarian societies, for example, women are
disproportionately dependent on climate-sensitive livelihoods like subsistence farming, yet they typically have
less access to land rights, agricultural inputs, and climate information (Alston, 2014). These structural
inequalities amplify the impact of climate-induced events such as droughts and floods.
On the other hand, women and marginalized gender groups are not merely passive victims; they also possess
unique adaptive capacities rooted in indigenous knowledge systems, social networks, and caregiving roles
(Arora-Jonsson, 2011). However, these capacities are often undervalued or unsupported by formal adaptation
policies. Men, too, face gendered climate risks, particularly in contexts where masculinity is tied to
occupational roles that are vulnerable to climate disruptions, such as fishing or pastoralism (Ravera et al.,
2016).
The current climate adaptation frameworks tend to adopt a binary and overly simplistic view of gender, often
treating women as a homogeneous, vulnerable group without considering intersectionalities such as class,
ethnicity, and age. This limits the effectiveness of adaptation strategies and may inadvertently reinforce
existing inequalities. There is a pressing need for more intersectional and gender-transformative approaches in
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climate policy and research.
In conclusion, gender-specific vulnerabilities and adaptive capacities are critical yet understudied dimensions
of climate change. Greater scholarly attention and policy integration of gender analysis can lead to more
equitable and effective climate adaptation outcomes.
Sub-national climate finance and budgeting- Climate finance has become a central pillar in global efforts to
combat and adapt to climate change. However, much of the academic and policy attention has been
concentrated at the national and international levels, leaving sub-national climate finance and budgeting an
understudied but critically important area. As climate impacts are inherently local, the capacity of sub-national
governments to plan, allocate, and manage climate-related budgets is central to building effective and equitable
climate resilience.
Sub-national governments—including cities, municipalities, and regional authorities—are at the frontline of
climate impacts, such as urban heatwaves, flooding, and agricultural disruptions. Yet, they often face systemic
challenges in accessing and managing climate finance due to institutional, technical, and capacity constraints
(Watson et al., 2020). Limited fiscal autonomy, inadequate integration of climate objectives into local budgets,
and insufficient data for climate risk assessment hinder their ability to implement locally tailored climate
actions (OECD, 2019).
Moreover, sub-national budgeting processes frequently lack climate mainstreaming, meaning that climate
goals are not systematically incorporated into public financial management cycles (Bird & Grantham, 2013).
This disconnect undermines accountability and the efficient use of funds for climate-resilient infrastructure,
disaster preparedness, and low-carbon development. Furthermore, mechanisms such as climate-tagged budgets,
performance-based grants, or intergovernmental fiscal transfers conditioned on climate outcomes remain
underutilized or poorly implemented at the sub-national level.
The centralization of climate finance decision-making has also led to a mismatch between available funds and
local needs. Despite international efforts—such as the Green Climate Fund’s pilot programs for enhancing
direct access—the flow of resources to sub-national actors remains limited (Schalatek & Nakhooda, 2013). As
a result, the potential for sub-national innovation, local knowledge integration, and community engagement is
constrained.
In conclusion, sub-national climate finance and budgeting represent a crucial but underexplored dimension of
climate governance. Addressing this gap requires greater research, policy innovation, and financial
decentralization to empower local governments as key actors in climate action.
Behavioral dimensions of climate adaptation, such as risk perception and social norms- While climate
adaptation research has largely focused on infrastructural, technological, and institutional responses, the
behavioral dimensions of adaptation—particularly risk perception and social norms—remain underexplored.
These human factors play a critical role in shaping individual and collective adaptation decisions, yet they are
often marginalized in climate policy and planning frameworks.
Risk perception influences how communities interpret and respond to climate threats. Studies show that
people’s adaptation behavior is not always aligned with scientific assessments of risk, but rather influenced by
subjective experiences, cultural beliefs, and trust in institutions (van Valkengoed & Steg, 2019). For instance,
communities may underestimate long-term climate risks like sea-level rise if they have not experienced recent
disasters, leading to inaction or maladaptation (Grothmann & Patt, 2005). Conversely, overestimation of
certain hazards may result in resource misallocation.
Social norms—shared expectations within a community—also exert powerful influence over adaptation
behaviors. Norms determine what is seen as appropriate or acceptable, such as whether it is normal to invest in
flood insurance, migrate, or adopt water-saving practices. However, norms can either facilitate or inhibit
adaptation. In agricultural communities, for example, traditional norms may discourage the adoption of new
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crop varieties even when they are climate-resilient (Jones & Boyd, 2011). Behavioral adaptation is thus deeply
social, not merely individual.
Despite their importance, these behavioral dimensions are often treated as secondary to economic or technical
solutions. As a result, many adaptation strategies fail to account for why people do or do not take action.
Integrating behavioral insights into climate adaptation policy—through risk communication, social marketing,
or community-based approaches—can enhance the uptake and effectiveness of adaptive measures.
In conclusion, risk perception and social norms are fundamental yet understudied components of climate
adaptation. Greater interdisciplinary research is needed to incorporate behavioral science into adaptation
planning, ensuring that policies are both technically sound and socially grounded.
Mitigation of non-CO₂ greenhouse gases like methane from livestock and nitrous oxide from fertilizers-
While carbon dioxide (CO₂) has dominated climate mitigation narratives, non-CO₂ greenhouse gases—
particularly methane (CH₄) from livestock and nitrous oxide (N₂O) from fertilizers—remain significantly
understudied despite their substantial global warming potential. Methane is over 80 times more potent than
CO₂ over a 20-year time frame, and nitrous oxide is nearly 300 times more potent over 100 years (IPCC, 2021).
Yet, these emissions are often sidelined in both national climate strategies and global policy frameworks.
Agricultural activities are the largest anthropogenic sources of CH₄ and N₂O. Enteric fermentation in ruminants
like cattle contributes around 40% of global methane emissions, while synthetic fertilizers and manure
management are responsible for most nitrous oxide emissions (FAO, 2019). Despite the scale of these
contributions, mitigation policies tend to prioritize energy and transportation sectors, where CO₂ dominates,
over agricultural reforms that could yield significant short-term climate benefits.
Mitigating non-CO₂ gases presents unique challenges. Emissions from livestock and fertilizer use are diffuse,
biologically complex, and deeply embedded in food systems, making them harder to regulate or quantify
compared to fossil fuel emissions (Reisinger et al., 2021). However, viable mitigation options exist, including
feed additives that reduce enteric methane, precision agriculture to optimize fertilizer application, and manure
management technologies. Yet, adoption remains limited due to economic, cultural, and policy barriers.
Moreover, many countries do not include CH₄ and N₂O mitigation in their Nationally Determined
Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, reflecting a lack of political prioritization. This
underrepresentation limits the global potential for rapid warming reduction, particularly as methane mitigation
offers near-term climate benefits due to its short atmospheric lifespan.
In conclusion, the mitigation of non-CO₂ greenhouse gases, particularly methane and nitrous oxide from
agriculture, remains an underexplored but crucial area of climate action. Scaling up attention, research, and
policy integration is essential for achieving both near- and long-term climate goals.
Conceptual Framework: Linking Research Gaps and Future Directions
S/N Research Gap Description Implications Proposed Future Directions
1 Data Limitations Outdated or
sparse datasets
hinder climate
analysis.
Weak early
warning systems
and evidence
gaps.
Build national data networks;
integrate AI and remote
sensing.
2 Policy–Research
Disconnect
Poor uptake of
research into
policy.
Ineffective
adaptation
programs.
Establish co-production
platforms between
researchers and policymakers.
3 Gender Inequality Limited
integration of
intersectional
Exclusion of
women and
marginalized
Develop gender-
transformative climate
programs.
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gender analysis. groups.
4 Sub-National Climate
Finance
Weak fiscal
autonomy and
capacity at local
levels.
Inequitable and
fragmented
adaptation
responses.
Mainstream climate tagging;
build local financial capacity.
5 Behavioral Adaptation
Gaps
Risk perception
and norms
ignored in
planning.
Low adoption of
adaptation
measures.
Use behavioral science for
risk communication and
community mobilization.
6 Non-CO₂ GHGs Neglect of
methane and
nitrous oxide
mitigation.
Missed short-
term emission
reduction
opportunities.
Integrate CH₄ and N₂O into
national mitigation targets.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH
1. Expand Primary Data Collection: Implement nationwide environmental monitoring systems, especially
in underserved and high-risk regions.
2. Promote Interdisciplinary Approaches: Integrate environmental science with behavioral economics,
gender studies, public health, and urban design.
3. Bridge Research-Policy Gaps: Create multi-stakeholder platforms where academics, government
officials, and communities co-design climate solutions.
4. Leverage Emerging Technologies: Employ AI for predictive modeling, drones for land-use surveys,
and satellite imagery for coastal monitoring and agricultural planning.
5. Support Capacity Building: Strengthen institutional research capacity in climate modeling, climate
finance tracking, and adaptation planning through regional training and collaboration.
CONCLUSION
The landscape of climate change research is rapidly evolving, becoming more nuanced, localized, and
interdisciplinary. In Nigeria and the broader Sub-Saharan African region, scholars are producing important
insights into how climate change intersects with urbanization, health, agriculture, and migration. However,
significant work remains to be done. Data limitations, a lack of policy integration, and the exclusion of
behavioral, gender, and financial perspectives hinder the development of holistic climate responses.
Future research must prioritize contextually relevant, participatory, and implementation-focused studies that
can inform both local and national strategies. As climate risks intensify, the urgency for evidence-based,
action-oriented research cannot be overstated.
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