The consequences of climate change are neither distant nor theoretical

by Yusuf Dominic

On the night of 10  September 2024, Maiduguri, in northeastern Nigeria, experienced its worst flooding in more than 30 years. This disaster has claimed about 30 lives and displaced over 400,000 people, with nearly 40% of the city submerged. Homes, hospitals, and schools have been severely impacted by the floods. I too, have been affected, as the water rose above the windows of the house I’m renting, resulting in the loss of almost all my belongings. Fortunately, I had my passport with me while applying for Azerbaijan visa at the small private hospital where I work. Otherwise, I would have lost that too. 

Amidst this devastation, I found some joy in being able to evacuate all the patients, including a five-hour-old baby, out of the hospital. The water level in the hospital compound reached my chest during the evacuation, making it a harrowing experience. 

As we prepare for COP29 in Baku, the need to urgently address climate change has never been more evident. I speak today not only as a climate advocate but also as a direct victim of these recent floods. Having experienced the devastation first-hand, I have seen the profound impact climate-related disasters have on people and communities. Wild animals—including crocodiles, large snakes, and even lions—were released from the zoo due to the floodwaters. The emotional and psychological toll of witnessing my community in ruins is overwhelming.

To make matters worse, the aftermath of the flooding has led to an increasing risk of waterborne diseases as sanitation systems have been compromised. Furthermore, the heavy rainfalls continue to pose a real threat, increasing the risk of reflooding in areas still struggling to recover. Every day without action heightens the threat. Plans are on ground for an outreach to the communities as we’re already preparing our student and Junior Doctors on educating them on water born diseases and preventive measures.

Let this serve as a stark reminder that the consequences of climate change are neither distant nor theoretical—they are real, immediate, and life-changing. Global cooperation and decisive action are needed now more than ever.

Dr. Yusuf Dominic, a member of IPPNW Nigeria, has served as an IPPNW International Student Representative. He will be an IPPNW delegate to the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP) in Baku, Azerbaijan this November.