A Perspective of the Diurnal Aspect of Thermal Comfort in Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the day-time variations in the physiologic comfort of Nigeria using the effective temperature, temperature-humidity and relative strain indices (ETI, THI and RSI, respectively) for 59 years (1951-2009) at 20 well-distributed (2 by 2˚) meteorological stations across Nigeria. It also examines the responses from 3600 sample population from tertiary institutions across Nigeria. Results indicated thermal stress in Nigeria, and showed that both heat and cold stress varied temporally and spatially (1200 - 1500 Local Standard Time, LST as the most thermally uncomfortable period of the day, while before 0900 and around 2100 LST were more comfortable). The study showed that judgment on climate issues were often beclouded by religious or ignorant sentiments. Efficient coping strategies for thermal stress are generally lacking, being limited by poor education, financial capacity and inadequate government commitment to cater for the health effects of extreme climate conditions. The study concluded that Nigeria, which exemplifies many developing countries, is not yet prepared for the effect of future climate change. The study recommends climate education, improves health schemes for climate-related morbidity and improves greening of the urban environment.