By Murtala Muhammad
A Professor of Ecology at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Bauchi, Professor Ahmad AbdulHameed, has called for a change in human attitudes towards the environment to reverse the adverse effects of climate change and ecological degradation.
Professor AbdulHameed made the call while delivering the university’s 48th Inaugural Lecture titled, “The Earth on Overdose: The Anthropocene and the Call for Ecological Restoration.”
He attributed the growing environmental challenges to human activities associated with industrialisation, including aquatic, atmospheric, domestic and urban pollution, noting that such activities, though aimed at improving living standards, have contributed significantly to climate change and global warming.
The Academic explained that global warming results from the gradual increase in the earth’s average surface temperature caused by human activities that trap excess heat in the atmosphere.
He advocated reduced dependence on synthetic fertilisers, pesticides and insecticides, warning that excessive use could push nature beyond its ecological threshold.
He recommended biological alternatives such as biofertilisers, biopesticides and biostimulants to promote sustainable environmental management.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of ATBU and Chairman of the inaugural lecture, Professor Ibrahim Hassan Garba, commended Professor AbdulHameed for his courage to presenting the lecture and encouraged other professors to emulate.
Professor Garba also expressed concern over the relatively few inaugural lectures delivered at the institution, noting that counterpart universities had recorded well with over one hundred of such lectures.
The event attracted academics, researchers, postgraduate and undergraduate students, as well as other members of the university community.
