Investigating the Role of Deforestation in Climate change and Air Pollution in Bauchi Local Government Area
Keywords:
Deforestation, climate change, air pollution, Bauchi, sustainable forest managementAbstract
This study investigated how deforestation contributes to air pollution and climate change in Bauchi Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Nigeria. Globally, deforestation reduces the capacity of forests to absorb carbon dioxide, thereby increasing atmospheric CO₂ levels and raising temperatures. Land-use change, including deforestation, accounted for 19% of global CO₂ emissions between 2020 and 2021. In the study area, a sample size of 345 respondents was determined using Yamane’s (1967) formula from a total population of 2,507. Data were collected using stratified sampling and a quantitative survey research design. Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between deforestation and its environmental impacts, with the p-value (Sig. = .000) confirming statistical significance at the 95% confidence level (p < 0.05). Environmental and social effects were found to strongly influence climate change and air pollution, with an unstandardized coefficient of 0.475, standardized Beta of 0.432, and a t-value of 6.301. The findings emphasize that deforestation accelerates climate risks, degrades biodiversity, alters local ecosystems, and worsens air quality. The study recommends that government and community stakeholders prioritize sustainable forest management, enforce stronger environmental policies, and create widespread education and awareness programs on the consequences of deforestation. Such interventions are essential to mitigate climate change, reduce air pollution, and improve resilience in Bauchi LGA.
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