Countries in the tropics, especially in sub-Sahara Africa like Nigeria; seriously need to apply some out-of- the-box adaptation initiatives that have multiple positive implications for economy as well as the public health of their citizens as well as the global environment. For example, Africans have adopted many western conventions that are not only out of alignment with their culture and climate, but that divest these countries of local economic opportunities while increasing local and global co2 emissions. Suits and coats make sense in colder “freezing” climates but not in a tropical “frying” climate like Nigeria’s where temperatures peak 45 degrees Celsius! This vestige of colonial days makes these people uncomfortable while requiring importation of materials they could easily be produced in country using local resources while maintaining national identity as well as avoiding unnecessary co2 emissions from the shipping and aviation sectors. I am designing a project that seeks highlighting multiple local and global environmental benefits if massive switch to locally made apparels as an adaptation measure to promote public health of citizens in a changing climate is encouraged by “reforming” the psyche of Africans to embrace new ways of life in tune with emerging realities of climate change! I will be happy to welcome partners and supporters of this proposed initiative. What are your views?

I agree that actions taken to combat climate change must be tailored to the local conditions and incorporate local customs that can assist in such actions. You raise an interesting point that local products do save emissions used in transportation.