OVERVIEW OF SOME COGENT ENVIRONMENT ISSUES AND PROGRAMMES AT LOCAL AND GLOBAL LEVELS

Since the dawn of time, man has been faced with the challenges arising out of the forces and processes of the natural environment. Strategies have thus always been adopted, and elaboraterules and regulations enacted, for a harmonious existence and creative solutions to the problems of the natural environment. This paper reviews the history and activities of various environmentrelated Organisations and Movements that have emerged to draw attention to the need to care for our environment and need for practical Programmes and less destructive but more environmentfriendly production patterns. It highlights the key Conferences, Conventions, Reports and Initiatives involved in the management of the environment, both at local Nigerian level, and at the global level. Overall, the view of close observers is that as a result of an unsustainableproduction and consumption pattern, together with inadequate attention to other environmental challenges, the state of the world environment is being pushed towards its “biophysical limits.” Indeed in some situations that limit has been exceeded. This development is resulting in tremendous negative impact not just on the environment but on human health as reflected in increasing cases of cancer and other diseases. The paper also describes the nexus between the environment and health in Nigeria, the resulting key environmental challenges, and the progress being made in addressing these. It concludes with specific recommendations to further address the issues highlighted. Keywords: Environmental Movements. Environmental Programmes. History.