Who are we?

Transforming settlements into sustainable and climate change resilient human habitats is on the front burner in this century. The World Bank’s 2009 Urban Strategy highlighted Developing Countries as the focus of this transformation — a challenge, but also a huge opportunity. While cities are responsible for growing global energy consumption, expected to rise above two-thirds, they are also increasing GHG emission levels (IEA 2008). In rural areas, livelihoods and food security are impacted by increasing GHG levels that manifest as rising temperatures.

In 2016, the United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III) highlighted the critical challenges of planning and managing settlements (cities, towns, and villages) as drivers of sustainable development, providing guidance for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

The Urgency

The challenges facing human habitats in West Africa are urgent and complex. High population density intensifies the spread of pandemics and epidemics such as COVID-19, while environmental pressures escalate the difficulty of maintaining livable conditions.

Rising Energy Use & GHG Emissions

Cities already consume more than two-thirds of global energy and drive rising greenhouse gas emissions.

Climate Risks to Coastal & Inland Cities

Flooding, sea-level rise, and drought threaten the safety and sustainability of urban centers.

Population Pressure & Public Health Challenges

Overcrowding magnifies health risks and strains resources.

Our Research Pillars

The WASCAL Doctoral Research Programme on Climate Change and Human Habitat addresses these issues directly, combining two global research priorities:

  • Mainstreaming climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies into city operations.
  • Improving rural environments to reduce migration pressure on overcrowded cities.

This programme provides young West African researchers with a platform to engage in cutting-edge research, assessing and modeling the impacts of climate change on human habitats — and vice versa — through five key focus area

Settlement Dynamics and Modeling

Understanding how settlement size, form, design, and expansion create unique micro-climates that influence temperature, wind, and GHG emissions.

Green Infrastructure and Urban Development

Mitigating Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects and improving air quality through green spaces such as parks, gardens, urban forestry, and agriculture.

Transport Planning and Sustainable Mobility

Promoting innovative technologies, modal shifts, and strategies to decrease emissions from the transportation sector.

Rural and Urban Migration Issues

Developing novel, comprehensive solutions for migration challenges linked to slow onset events such as sea-level rise, desertification, ocean acidification, and air pollution.

Professor Okhimamhe, Appollonia A.

Dr. Emmanuel Tanko Umaru

Mrs Lucy Yiye Peter

Dr. Mary Odekunle

Meet the Team Driving Change

Our work is powered by a dedicated team of researchers, advisors, and partners committed to shaping sustainable and climate-resilient human habitats in West Africa. Each member brings expertise, passion, and innovation to tackle the complex challenges of urban and rural transformation in a changing climate.

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