Slums are densely populated urban residential areas characterized by overcrowded, deteriorated, and poorly serviced housing conditions, typically inhabited by low-income populations. According to UN-Habitat (2013), slums are marked by inadequate infrastructure, poor sanitation, and limited access to basic services. Globally, the number of people living in slum settlements has continued to rise significantly, exceeding one billion, with a substantial proportion concentrated in Sub-Saharan Africa, Eastern and South-Eastern Asia, and Central and Southern Asia. Projections indicate that this figure may reach approximately two billion in the coming decades, reflecting the rapid pace of global urbanization and inequality in urban development. In Sub-Saharan Africa, slum expansion remains a pressing concern, driven by population growth, rural-urban migration, and inadequate urban planning systems. Nigeria, like many developing countries, is experiencing a steady increase in informal settlements as cities struggle to accommodate expanding populations. These slum environments not only reflect socioeconomic deprivation but also contribute to environmental degradation and climatic challenges. The rapid growth of slums has significant environmental consequences, including increased pollution, deforestation, poor waste management, and the destruction of natural drainage systems. These conditions contribute to localized climate impacts such as rising temperatures, flooding, and reduced environmental quality. In urban areas such as Kuje in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria, slum proliferation exacerbates existing environmental vulnerabilities, placing pressure on land use, infrastructure, and ecological balance. This study examines the environmental consequences of slum growth with a focus on its climatic impacts in Kuje, Federal Capital Territory. It explores how unplanned urban expansion influences environmental sustainability and contributes to climate-related risks. The study emphasizes the need for effective urban planning, sustainable housing policies, and environmental management strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of slum development. In conclusion, slum growth represents not only a social and economic challenge but also an environmental and climatic concern that requires urgent attention. Addressing these challenges is essential for promoting sustainable urban development and improving living conditions in rapidly growing cities.
Ibrahim Chukwuma Adeyemi (Tue,) studied this question.