Evaluating environmental legislation on disaster resilience: Data insights from Nigeria and the USA

Abstract

This review provides a succinct overview of the research conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of environmental legislation in enhancing disaster resilience, drawing insights from case studies in Nigeria and the United States. Environmental legislation plays a pivotal role in mitigating the impacts of natural disasters, yet its effectiveness in fostering resilience remains a subject of debate. This study employs a comparative analysis approach, examining the legislative frameworks and their implementation in two diverse contexts: Nigeria, representing a developing nation with significant environmental challenges, and the USA, a developed nation with robust regulatory mechanisms. Through comprehensive data collection and analysis, this research scrutinizes the extent to which environmental legislation contributes to disaster resilience in both countries. Key factors such as regulatory compliance, enforcement mechanisms, stakeholder engagement, and institutional capacity are evaluated to gauge the efficacy of the legislative frameworks. Findings reveal disparities in the implementation and effectiveness of environmental legislation between Nigeria and the USA. In Nigeria, despite the existence of relevant laws, challenges persist in enforcement due to institutional weaknesses, corruption, and inadequate resources. Consequently, communities remain vulnerable to recurrent disasters, exacerbating socio-economic disparities and environmental degradation. Conversely, the USA demonstrates a more structured approach to environmental legislation, with robust regulatory mechanisms, efficient enforcement, and proactive risk management strategies. This has led to greater resilience and adaptive capacity, evidenced by effective disaster preparedness, response, and recovery measures. However, despite these disparities, the study identifies common areas for improvement in both contexts. Strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing public awareness and participation, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering international cooperation emerge as crucial strategies to bolster disaster resilience through environmental legislation. This research underscores the significance of evaluating environmental legislation in enhancing disaster resilience, providing valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders in Nigeria, the USA, and beyond. By addressing the identified challenges and leveraging best practices, nations can foster a more resilient future in the face of escalating environmental risks and uncertainties.