PROPOSING AN EFFECTIVE TOOL FOR COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE IN NIGERIA: RENEWABLE ENERGY AS AN ALTERNATIVE SOURCE OF ENERGY

Abstract

Climate change refers to a long-term fluctuation in weather conditions, especially increase in temperature and storm activity. This is mainly caused by the concentration of greenhouse gases which trap infra-red radiation from the earth’s surface and thus causes greenhouse effect. The earth we live in is covered by the atmosphere which contains a thin layer of mixed gases, including the air we breathe. Human activities such as fossil fuel combustion, production of cement and lime, gas flaring, deforestation and industrial processes have led to an increase in greenhouse gases concentration in the atmosphere. This paper examines climate change in Nigeria. The paper found that climate change has affected economic activities in various parts of Nigeria by causing flooding in the Niger Delta and other parts of Nigeria, acid rain in Rivers State, and desertification in Northern Nigeria. Furthermore, excessive use of oil and gas products, bush burning, deforestation, non-implementation of planning laws are all responsible for climate change in Nigeria. The paper examines the need for renewable energy and argues that renewable energy must be promoted over fossil fuels to combat climate change in Nigeria.   “… Climate Change is not just an environmental issue but is also a fundamental development issue” – former UN Secretary- General Kofi Annan.1