Climate change mitigation and renewable energy for sustainable development in Nigeria: A discourse approach
Z.A. Eluma,*,1, A.S. Momodub,2
a Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, South Africa
b Energy Center, College of Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
Abstract
Global anthropogenic activities resulting in the emission of harmful greenhouse gases (GHGs) to the atmosphere have increased the challenges faced from climate change. The greater awareness of the need to mitigate climate variability has brought about intense focus on the adverse impacts of fossil-fuel based energy on the environment. Being the single largest source of carbon emissions, energy supply has attracted much attention and more so that, climate change impacts extend beyond national boundaries. Since energy use is sine qua non to economic development, scientists have reiterated the necessity of developing and utilising renewable energy. Although, past and present CO2 emissions have and are majorly caused by industrialized countries, it is envisaged that future GHGs emissions would be mostly from developing countries as they industrialize. Renewable energy sources that include biomass, hydroelectric, wind, solar and hydrothermal systems, are carbon-neutral, releasing relatively no emissions. This paper discusses the initiatives associated with the provision of renewable energy to the energy mix in Nigeria as an indication of the country’s commitment to adopt a sustainable development strategy in shaping the economy. It reviews the literature and employs a discourse analysis to examine the limited use of renewable energy sources in Nigeria and the factors prevailing against their development. The paper concludes by identifying social and political obstacles as most significant roadblocks towards rapid implementation of a green economy through the deployment of renewable energy for sustainable development.
Corresponding author.
E-mail addresses: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Z.A. Elum), This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (A.S. Momodu).
b Permanent address: Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Rivers State, Nigeria.
c Permanent address: Division of Energy Management and Technology, Centre for Energy Research and Development, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.03.040
Received 20 August 2015; Received in revised form 27 February 2017; Accepted 8 March 2017
1364-0321/ © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
