EXAMINING THE EFFECTS OF DECARBONISATION ON THE NIGERIAN ENVIRONMENT

ABSTRACT

This research assesses the impact of decarbonisation process on the Nigerian environment. Decarbonisation involves increasing the prominence of low-carbon power generation, and a corresponding reduction in the use of fossil fuels. This involves in particular a use of renewable energy sources like wind power, solar power, and biomass. The study sets to find out the extent to which decarbonisation process has been successful in Nigeria, and the possible impediments facing the implementation of the decarbonisation policies in Nigeria. The research reveals that efforts are being made to decarbonise have been put in place by various countries, with more than 150 governments having submitted plans to reduce carbon emissions by 2030. It also reveals that Nigeria already have various plans and strategies for decarbonisation, as various bills and polices have been passed. However, it finds that these decarbonisation polices have been militated by some factors, which include: price of renewable energy, water and food security, policy inconsistency, governance deficit, poor political support, poor data transparency and inequity. The study recommends that deforestation should be reduced by encouraging mechanised farming and use of cooking gas instead of wood fuel and concludes that while concerted efforts should be made to address afforestation and reforestation, which aids the carbonisation process in Nigeria.