ABSTRACT
The utilization of fossil energy sources in national development has been documented and analyzed in several studies. The drive for improved energy source, industrialization and economic prosperity has led Nigeria and several other nations to increase their dependence on fossil energy sources. The adverse impact of such reliance has created environmental challenges such as oil spillages, gas flaring, and increased exposure to the vagaries of climate change. The aim of the study is to examine the sustainability of balancing decarbonization and fossil energy utilization in Nigeria. It further seeks to examine; the concept and global trend towards decarbonization, sustainable pathways to decarbonization in Nigeria, fossil energy dependence as a challenge to decarbonizing Nigeria, and comparatively review decarbonization pathways in Bhutan, Canada and South Africa.
The study finds that fossil fuels accounted for ninety-seven percent of total energy consumption in the year 2017, and has accounted for over sixty percent of Nigeria’s national budget from 2010 till date. The study further reveals that Nigeria has adopted several environmental and sectoral policies, strategies and plans towards decarbonization; but has shown lax commitment, due to her fossil energy dependence, poor budgetary allocations, infrastructural deficits, increasing debt profile, technological deficiencies and absence of a climate change specific law by the National Assembly.
The study contributes to existing knowledge by recognizing; the role of decarbonizing industry processes as a major effort in attaining carbon neutrality, the importance of peat lands, afforestation and reforestation as vital carbon sinks, and Nigeria’s vast renewable energy resources.as pathways to carbon neutrality. The study concludes by proffering the need to balance reliance on fossil energy with renewable energy development to reduce carbon emission levels, as well as an increase in reforestation and afforestation efforts to enhance carbon sinks.
