Combating Climate Change in Nigeria Through Collective Action

To combat climate change in Nigeria, collective action is crucial—uniting policy, business, and communities to drive sustainable practices and resilience.

Climate change is a pressing global crisis caused by human activities, resulting in severe environmental damage and posing numerous challenges for humanity. Its wide-ranging consequences, such as floods, droughts, and health issues, disproportionately affect developing countries due to historical carbon emissions. Nigeria, in particular, faces significant vulnerabilities due to its large population, extensive coastline, limited financial resources, and lack of adaptation knowledge. According to the 2021 assessment by the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), Nigeria ranked 161 out of 182 countries in terms of vulnerability to climate disasters and adaptive capacities. As the international community strives to mitigate climate change's impact, concerns arise regarding Nigeria's ability to effectively address this crisis given its limited financial and technological resources, reliance on fossil fuels, and carbon-intensive practices.

A recent analysis by the International Energy Agency (IEA) highlights the pressing need to decrease dependence on non-renewable energy sources. Unfortunately, Nigeria's current utilization of renewable sources like solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal remains limited, reflecting an untapped potential for sustainable energy. To bridge this gap, it is imperative to implement comprehensive strategies encompassing policy interventions, technological advancements, and investment initiatives. These measures will not only promote the development of renewable energy infrastructure but also provide incentives for its widespread adoption. By embracing renewable energy sources, Nigeria can effectively reduce carbon emissions, combat the adverse effects of climate change, and pave the way for a sustainable and resilient energy future.