The Nation Newspaper

Tag: climate change

  • Climate Change: The inherent opportunities in challenges

    Climate Change: The inherent opportunities in challenges

    As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, a growing body of evidence suggests that taking bold action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions can have significant economic benefits. In fact, a report by the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate finds that climate action could deliver at least $26 trillion in economic benefits through 2030.

    So, what are the key economic benefits of climate action. For starters, reduction in energy costs is a major advantage. Investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy can help businesses and households save money on their energy bills. Additionally, creating new job opportunities is another significant benefit. The clean energy sector is already supporting millions of jobs worldwide, and this number is expected to grow as the demand for renewable energy increases. Improvement of public health is another important economic benefit of climate action. By reducing air pollution from fossil fuels, we can prevent millions of premature deaths and reduce the economic burden of healthcare costs. In fact, a study by the World Health Organization finds that the economic benefits of reducing air pollution can be as high as $1 trillion per year. Furthermore, stimulating innovation and growth is a critical economic benefit of climate action. Investing in clean energy and green technologies can drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. The report by the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate finds that climate action can generate over 65 million new low-carbon jobs in 2030, equivalent to the entire workforce of the UK and Egypt combined. The economic benefits of climate action are clear. By taking bold action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we can unlock significant economic benefits, from reducing energy costs to creating new job opportunities, improving public health, and stimulating innovation and growth. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, it’s time to recognize the economic benefits of climate action and work towards a more sustainable and prosperous future.

    For the purpose of clarity and emphasis, listed below are five major economic benefits of climate action:

    Job Creation and Employment Opportunities: Climate action can create new job opportunities in various sectors, including the following;

    Renewable energy: The renewable energy sector is creating new job opportunities in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance.

    Energy efficiency: Improving energy efficiency in buildings and industries can create jobs in retrofitting, insulation, and other related services.

    Sustainable infrastructure: Investing in sustainable infrastructure, such as green buildings, can create jobs in construction, architecture, and engineering.

    Climate resilience and adaptation: Climate resilience and adaptation measures, such as sea walls, levees, and green roofs, can create jobs in construction, engineering, and environmental management.

    According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the renewable energy sector employed 11 million people worldwide in 2020, and this number is expected to triple by 2050.

    Increased Economic Productivity: Climate action can increase economic productivity by:

    Read Also: Peterside  calls for credible administrators in NFF

    Improving energy efficiency: Energy-efficient technologies and practices can reduce energy consumption, lower energy bills, and increase productivity.

    Enhancing resource efficiency: Climate action can promote the efficient use of resources, such as water and raw materials, which can lead to cost savings and increased productivity.

    Reducing climate-related disruptions: Climate action can reduce the risk of climate-related disruptions, such as heatwaves, droughts, and floods, which can impact economic productivity.

    Promoting sustainable agriculture: Climate action can promote sustainable agriculture practices, which can increase crop yields, improve food security, and enhance economic productivity.

    According to a study by the International Energy Agency (IEA), energy efficiency measures can increase economic productivity by up to 2% annually.

    Reduced Healthcare Costs: Climate action can reduce healthcare costs by:

    Improving air quality: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions can improve air quality, which can reduce the incidence of respiratory diseases and other health problems.

    Reducing heat-related illnesses: Climate action can reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

    Reducing water-borne diseases: Climate action can reduce the risk of water-borne diseases, such as cholera and typhoid fever.

    Promoting physical activity: Climate action can promote physical activity, such as walking and cycling, which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

    According to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO), the economic benefits of reducing air pollution can be up to 10 times higher than the costs of implementing pollution control measures.

    Reducing climate-related uncertainty: Climate action can reduce climate-related uncertainty by promoting the use of climate models and scenario planning.

    Supporting climate risk management: Climate action can support climate risk management by promoting the use of climate risk assessments and climate risk management frameworks.

    According to a study by the Economist Intelligence Unit, climate change can reduce global economic output by up to 11% by 2100 if left unchecked.

    • Dr. Adeleye (Ph.D., Ibadan) Researcher on Environmental Pollution and Control badeleye@gmail.com  +234 803 525 6450
  • On threats from climate change

    On threats from climate change

    Sir: Climate change is no longer a distant environmental threat—it is a present and escalating crisis, especially in developing countries like Nigeria. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, desertification, and increased flooding are just a few of the manifestations of climate change that are already affecting the country.

    In recent years, Nigeria has recorded steadily increasing average temperatures. According to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), the country has warmed by over 1.5°C since the early 20th century. In the northern regions such as Sokoto, Maiduguri, and Kano, daytime temperatures now often exceed 45°C during peak heat seasons. These rising temperatures are not only uncomfortable but also detrimental to health, agriculture, and water availability.

    Rainfall in Nigeria has become less predictable and more intense in certain periods. Farmers who traditionally relied on consistent rainy seasons for planting are now struggling with either delayed rainfall or unexpected dry spells. In 2024, major agricultural belts in the Middle Belt and Southeast experienced prolonged droughts followed by sudden floods, destroying crops and reducing harvests. This inconsistency threatens food security in a country already facing inflation and economic instability.

    One of the most visible impacts of climate change in Nigeria is desertification, particularly in the Sahel region that stretches across the far north. Areas such as Yobe, Borno, and Katsina have seen their arable land turn to dust, driving rural populations southward in search of better conditions. This environmental degradation is not only a climate issue—it also feeds into national security, as competition over dwindling resources can fuel communal conflict and displacement.

    Read Also: NECO opens UK exam centre for Nigerians in diaspora

    Nigeria’s extensive coastline, especially in states like Lagos, Bayelsa, and Rivers, is increasingly under threat due to rising sea levels. Coastal erosion is accelerating, submerging farmlands, villages, and roads. Lagos faces periodic flash floods and sea encroachment, worsened by unregulated urban development. Without proper coastal defences, millions of Nigerians could be at risk of

    To survive and thrive in the face of climate change, Nigeria must prioritize adaptation strategies. This includes improving early warning systems, investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, and enforcing environmental laws. Reforestation, sustainable agriculture, and better water management are also essential. Importantly, climate action must be integrated into national development plans to ensure that economic growth does not come at the expense of environmental sustainability.

    While Nigeria cannot reverse global warming alone, it can take bold steps to protect its people and environment. The time for action is now. The costs of inaction will only grow, as will the suffering of millions who depend on the land, the rivers, and the climate to survive.

    •Umar Mohammed Shettima,Borno State University, Maiduguri.

  • Fertiliser crisis, climate change threaten Africa’s food security — Scholar

    Fertiliser crisis, climate change threaten Africa’s food security — Scholar

    An agricultural economist and Ross-Lynn Scholar at Purdue University, Ifeanyi Obinefo, has raised concerns over Africa’s growing food insecurity, linking it to the twin crises of rising fertilizer prices and worsening climate shocks.

    Speaking at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association (AAEA), Obinefo warned that climate shocks don’t wait for farmers to recover.

    He lamented that farmers across Sub-Saharan Africa are increasingly unable to cope with the combined pressures of inflation, declining soil fertility, and erratic weather patterns.

    Obinefo, whose research focuses on agricultural productivity and climate resilience, said fertiliser, the backbone of crop yield has become both scarce and unaffordable for millions of African smallholder farmers. 

    He noted that fertilizer use in the region remains among the lowest globally, averaging just 19 kilograms per hectare compared to 135 in South Asia and 150 in Latin America.

    “When fertiliser prices spike, smallholder usage drops sharply, often by a third or more. For poor farmers, that means lower yields, thinner profits, and households pushed back into hunger,” he stated. 

    The economist, who graduated with First-Class Honours in Agricultural Economics and Farm Management from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, was among the contributors to the multinational report “Causes and consequences of the 2021/22 fertilizer price spike in Sub-Saharan Africa, a joint analysis by Purdue University and Sustain Africa.”

    The report found that fertilizer imports to Africa dropped by nearly 40 percent during the 2021–2022 crisis, reducing yields and wiping out billions of dollars in economic value. 

    It recommended coordinated regional procurement, investment in local blending plants, and improved trade corridors to reduce dependence on volatile global markets.

    Obinefo urged African governments to rethink their reliance on blanket fertilizer subsidies, which he said “buy time but not resilience.” 

    Instead, he called for data-driven systems that combine affordability with efficiency through soil testing, credit access, and digital advisory platforms.

    “Subsidies should create space for smarter systems to emerge,” he said, emphasising that fertiliser and climate policies must now be designed together.

    He warned that even free fertiliser would not solve the problem if climate change continues to disrupt agricultural seasons. .

    “In northern Nigeria and the Sahel, droughts, floods, and unpredictable rains are rewriting the rules of farming. When the rains come late or end early, no amount of effort can make up for what is lost.”

    Obinefo’s studies also reveal that the convergence of environmental and market shocks is deepening vulnerability among rural households.

    He called for stronger public investment in agricultural research, irrigation, and rural infrastructure to help farmers adapt.

    Read Also: 1200 delegates to convene for climate change Summit

    “Without infrastructure, knowledge and inputs are like seeds scattered on concrete—they cannot grow.”

    Highlighting the global dimension of the crisis, Obinefo said international institutions like the World Bank and IFPRI must help create frameworks that balance productivity, affordability, and climate resilience. 

    “Data must move faster than disasters. “If we can predict where the next drought or price spike will hit, we can protect farmers before they lose everything.”

    Despite his academic focus, Obinefo said his work is driven by empathy for the farmers he studies. “Every number in my dataset represents a farmer trying to feed a family.”

    As the world’s population nears 10 billion by 2050, Obinefo insists that true food security requires stabilizing the systems that support production. The farmers of Africa are not waiting for sympathy.”

    “They are waiting for systems that work. If we can give them that — fair prices, stable inputs, and protection from climate shocks — they will feed the world.”

  • 1200 delegates to convene for climate change Summit

    1200 delegates to convene for climate change Summit

    No fewer than 1,200 delegates; comprising international agency heads, global chief executive officers, financiers, youth innovators, and researchers, will be convening at Lagos International Climate Change Summit, to harness the future of climate resilience in Africa.

    The state’s Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, revealed this at a Media Briefing, held at Eko Atlantic City, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Thursday.

    The summit themed: “Blue Economy, Green Money: Financing Africa’s Coastal Resilience and Ocean Innovation”, is scheduled to hold from 6th to 7th of November, at the Lagos Continental Hotel.

    According to Mr. Wahab, the summit is not merely an environmental conference, but a strategic platform for action, where subnational governments, global development institutions, investors, scientists, and innovators would come together to design real, bankable climate solution.

    He added that this year’s summit will spotlight the Blue Economy, harnessing oceans and waterways for sustainable growth; Green Finance, mobilizing capital for renewable energy, waste recycling, and nature-based infrastructure; Innovation and Youth, empowering the next generation of African climate entrepreneurs; and partnerships, while strengthening cross-sector collaboration for long-term transformation.

    Read Also: I will retire from active service at 60 – Obi Cubana

    “We gather here at Eko Atlantic City, a living testament to human resilience and ingenuity, to reaffirm Lagos’ unwavering commitment to building a future where our environment, economy, and people thrive together.

    “Lagos is one of the world’s most vibrant coastal megacities, a hub of creativity, commerce, and culture. Yet, it is also one of the most climate-vulnerable. Rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and flooding are not distant possibilities; they are daily realities.

    “In Lagos, we believe that vulnerability can be transformed into vision and challenge into opportunity. This is why this year’s summit, themed “Blue Economy, Green Money: Financing Africa’s Coastal Resilience and Ocean Innovation,” speaks directly to our mission to convert Lagos’ coastal challenges into economic and ecological strength,” he stated.

    The Executive Director, Deep Blue Project, Mr. Tuti Easton Hebron, in his Remark, urged the citizens to pay primary attention to their environment to sustain it in order to have a good livelihood.

  • Climate change: Youths to the challenge of leading climate action

    Climate change: Youths to the challenge of leading climate action

    By Adebayo Adeleye

    In every corner of the world, a quiet revolution is underway. One led not by presidents or CEOs, but by students, innovators, and young activists determined to save the planet they will inherit. From the streets, to classrooms and tech hubs all over Lagos, Nairobi, Accra, London and New York, young people are standing at the forefront of the global fight against climate change. Their message is clear: the time for talk is over, the time for action is now.

    A Generation Awakens: The youth led climate movement gained international momentum in 2018 when Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg began her solitary school strike for the climate outside Sweden’s parliament. Within months, millions of students world-wide joined her call for urgent climate action under the banner of Fridays for Future. However, beyond protests, a deeper, more diverse movement is emerging, one that combines science, activism, and innovation. In Africa, where climate change impacts the most despitee contributing the least to global emissions, young leaders are responding with creativity and resilience. Nigerian environmentalists; researchers and activists have developed projects and public education campaigns, part of which is this weekly Climate change column hosted by none other than the newspaper with the  widest reach in Nigeria; TheNation’ss Newspaper. There’s also a  youth championed “eco-feminist,” project, empowering women and girls in rural communities to lead reforestation and clean energy projects. Als,o another loud voice is that of Dr. Odetokun’s “William and Miriam climate change initiative”. In Kenya, Elizabeth Wathuti founded the Green Generation Initiative, planting thousands of trees while inspiring youth to reconnect with nature. These voices represent a new wave of environmental consciousness one that sees sustainability not as a choice, but as a duty.

    Innovation as Climate Action: Beyond rallies and awareness campaigns, young people are turning science and technology into powerful climate tools. Across universities and startups, youth innovators are designing affordable solar lamps, developing biodegradable packaging, and creating digital apps that track pollution or manage waste recycling.

    READ ALSO; What inspired me to write ‘Joromi’ song – Simi

    In Nigeria, student engineers have designed simple biogas systems that convert organic waste into cooking gas, and a  huge green energy source. A good example is Architect Olaiya Bisirodipe’s patented invention; “the  FAST-TRACK e-waste disposal device system”. In Ghana, youth-led enterprises are recycling plastic waste into building materials, turning environmental problems into business opportunities. These ideas don’t just cut emissions, they create jobs and strengthen local economies. Digital activism is also changing how climate action spreads. Through social media, young people are educating peers, organisingg clean-up programs, and calling out polluters with unprecedented reach. Their energy, creativity, and digital fluency are giving climate advocacy a voice that is impossible to ignore.

    Challenges of a Youth-Led Movement: Despite their passion, young activists face real challenges. Many lack funding, political support, or platforms to influence policy. In some countries, youth climate advocates are dismissed as “too young” or “too idealistic.” Others operate in regions where climate data, research, or public awareness are limited. Yet, they persist; building networks, forming alliances, and refusing to be silenced. Across the world, youth movements are demanding not just inclusion in discussions but a seat at the decision making table. As one young Kenyan activist recently said, “We don’t want to inherit promises; we want to inherit solutions.”

    Education and Empowerment: One of the most powerful ways to strengthen youth climate leadership is through education. Integrating climate science into school curricula helps young people understand the problem early and equips them with tools to innovate solutions. Around the world, universities and NGOs are introducing green entrepreneurship programs and sustainability incubators to channel youthful creativity into real impact. The United Nations, the  African Union, and various environmental organisations have also launched youth focused programs to mentor the next generation of environmental leaders. Such initiatives recognise that the energy of youth, when paired with opportunity, can accelerate global progress toward climate goals.

    The climate struggle is, at its heart, a struggle for the future and no group understands that better than the young. While older generations debate timelines and targets, today’s youth are engaging in climate change research, planting trees, building solar farms, and reshaping mindsets. They are proving that climate action is not only necessary but possible. As one young activist put it, “We might not have created this crisis, but we will be the generation that ends it.” Their courage, innovation, and determination offer a glimpse of a greener, fairer world; one where hope itself becomes a form of resistance.

    The future, it seems, is not waiting. It is already being built, by the youth.

    • Dr. Adeleye, Ph.D; Ibadan. is a Researcher on Environmental Pollution and Control badeleye@gmail.com  +234 803 525 6450

  • Climate change mitigation: through circular economy (from waste to wealth)

    Climate change mitigation: through circular economy (from waste to wealth)

    This article explores how recycling, reuse, and sustainable innovation are turning waste into opportunity worldwide. In major cities across the world, mountains of plastic bottles, discarded electronics, and piles of food waste are fast becoming symbols of modern life. Yet, what if these heaps of trash were not just a problem but a hidden treasure? The concept of the circular economy is redefining how the world thinks about waste, offering a powerful path toward both environmental sustainability and economic renewal.

    Rethinking Waste as Opportunity: For decades, the global economy has operated in a linear fashion: take, make, use, and dispose. This model has driven unprecedented industrial growth, but at a staggering environmental cost. Landfills overflow, oceans choke with plastic, and carbon emissions from manufacturing continue to warm the planet. The circular economy proposes a different approach one that keeps resources in use for as long as possible, extracts maximum value from them, and then regenerates products and materials at the end of their life cycle. In this model, waste is not the end of the story but the beginning of a new one. Old tires can be transformed into road surfaces, food scraps into biogas, and plastic bottles into new textiles. The result is a system where materials circulate endlessly, reducing pressure on natural resources and slashing greenhouse gas emissions. Across Africa and other developing regions, the circular economy is already taking root in creative ways. In Nigeria, startups like Wecyclers and Trash2Wealth are turning household waste into income sources for low-income communities. Local collectors earn money by gathering recyclable materials, which are then processed and reused by manufacturers. This not only reduces landfill pollution but also provides livelihoods and empowers communities to take ownership of their environment. Similarly, in Kenya, entrepreneurs are converting agricultural residues into eco-friendly packaging materials and charcoal briquettes cutting down on deforestation while creating green jobs. These examples highlight how climate action and economic empowerment can go hand in hand.

    Circular Thinking in Industry: Globally, major industries are embracing the idea of circularity. Fashion brands are recycling old garments into new fabrics; technology companies are designing modular electronics that can be repaired instead of discarded; and construction firms are using recycled concrete and steel to build sustainable cities. Each of these innovations contributes to reducing emissions from energy-intensive production processes.

    Read Also: Immigration Service introduces post amnesty documentation programme for foreigners on expired visa

    The Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimates that adopting circular economy principles could cut global carbon emissions by up to 39% by 2032;  a significant contribution toward meeting the Paris Agreement goals.

    Policy and Public Participation: However, for the circular economy to thrive, strong policies and public engagement are essential. Governments can encourage recycling and reuse through tax incentives, waste separation laws, and investments in recycling infrastructure. Education campaigns are equally important, teaching citizens that throwing things “away” simply means moving them somewhere else on the planet.

    Countries like Rwanda and Sweden are already setting examples by banning single-use plastics, investing in repair industries, and rewarding sustainable product design. Nigeria and other developing nations are beginning to follow suit, integrating waste-to-energy projects and green innovation hubs into their national climate strategies.

    Challenges and the Road Ahead: Despite its promise, the circular economy faces significant hurdles. Weak infrastructure, limited recycling capacity, and informal waste management systems can hinder large scale implementation. Additionally, many products are not yet designed for easy reuse or disassembly. But these challenges are not insurmountable. With investment, innovation, and political will, they can be overcome.

    The transition to a circular economy is more than an environmental necessity, it’s an economic opportunity waiting to be unlocked. By closing the loop between production, consumption, and waste, our societies can move from pollution to prosperity.

    As climate change accelerates, the circular economy offers a hopeful vision: one where human progress no longer depends on destroying the planet’s resources. Instead, it invites us to imagine a future where everything we use finds a second life and nothing truly goes to waste.

    • Adeleye (Ph.D., Ibadan) is a researcher on Environmental Pollution and Control

    badeleye@gmail.com +234 803 525 6450

  • Climate Change Mitigation Strategies: Exploring Renewable Energy Solutions

    Climate Change Mitigation Strategies: Exploring Renewable Energy Solutions

    • Adebayo Adeleye

    In recent years, the signs of climate change have become impossible to ignore. From record breaking heatwaves sweeping across Europe to devastating floods in Asia and prolonged droughts in Africa, the Earth is sending clear warnings. At the center of the crisis is one undeniable fact: our reliance on fossil fuels is heating up the planet. The question now is not if we must act, but how.

    The Promise of Renewables: One of the most promising answers lies in renewable energy. Unlike coal, oil, and gas, renewable sources such as solar, wind, hydropower, and biomass offer clean, sustainable alternatives. They don’t just promise to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; they also carry the potential to transform economies, create jobs, and secure a healthier future.

    Solar and Wind Power: Take solar energy, for instance. Once dismissed as too costly, solar panels are now becoming a common sight on rooftops and fields. The cost of photovoltaic technology has plummeted in the past decade, making solar one of the most affordable sources of power worldwide. In sun-rich regions, entire communities are powering homes, schools, and businesses with

    nothing more than rays of light. Wind power, too, is making waves literally. From the expansive plains of Texas to offshore farms in the North Sea, giant turbines are harnessing gusts of wind to feed national grids. These projects don’t just deliver clean electricity; they also generate thousands of jobs in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance.

    Hydropower and Biomass: Hydropower remains a cornerstone of renewable energy, particularly in countries blessed with powerful rivers. While large dams often spark environmental debates, small-scale hydropower systems are gaining popularity as sustainable solutions for rural areas. Biomass energy, meanwhile, is quietly revolutionizing waste management, turning agricultural residues and organic waste into usable fuel.

    Policy and Community Action: Governments and businesses are central to this transformation. Across the world, policy incentives from tax breaks to renewable energy targets are encouraging innovation and investment. In some African and Asian countries, community led mini-grids are bringing affordable electricity to villages for the very first time, replacing smoky kerosene lamps with clean, reliable light.

    Challenges Ahead: Yet, challenges persist. High upfront costs, inconsistent government policies, and inadequate infrastructure continue to hinder progress, particularly in developing nations. There are also concerns about balancing renewable expansion with environmental protection, such as land use for solar farms or the impact of dams on ecosystems.

    Read Also: Ondo police arrest ‘notorious gunrunner’ supplying arms to Osun, Kogi, Edo, Kwara

    A Future Powered by Clean Energy: Despite these obstacles, the momentum is clear: the renewable revolution is no longer a distant dream, but a present reality. Global investments in renewables have outpaced fossil fuels for several years, and more nations are pledging to achieve net-zero emissions within the coming decades. The benefits extend beyond tackling climate change. A shift to renewables strengthens energy security by reducing dependence on imported fuels. It improves air quality, lowering the burden of respiratory diseases caused by pollution. Most importantly, it offers hope to younger generations that the world can still chart a sustainable course. As the world grapples with the urgent need for climate action, renewable energy stands out as both a practical and powerful solution. By embracing the sun, the wind, water, and even waste, humanity has the tools to rewrite its energy story. The challenge now is to accelerate the pace, overcome the barriers, and ensure that clean energy is not a privilege for a few, but a right for all. Because when it comes to climate change, the cost of inaction will always be far greater than the price of change.

    • Dr. Adebayo Matthew, Adeleye (Ph.D., Ibadan) Researcher on Environmental Pollution and Control badeleye@gmail.com  +234 803 525 6450
  • Climate change crusaders call for debt cancellation

    Climate change crusaders call for debt cancellation

    The Executive Director, Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), Dr. David Terungwa has called for the cancellation of debt for Nigeria and other African countries for loans collected to fund mitigation and adaptation even though the funding for mitigation is much more than the one for adaptation.

    Dr. Terungwa noted that most of the funding for mitigation and adaptation come through loans, as he argued that it should be grants and not loans, seeing that the African region is not responsible for the impact of climate change, but is facing the impact.

    He stated this during a media workshop on climate adaptation in Abuja, lamenting that most of these organisations are funding mitigation more than adaptation which Africa needs. Nigeria, he said, cannot continue to prioritise contracts, loans, and political interests over the rights, health, and livelihoods of its citizens.

    Read Also: Tinubu grants automatic employment to children of late FCT HoS

    According to him, “This is impacting our lives negatively; it is impacting food security, destroying the infrastructure that we are even borrowing money to build. And so, what we are saying is that at this moment, there should be debt cancellation for countries like Nigeria and other least developing countries that are impacted by climate change, so that some of these monies will be used to build resilience and help the people adapt to climate change.

    “We don’t need the World Bank and other development finance institutions to keep giving us loans to help us adapt to climate change. Nigeria is at a crossroad if it continues to rely heavily on the western world for measures to mitigate climate change.

    “We say everyone must take action to address climate change, but the responsibilities differ. The responsibilities are different because some are more responsible for the impact of climate change that we are facing. Climate change is no longer a distant threat but a daily reality destroying lives and livelihoods across Africa, while recurrent floods, shorter dry spells, and unpredictable rainfall patterns are disrupting agriculture, driving food inflation, and leaving millions vulnerable”.

    Speaking, Gloria Agema of the Gee Foundation, described the Social and Health Impact Assessment Bill before the National Assembly as a forward-looking reform that integrates social and health safeguards into development planning, stating that mitigation plans should be put in place.

  • Climate Change: Trapping carbon; the new Gold Rush in the climate crisis

    Climate Change: Trapping carbon; the new Gold Rush in the climate crisis

    • By Adebayo Adeleye

    World over, the phenomenon of carbon capture is currently gaining momentum as a key climate solution. Carbon capture refers to the process of capturing carbon dioxide emissions from various sources, such as power plants, industrial processes, or directly from the atmosphere, to prevent them from being released into the atmosphere.

    The goal is to reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere, which contributes to global warming and climate change. So there’s a growing global experiment known as carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). It may not have the glamour of solar farms or the futuristic shine of electric cars, but many scientists believe CCUS could be one of humanity’s most important tools in the battle against climate change.

     For decades, the fight against global warming has focused on one mantra; “Cut Emissions”. And indeed, shifting to renewable energy, electrifying transport, and changing consumption habits remain critical. Yet there’s a hard truth: industries like cement, steel, and aviation will keep producing large amounts of carbon dioxide for years to come. Even if every country met its emissions targets tomorrow, the planet would still be burdened by billions of tons of CO₂ already in the atmosphere. That’s where CCUS comes in. Instead of letting carbon float freely into the sky, these technologies trap it at the source or suck it directly from the air. From there, the carbon can either be locked away underground or turned into something useful; such as, synthetic fuel, stronger concrete, or even fizzy drinks. CCUS isn’t new. Oil companies have injected carbon underground for decades to squeeze out more petroleum. What’s new is the push to use this method not to extract oil but to protect the climate.

    Read Also: Tinubu commissions Tantita-sponsored projects at Kaduna’s Central Mosque

    The technology, however, is expensive. Transporting and storing it safely adds more costs and raises questions about long-term safety. Critics also argue that CCUS could become a “fig leaf” for polluting industries, a way to delay hard transitions to cleaner energy.

    Yet momentum is building. The United States has rolled out generous tax credits for captured carbon under the Inflation Reduction Act. The European Union is funding storage hubs in the North Sea. In Asia, Japan and South Korea are investing in CCUS alongside hydrogen development. As of 2024, more than 300 large-scale projects are in development worldwide. Some entrepreneurs see carbon not as waste but as a resource. Companies are experimenting with turning captured CO₂ into carbon neutral jet fuel, building materials that harden faster, and even vodka distilled from thin air. These futuristic sounding ventures may not solve the climate crisis alone, but they highlight a shift in mindset: carbon is not just something to bury, but something to reimagine. For communities living near heavy industries, the promise of CCUS is more immediate. If steel plants in India or cement kilns in Nigeria can capture their emissions instead of releasing them, local air could become cleaner and health risks lower.

    For young climate activists, however, the idea is more complicated: they worry CCUS could lock societies into fossil fuels for longer than the planet can afford. Experts stress that CCUS is not a magic bullet. At best, it’s one piece of a much larger puzzle. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has repeatedly said that without carbon removal technologies, it will be nearly impossible to limit global warming to safe levels. But CCUS must go hand in hand with renewables, conservation, and lifestyle shifts.

    In Texas, the giant fans keep whirring, each turn pulling molecules of carbon out of the sky. It may not look like much, but multiplied by hundreds of plants around the world, it could help buy the planet some time; time to breathe, adapt, and build a cleaner future.

    •Dr. Adebayo Matthew, Adeleye (Ph.D., Ibadan)

    Researcher on Environmental Pollution and Control badeleye@gmail.com  +234 803 525 6450

  • Climate change devastation in Nigeria: A growing concern

    Climate change devastation in Nigeria: A growing concern

    By Adebayo Adeleye

    Climate change is no longer a distant threat, but a harsh reality that Nigeria and Africa in general are grappling with. Rising temperatures, flooding, droughts, and desertification are some of the devastating effects of climate change that are impacting lives and livelihoods across the continent.

    The Alarming Statistics: According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), climate-related hazards cause African countries to lose 2-5% of their gross domestic product (GDP) annually. In West Africa, rainfall deficits in Nigeria, Benin, and Ghana led to localised shortfalls in agricultural production in 2023. The region has experienced a 1.2°C temperature rise above pre-industrial levels, with 2024 being one of the five hottest years on record for the Sahel.

    Effects of Climate Change in Nigeria: Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, is highly vulnerable to climate change. The country is experiencing increased flooding, droughts, and heatwaves, which are impacting agriculture, food security, and human health. Climate change is also shifting climate regions, with the desert region in the North receding North and the tropical savanna climate expanding.

    Read Also:Otuabagi going, going… Nigeria’s first home of crude oil discovery under threat of extinction

    Recent Initiatives and Events: There are, however, signs of hope. Recent initiatives aimed at combating climate change include; Kano’s Inclusive Climate Change Policy, where Kano State has unveiled an inclusive climate change policy to mitigate the effects of climate change. Adamawa’s Recycling Plant: Adamawa State has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Bank to construct a recycling plant. Eco-Circulate Ayobo Initiative: This initiative is driving climate action through community partnership and rewards. Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan: Nigeria has launched an Energy Transition Plan to decarbonize its energy sector and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.

    Call to Action: Experts are urging immediate action to reduce methane emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. The Nigerian Conservation Foundation has called for urgent action to combat deforestation, restore ecosystems, and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has also raised concerns about the worsening climate-related disruptions in West Africa.

    As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, it is clear that urgent action is needed to mitigate its effects. Nigeria and other African States must work together to address this pressing issue and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

    •Dr. Adebayo Matthew, Adeleye (Ph.D., Ibadan) Researcher on Environmental Pollution and Control badeleye@gmail.com  +234 803 525 6450