Analysis of Energy Sources, Impact on Environment and Sustainable Development Referencing Landmark Cases in the USA, South Africa and Nigeria

Abstract

Development is often predicated on energy supply in any part of the world.  This informs attraction of investment so as to produce a robust economy with seldom consideration for sustainability.  Presently, there is urgent concern to preserve the environment for the sake of human beings in the present and in the future otherwise referred to as sustainable development which informed this research.  The researchers examined sources of energy, the environmental impact of some types of energy sources like the fossil fuel such as crude oil, gas and coal as well as nuclear resource of energy which most times negative the environment. The renewable energy sources such as biomass, geothermal, wind power solar, were not left out as they proved to be more environmentally friendly, caused much less pollution or degradation to the environment and accorded with the concept of  sustainable development with satisfaction. However, they are often costly to procure.  The researchers utilized in the main review of various literature sources and landmark court decisions.  The findings showed that though the renewable energy sources are more protective of the environment and desirable, the fossil fuel is still of prime utilization in Nigeria.

Key Words:  Energy sources, Exploitation, Environment and Sustainable Development