The Role of Renewable Energy in Mitigating Deforestation and Climate Change in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of the role of renewable energy in mitigating deforestation and climate change in Nigeria. There are strong concerns over greenhouse gas (GHGs) buildup in the atmosphere which is leading to global climate change. Most of the energy supply and use for cooking and heating in the country is derived from fuel wood. This paper highlights the need to reduce burning wood substances as fuel since they generate carbon dioxide which is the main culprit behind the current climate change by exploiting other renewable energy sources like biofuels, solar and wind technologies. This minimizes overreliance on forests for fuel wood while still slowing down deforestation and climate change. In attaining this, the renewable energy contribution to the country’s energy generation and consumption must be improved. This paper suggests that the government in partnership with other stakeholders should design and implement effective renewable energy policies and programmes by strengthening its relevant institutions. It needs to also come up with more simpler and affordable renewable energy technologies as a pre-requisite to achieving environmental protection and sustainability.

Keywords: renewable energy, fuel wood, carbon dioxide, greenhouse gas, climate change, deforestation