Power Punch Energy and Economic Growth by aisi March 15, 2023 written by aisi The economic growth of any country depends on energy access as a fundamental factor that enables activities like industrialization and transportation. In addition, energy access provides for the availability of basic amenities, including food supply, healthcare and education, all of which enable development and wealth. Hence, this article will explore the relationship between energy and economic growth, focusing on the importance of electrification in developing countries. The eighth United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 8) is to promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. However, how can these be achieved, especially in developing countries, without access to energy? Globally, access to energy and economic growth go hand-in-hand. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), access to modern energy services is crucial for economic development. This is because energy access enables the provision of essential services. These essential services, in turn, create job opportunities, especially in the manufacturing and service sectors. Thus, the more service that can be provided, the more jobs are created and vice versa. Also, access to reliable and affordable energy is crucial for agricultural productivity, which is a key driver of economic growth in developing countries. Inadequate access to energy is a significant barrier to economic growth, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. The region has the lowest electrification rate in the world, with over 600 million people lacking access to electricity. This lack of access to energy has contributed to the region’s underdevelopment, as it hinders the provision of essential services such as healthcare and education. However, improving the continent’s electrification through alternative sources, such as renewable energy, can help unlock economic growth. For instance, Nigeria’s Energising Education Programme (EEP) aims to electrify 37 federal universities and seven teaching hospitals nationwide. The programme, which is currently ongoing, is part of the Rural Electrification Agency’s (REA) Nigerian Electrification Project (NEP). Upon its successful implementation, the programme is expected to boost the country’s economic growth by improving the quality of education and healthcare services. Another example is the Africa Clean Energy (ACE) programme led by Power Africa. The programme focuses on promoting the use of off-grid renewable energy solutions, such as solar home systems and microgrids, to provide energy access to households and small businesses in rural and peri-urban areas. So far, the programme has supported the installation of over 2 million off-grid solar home systems and helped establish over 200 renewable energy businesses in Africa. There is also the Scaling Up Renewable Energy Programme (SREP) led by the World Bank to scale up the deployment of renewable energy solutions in developing countries, including in Africa. In Africa, the SREP has supported the deployment of several renewable energy projects, including a 300 MW wind power project in Lake Turkana, Kenya, and a 50 MW solar power plant in Egypt. These examples illustrate how deploying renewable energy solutions in Africa improves access to energy and economic growth. In conclusion, energy is an essential factor in economic growth, and access to modern energy services is crucial for the development of any nation. The electrification of businesses and households can significantly impact the quality of life and affect the economic development of countries. Additionally, energy access can enhance countries’ efforts to achieve SDG 8. March 15, 2023 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
African Focus The Impact of Climate Change on the Sustainability of Electricity Systems by davidomata March 1, 2023 written by davidomata According to the United Nations Climate Change report on 27th October 2020, the African continent is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, with many of its countries experiencing severe droughts, flooding, and other extreme weather events. These events, if not prevented or mitigated, can significantly impact the sustainability of electricity systems in Africa. These systems are critical for the economic development and well-being and economic development of African communities. In the report by the United Nations Office of the Special Adviser on Africa, the impact of climate change on Africa’s electricity systems was discussed, highlighting the need to learn from the effect of COVID-19. Also, a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) in 2020 shows that Africa is projected to experience increasing climate hazards for the remainder of the 21st century, which would pose a challenge to hydropower generation in Africa. Many countries on the continent are heavily reliant on hydropower, which is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. In countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Uganda, and Zambia, the share of hydropower in electricity generation exceeds 80 per cent. In many cases, droughts can reduce the amount of water available for generating electricity, leading to power outages and disruptions in service. This is one instance of the impacts of climate change on the sustainability of electricity systems. Research by the Oak Ridge National Library further reveals how climate change can exacerbate existing challenges with the transmission and distribution of electricity. Extreme weather events, such as floods and storms, can damage power lines and other infrastructure, leading to interruptions in service. In addition, rising sea levels can pose a threat to coastal power plants and other infrastructure. In order to deal with these problems, many African nations are looking into new methods for producing and distributing power that are more resistant to the effects of climate change. Investing in environmentally friendly energy sources that are less susceptible to the impact of climate change, including solar and wind power, is one strategy. Moreover, a lot of nations are making investments in energy storage innovations like batteries and pumped hydro, which can assist in guaranteeing that electricity is accessible even during times when production is low. Another essential step is investing in more robust and intelligent power infrastructure, such as microgrids and distributed energy resources. This can assist in ensuring that electricity is accessible even if the main grid is interrupted, as well as updating power lines and other infrastructure to better resist extreme weather events. In the end, addressing the impact of climate change on the sustainability of electricity systems in Africa would need ongoing investment and innovation. However, with the right policies and investments, it is possible to create more dependable and long-lasting electricity systems that can support regional economic growth and enhance the quality of life for populations. March 1, 2023 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
LADIES The Role of Climate Finance in Enabling an Inclusive Energy Transition by aisi February 7, 2023 written by aisi For the first episode of the 2023 Ladies in Africa Developing Innovative Energy Solutions (LADIES) podcast series, our guest is Dana Elhassan, the principal expert on gender, youth and inclusion at the African Development Bank (AfDB). Ms Elhassan joins us to discuss the importance of climate finance in ensuring that the global energy transition is inclusive, especially for marginalised populations like women. February 7, 2023 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Power Punch The Application of Hydrogen as a Power Source in Nigeria by alex February 3, 2023 written by alex Recent discussions and actions geared towards preserving the planet and climate change advocacy have given rise to the urgent need to explore cleaner energy generation sources. Nigeria is not left out of this global action as the country also seeks alternative energy sources, one of which is hydrogen. However, what are the prospects for the application of hydrogen as a power source in Nigeria? Like other developed economies, the President of Nigeria announced Nigeria’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. This announcement was made at the 26th United Nations Conference of Parties (COP26). In line with this, on August 24th, 2022, the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) launched its Energy Transition Plan(ETP). A further review of the ETP revealed that the FGN intends to utilize hydrogen for power generation from 2040. The earliest known important chemical property of hydrogen is that it burns with oxygen to form water, H2O. This agrees with the name hydrogen, derived from Greek, meaning “maker of water”. Hydrogen can be used in industrial processes, outer space fuel, and vehicular fuel. In addition, there have been studies conducted on hydrogen which prove that it has the potential to become a global electricity generation source. Hydrogen fuel cells produce electricity for power generation by combining hydrogen and oxygen atoms. The hydrogen reacts with oxygen across an electrochemical cell similar to that of a battery to produce electricity, water, and small amounts of heat. Many different types of fuel cells are available for a wide range of applications. Small fuel cells can power laptop computers, cell phones, and military applications. Large fuel cells can supply electricity to electric power grids, backup or emergency power in buildings, and electricity in places that are not connected to electric power grids. The benefit of employing hydrogen as an energy source is that water and heat are the only by-products of its reaction with oxygen. Green hydrogen is the best form of this promising alternative fuel for the energy industry. Nigeria suffers from inadequate electricity generation and a high dependence on fossil-fueled power-generating plants. Hydrogen is a suitable alternative and provides a viable solution to the electrification and emissions problems. However, it is quite unfortunate that Nigeria is only just trying to explore the prospects for the application of hydrogen as a power source. Other African countries, such as South Africa and Egypt, have begun making efforts toward adopting hydrogen as a source of energy. In October 2021, the South African government took a step toward unlocking this potential by conducting a feasibility study to establish a hydrogen valley in partnership with Anglo-American Platinum, Bambili Energy, and Energie SA. The study seeks to identify the potential of hydrogen projects across the transport, industrial, and construction sectors. In addition, Egypt is spearheading the development of the largest hydrogen project globally to promote hydrogen as feedstock for green ammonia production. Nigeria has what it takes to explore the application of hydrogen as a power source. This would help the country improve its energy access reach as many communities are still not connected to electricity supply. However, it goes without saying that for the widespread deployment of hydrogen in the country, there is a need for massive investments in adequate technology. In addition, the government and sector stakeholders need to have the will to drive the hydrogen discourse and establish policies that support the development of hydrogen generation projects in the country. February 3, 2023 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Power Punch Energy and Education by aisi February 1, 2023 written by aisi So far, it has been proven that access to energy affects different parts of the global economy. These different parts include wealth, food supply, and health. However, one critical part of the economy of any nation is its educational system. Hence, this article hopes to explore the relationship between access to energy and education. According to data from the World Bank and Our World in Data, the global literacy rate stands at 87 per cent. However, there are disparities among countries and regions. For developed countries, the literacy rate is up to 99 per cent, but developing countries face a different reality. Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, for example, currently have the lowest literacy rates in the world. As of 2020, the literacy rate for Sub-Saharan Africa stood at 66 per cent. So, with Africa being the least electrified continent with over 600 million people without electricity access, what could be the nexus between energy and education? By now, it is common knowledge that institutions such as hospitals and schools need energy to function, more so, function optimally. For schools, energy access is required for lighting, using educational equipment, enabling media/TV access and smart classrooms. These functions provide benefits, including saving time on school projects, increasing study time and improving knowledge sharing. However, according to a World Bank and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) survey, for every five primary and secondary schools in Africa, four lack electricity access. This lack of electricity access greatly affects the quality of education by reducing school learning outcomes. In addition, electricity access deficits in Africa affect the general attitude towards education. The relationship between energy and education can also be explored at the household level. Due to the lack of household electricity, pupils and students spend more time on schoolwork because they have to find alternative energy sources. Most times, these alternative energy sources are fossil fuels which are harmful to health and contribute to global climate change. The hassle of finding alternative energy sources to do homework and study significantly impacts the attitude toward education. According to a report, in Vietnam, children from households with grid connectivity stay longer in school than those without grid connectivity. The fourth United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG4) aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. This goal targets improved primary, secondary, vocational and tertiary education for youths and adults by 2030. However, to achieve this, especially in Africa, countries must be more intentional about developing electrification programmes for educational institutions and households. Countries can harness the opportunities provided by financing streams and public-private partnerships to fund school electrification projects. This would help address the challenge of lack of financing through options such as grants, loans and subsidies. In addition, countries can also develop electrification programmes for schools that provide added benefits, such as providing electricity access to households. This would improve educational outcomes as students would have access to electricity at school and at home. In Nigeria, one of the government’s intervention programmes to improve the electrification of educational institutions is the Energising Education Programme (EEP). This programme is a component of the Rural Electrification Agency’s (REA) Nigerian Electrification Project (NEP). The component aims to electrify 37 federal universities and seven teaching hospitals nationwide. While developing countries try to bridge their electricity access deficits, attention should be paid to the electrification of educational institutions. According to data from the UN, nine out of ten children in Sub-Saharan Africa attend schools without electricity access. This significantly impacts the quality of education and learning outcomes, affecting countries’ literacy rates. Improving school electricity access, especially in developing countries, would ripple into all parts of the economy. And improved economies translate into better living standards and the general well-being of populations. February 1, 2023 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Power Punch The Impacts of Clean Energy on Sustainable Urban Development by doose January 30, 2023 written by doose As the world’s population rises exponentially, there is a simultaneous increase in anthropogenic activities and global emissions, speeding up climate change effects on our planet. Thus, there is an urgency to employ clean energy in sustaining our cities. However, what are the impacts of clean energy on sustainable urban development? In 2020, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) estimated that cities account for 70 per cent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions and face natural disasters such as flooding and heat stress because of climate change. For this reason, the united nations, through its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), have called for the promotion of clean energy towards sustainable urban development. Achieving sustainable development requires a significant transformation in how cities are built and managed. With buildings emitting more energy-related carbon globally than the entire transport sector, experts say adopting green building standards in the housing industry can reduce carbon emissions and increase resilience to the effects of climate change. As urban cities become congested, waste generation and disposal become critical. However, anaerobic decomposition could provide a solution. Methane-rich biogas is produced when biodegradable waste is decomposed in the absence of oxygen. If the decomposed waste is from non-fossil sources such as food and green waste, the biogas produced can help offset carbon emissions, generate energy and provide a solution to growing waste disposal issues. Incorporating solar or wind energy into urban planning is also necessary to diversify the energy mix of future cities. These renewable energy sources do not produce the harmful greenhouse gases (GHG) associated with traditional fossil fuels. Solar and wind energy can also help to improve air quality in cities, which is particularly important for the health and well-being of residents. It makes economic sense that the impacts of clean energy on sustainable urban development be harnessed. In Nigeria, incorporating clean energy in urban designs will grow wealth and create jobs while contributing to global climate action. In addition, it will create opportunities in research, development, and manufacturing, leading to a more diverse and resilient economy. Several countries have begun incorporating clean energy into their cities. For example, South Africa is exploring the production and use of biofuels in transport, using renewables for facilities such as depots and transport interchanges, and replacing the municipal diesel bus fleet with electric buses. Sweden also aims to be the first fossil fuel-free country in the world. According to the country’s official site, about 75 per cent of electricity production comes from hydroelectric (45 per cent) and nuclear (30 per cent) power. It is worth noting that Nigeria has made some efforts towards promoting sustainable urban development through ambitious targets and programs. One such effort is the Nigerian energy transition plan that hopes to guide the country to achieve net zero by 2060. Despite this, Nigeria’s energy mix currently relies heavily on fuel fossils. Adopting clean energy for sustainable urban development would require promoting eco-friendly substitutes for raw materials for urban settlements, investing in green public spaces, and improving urban planning and management through participation and inclusion. In addition, sustainability discussions must be fostered with concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including governments, the private sector, and civil society. Building sustainable cities cannot take a back seat in fighting for a better Nigeria. More initiatives that place sustainability at the core of urban development must vigorously be encouraged if we must leave a habitable planet for generations to come. January 30, 2023 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Power Punch The Impacts of Electricity Theft on the Power Sector by doose January 23, 2023 written by doose Electricity theft is a problem as old as the power sector. It involves deliberately deceiving the electricity company by tampering with meters and stealing power from the grid. This illicit activity not only leads to significant financial losses for power companies but also undermines the reliability and stability of the electricity grid. Hence, it is vital to delve into and understand the impacts of electricity theft on the power sector and treat this issue with the urgency it requires. Electricity theft is a problem for the electricity supply industry in many countries, with enormous consequences. In Nigeria, while Distribution Companies (DisCos) significantly bear its impact, the overall adverse effect of electricity theft affects the value chain. Electricity theft allows consumers to use electricity without paying for it, thus leaving the DisCos with a huge liability. For example, electricity theft leads to the inability of DisCos to pay for electricity transmitted from the Generation companies (GenCos). This then reduces revenue to GenCos while increasing the cost of generating electricity. An Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED) report showed that over ₦30,000,000,000 (thirty billion nairas) of monthly revenue was lost to electricity theft, vandalism and meter bypass cases. This loss of revenue not only affects the financial viability of power companies but also hinders the ability of power companies to invest in infrastructure and equipment needed to improve power supply to electricity customers. The impacts of electricity theft on the power sector also include the fact that the reliability and stability of the power grid are undermined. This occurs because stolen electricity is not metered and, therefore, not accounted for in the power company’s load management system. This gap can overload the power grid and cause power outages, particularly in areas where electricity theft is prevalent. The implications of electricity theft can be harmful and life-threatening when electrical fires and explosions erupt. For instance, when people tamper with electricity meters and leave wires or connections exposed or loose, it can cause overheating and alight, putting anyone within proximity in danger. Efforts to combat electricity theft in Nigeria have been ongoing for many years, with power companies and the Nigerian government implementing various measures to curb these financial losses. We see this in policies like the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP) with the backing of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The aim is simple – promoting prepaid meters, which allow customers to pay for electricity in advance and reduce the incentive for electricity theft. In 2013, the NERC formulated the Electricity theft and other related offences regulations to deter electricity theft and the destruction of electricity supply infrastructure. In addition to these measures, there is a need for more effective enforcement of existing regulations and laws related to electricity theft. These laws can be activated through greater collaboration between power companies and law enforcement agencies. Furthermore, increased public awareness and education about the impacts of electricity theft on the power sector and accompanying consequences will deter prospective offenders. Taking a cue from the United Kingdom, the Nigerian government can extend the existing whistle-blowing policy to energy theft. While efforts continue towards investment in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), it is crucial to understand the system losses and take corrective actions to utilize the available power better. Eradicating electricity theft may seem far-fetched. However, with intensified efforts and very efficient systems in place, these losses can be reduced to the barest minimum. January 23, 2023 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Power Punch Energy and Health by aisi January 18, 2023 written by aisi Over the years, energy consumption has proven to affect other aspects of life in the global community, one of which is health. Currently, 81 per cent of the energy systems worldwide still depend on fossil fuels despite the numerous consequences. This article will explore the relationship between the quality of energy and health. The United Nations’ third Sustainable Development Goal (SDG3) is to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Some of the goal’s 2030 targets include substantially reducing the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air and ending preventable deaths of newborns and children under the age of five. However, what role does energy play in global ambitions for good health and well-being? As earlier stated, most of the global community still depends on burning fossil fuels as a source of energy. However, this activity leads to effects such as air pollution and the release of greenhouse gases (GHG), which directly affect human health and contribute to climate change through global warming. In developing countries particularly, dirty fuels such as coal, firewood and kerosene are quite prominent in households. These fuels are often used for cooking, heating and running petty businesses. According to a 2022 World Health Organisation (WHO) factsheet, about 2.4 billion people use open fires and stoves fuelled by coal, wood and kerosene, leading to a significant amount of household air pollution. This practice is more common in rural areas, especially regions not connected to national grid networks. However, using such fuels for energy generation is known to significantly affect the health of these populations, especially women and children, since they are usually responsible for household chores. Globally, household air pollution is a major contributor to the increasing cases of diseases, such as stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer, among others. The WHO has reported that in 2020, household air pollution was responsible for about 3.2 million deaths globally, with 237,000 being children under the age of five. However, the effects of using fossil fuels to generate energy are not restricted to households alone. According to the same WHO factsheet, the effects of ambient and household air pollution are responsible for 6.7 million deaths annually. The relationship between energy and health can also be explored in the provisions for healthcare facilities. According to a United Nations (UN) report, one-eighth of the global population is served by health facilities that lack a reliable electricity supply. The report added that more than one in 10 South Asia and Sub-Saharan African healthcare facilities lack electricity access. Furthermore, the healthcare centres in rural areas are much worse in terms of energy access when compared to centres in urban areas. According to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), two out of three people living in extreme poverty dwell in rural areas, which is about 400 million people. This estimates that 67 per cent of the global population living in extreme poverty reside in rural areas. With these areas hardly ever connected to grid electricity, alternative energy sources may not efficiently run institutions like healthcare facilities. In addition, these alternative energy sources also contribute to worsening the well-being of these populations. There is a direct relationship between energy and health at household, commercial and industrial levels. With the varying effects of burning fossil fuels on the health and well-being of populations, the global community must make a conscious effort towards developing clean and sustainable energy projects. In addition, according to the UN report, the clean electrification of healthcare facilities must be considered an utmost development priority. With increasing technological advancement in renewable energy, decentralised energy solutions can now provide clean, reliable and cost-effective power for household and utility-scale use. When readily implemented by countries, these clean energy solutions will help the global community to achieve SDG3 and create sustainable economies. January 18, 2023 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Power Punch Exploring Wind Energy Adoption in Africa by doose January 17, 2023 written by doose According to research commissioned by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in 2022, Africa’s wind energy can supply its electricity demand 250 times over. However, progress in harnessing power from wind energy on the continent has been limited. So far, only three African countries, Egypt, Morocco and South Africa, have installed more than one gigawatt (GW) of wind energy capacity. Exploring wind energy adoption in Africa is crucial and will contribute to reducing the consequences of climate change and energy deficits. The effects of climate change are evident in the increased frequency of extreme weather conditions such as droughts and floods. These effects severely impact food security, water resources, health and access to energy. The United Nations estimated that these effects would worsen in the coming years. As a result, there is a need for African countries to diversify their energy mixes with renewables like wind energy. Wind as an alternative energy source provides benefits, including the absence of harmful emissions that fuel climate change. In addition, it is one of the most cost-effective resources among different renewable energy technologies. According to Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), the technical wind resource potential on the African continent alone is over 59,000 GW. This number is more than three times the continent’s current installed power capacity. Hence, if successfully achieved, exploring wind energy adoption in Africa would benefit the continent in improving electricity access for its population. Nigeria, in particular, has a significant wind energy potential of around 10 GW. Egypt was the first country in Africa to integrate wind energy into its electricity mix. A thorough wind atlas for Egypt’s Gulf of Suez coast, released in 2003, showed that the area has an excellent wind regime with wind speeds of 10 m/s. Leveraging on this, Egypt has remained at the forefront of wind energy adoption in Africa. The country’s first wind farm was commissioned in 2010, and since then, it has been actively working to increase its wind energy capacity. Currently, Egypt has installed a wind capacity of around 1.5 GW. At the 2022 COP27, Egypt signed an agreement with the United Arab Emirates to build one of the world’s largest wind farms for $11 billion. The 10 GW wind farm is expected to offset about 9 per cent of Egypt’s carbon dioxide emissions. All these efforts push the country closer to achieving its target of producing 42% of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030 Another African country that is actively developing wind energy is Ethiopia. The country has set a target of increasing generating capacity by 25,000MW from renewable energy sources by 2030, and wind energy is expected to play a significant role in meeting this target. Ethiopia has already commissioned its first wind farm, the Adama Wind Farm, which has a capacity of 153 MW. Over the years, the technologies for harnessing wind energy have been explored in northern Nigeria, like Sokoto, Kano, Bauchi and Plateau states. However, these efforts have been unsuccessful due to a lack of financing, security issues and non-existent policies. Taking a page from Egypt and Ethiopia, Nigeria can learn the importance of setting ambitious targets for exploring wind energy adoption by actively working to achieve them through developing policies that support the development of wind energy projects. Additionally, creating an enabling environment for the private sector to invest in wind energy projects would be incredibly beneficial. Wind energy is a promising renewable energy source that has the potential to play a significant role in resolving the erratic and epileptic state of power in Africa whilst addressing climate change concerns. With high wind resources and ambitious targets, Nigeria can work to develop its wind energy sector and become a leader in this emerging market. January 17, 2023 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Power Punch The Need for Improved Climate Change Literacy by aisi January 13, 2023 written by aisi Globally, climate change has affected individuals, communities and nations in various harmful ways. A result of these numerous effects has been the move towards climate action by world leaders, organisations and development agencies. However, climate change literacy among populations must be considered for this movement to be effectively implemented. For Nigeria to develop and implement policies and initiatives that support global climate action goals, there is a need for improved climate change literacy. According to the United Nations (UN), climate change is the long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns that may occur naturally through variations in the solar cycle. However, since the 1800s, anthropogenic activities have significantly contributed to climate change. Some of these activities, primarily burning fossil fuels, lead to releasing greenhouse gases (GHG) into the atmosphere. These greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, trap heat and cause global warming, leading to flooding, droughts, famine, etc. The aforementioned effects of climate change are evident in the world today. According to the UN, global surface temperature has increased faster since 1970 than in any other 50-year period in the last 2000 years. In addition, temperatures are expected to rise by as much as 4.4℃ by the end of the century. Although global, the effects of climate change tend to affect the most vulnerable populations more than others. Most of these populations are found in the global south. According to the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), about 80 per cent of the world’s population lives in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and Southeast Asia, where farming households are disproportionately poor. Hence, situations such as flooding and drought lead to displacements and affect livelihoods and general well-being. Being in Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria is not exempt from these climate change effects. However, for the country’s climate action efforts to be successful, there is a need for improved climate change literacy. According to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), Africa has an average national climate change literacy rate of 37 per cent. This is a significantly low value compared to continents like Europe and North America, where average national climate change literacy rates are estimated to be over 80 per cent. Although, in African countries, more considerable variations exist at sub-national levels, with the average range between the highest and lowest rates being about 33 per cent. In Nigeria, the climate change literacy rate ranges from 5 per cent in Kano to 71 per cent in Kwara. Also, climate change literacy in the country is determined by factors such as education and poverty. Gender, which is a major determinant of who gets access to education in some parts of the country, plays a huge role in climate change awareness. In Africa, at the country level, it is estimated that climate change literacy rates are 12.8 per cent lower for women than men. There is a considerable need for improved climate change literacy in Nigeria, especially as the country aims to meet its decarbonisation goals and implement its Energy Transition Plan (ETP). In addition, climate change literacy will help boost education, urbanisation, gender equality and sustainable economic development. Furthermore, improved climate change awareness will help the country contribute its quota to global climate action efforts while helping low-income communities and marginalised groups become less vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Enlightenment is the bedrock of any global action. As such, efforts towards climate action by any country should not be restricted to the development of initiatives without the populace’s basic understanding of why these policies should be implemented. With the global community, especially vulnerable populations, currently experiencing the effects of climate change, individuals must understand how climate action can help through improved climate change literacy. January 13, 2023 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
