In 2020, Nigeria’s per capita CO₂ emissions were recorded at 0.5 metric tons. With climate change and the continuous warming of the globe, Nigeria needs to transition away from its current carbon-intensive energy and industrial sectors and move towards cleaner alternatives. It should pivot towards achieving a zero-carbon economy by the year 2060.
A zero-carbon economy is an economic system that aims to eliminate all carbon emissions produced by human activities. This involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions to zero, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and implementing sustainable practices to minimize environmental impact, it also aims to address climate change and encourage a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to living and conducting business. In 2020, Nigeria’s per capita CO2 emissions were recorded at 0.5 metric tons
So many countries have strategic plans to transit to a net zero-carbon. The World Bank strongly plans to make every country a net zero-carbon economy by 2060. Countries leading the energy transition are Sweden, the United Kingdom, Finland, etc. This transition has made for better climate conditions.
The Nigeria Sovereign Green Bond (SGrBs) and Nigeria’s National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) are initiatives that demonstrate the efforts of the government to actively gather resources and establish regulations aimed at reducing emissions and also Nigeria’s determined contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement includes a commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emission by 45% by 2030.
Nigeria needs to withdraw from its current carbon-intensive energy and industrial sectors towards cleaner alternatives, as detailed in the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan (ETP). Transitioning to zero carbon emissions in Nigeria has several advantages including environmental, economic, social, and health domains. Ultimately, this transition contributes to sustainable development.
Nigeria requires a protean approach to turn the vision of net zero into reality, with the right strategies and commitments;
1. International collaboration: we can bridge this investment gap by intensifying efforts to cooperate with developed nations, especially with nations that have made climate finance commitments to fulfill this obligation.
2. Strategic planning: there should be a synergy between climate action and socio-economic development plans. Make plans to address the energy poverty and how to reduce the unemployment gap that would be associated with this transition.
3. Supportive policies: Enhancing institutional frameworks, promoting transparency, and effectively implementing policies that are crucial for combating corruption, and strong governance systems can enhance the effectiveness of climate initiatives.
4. Education and engagement of our populace: to foster emission reduction initiatives public awareness and Incorporating climate education into the national curriculum can encourage a mindset focused on sustainability.
From the house of JE, we feel that if these measures are implemented, we could transition comfortably to an economy with net zero carbon emissions.