Across the world, countries and organisations are making clean energy goals. These goals aim to reduce dependence on fossil fuel energy sources due to their effects on the environment and the climate. In Nigeria, however, there seems to be no effort to set goals to ensure the country doesn’t get left behind by the rest of the world in the clean energy transition. It’s almost as if the country is unaware that it’s time to wake up and take action.
Germany, for example, recently approved an emergency climate protection programme. The programme cost $9.6 billion. Also, Iraq and Masdar just signed an agreement to generate energy from solar. According to the Iraqi oil minister, ‘Iraq has a plan to replace 20 to 25 per cent of its energy produced by fossil fuels with clean energy.’
The rest of the world seems to be aware that it’s time to wake up and take action to reduce global carbon emissions rates. The reduction in the emissions would help combat the effects of global warming currently being experienced. Even large organisations are trying to transition into using renewable energy sources to generate energy for their operations.
The aviation industry, one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases, is also making plans to transition into clean energy sources. San Diego international airport already wants to be 100% powered by clean energy sources.
With all these big steps being taken around the world towards a greener, cheaper, sustainable future in terms of energy use, why does it seem like Nigeria is oblivious that it’s time to wake up and take action. The COVID-19 pandemic even presented the global community with an opportunity to transition into clean energy sources to recover better. Hopefully, the country gets on the path to transition. Hopefully, it’s not too late by then.