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Scientists asks Nigeria to evolve alternative to oil

01 July 2009, Daily Independent
URL: http://allafrica.com/stories/200906300302.html

London:   Scientists are, once again, saying that Nigeria and other oil producing countries must evolve alternatives to fossil fuel as predominant source of energy as a way of reducing its impact on the climate.

Increased use of fossil fuel has been directly linked to temperature rise across the world as one of the many consequences of climate change on the earth.  But some scientists, who are currently in London for the sixth edition of the World Conference of Science Journalists (WCSJ 2009), have said adverse climate change consequences could be reduced if certain measures are imbibed.

One of such is significant cut in fuel consumption as energy source. Some of the sources of energy that have been recommended are those powered by solar, wind and water.  There is also agitation by the scientific world for the adoption of geothermal energy sourcing.  This involves the use of energy emitted from the earth beneath.

Director of Climate Change at United Kingdom's Meteorology Office, Professor John Mitchell, told Daily Independent in London that, the task lies on the Nigerian government to commission its array of scientists to develop others sources of energy that would reduce dependence on fossil fuel.  "Nigeria has to look at more decent ways of using energy and better ways of conserving it. Hydro energy is a good option," Mitchell said.

According to Mitchell, science has done well to give parameters for estimating climate change events and possible ways of evading such. Renewable energy usage is one of such.  He, like many others, have suggested that Nigeria is blessed with adequate sun light, hence should be thinking of solar energy and other forms of renewable energy sources.  "But from my knowledge of Nigeria, solar energy is a good way to think," he said.

Former Director of the British Antarctic Survey, Professor Chris Rapley, pointed out during the session on climate change on Monday that since oil was discovered over 150 years ago, it has proven to be a good energy source, but has also caused major damages to the atmosphere, which is the earth's protection against climate adversities.

Similarly, while Nigeria's development of the oil sector has been good for the country's economy, it has had an adverse impact on the country's environment, just as the production and consumption of commercial renewable energy in Nigeria remains quite limited.  For one, oil extraction in the Niger Delta region has caused severe environmental degradation, owing to the legacy of oil spills, negligent of environmental regulations, and government's complicity.