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A climate of opportunities: Domestic actions now 

by Uloma Onuma, Global Climate Network
Daily Trust - 03 February 2010

Climate change is strongly linked to the challenges of development and poverty reduction in Nigeria. Rising atmospheric temperatures, leading to global warming, has in Nigeria exacerbated desertification, drought, sea level rise, health, food and energy security.

Very often mitigation actions are seen as strategies to reduce emissions of green house gases alone. However, in Nigeria several of the actions needed to reduce these harmful gases are the same that would be needed to generate more electricity, create more jobs and reduce local environmental problems. The benefits of greenhouse gas emissions reductions becomes an added bonus.

Nigeria’s best opportunity to reduce these gases is from ending gas flaring. Latest available statistics show that gas flaring accounts for 31.4 percent of a total 54.9 percent of emissions from Nigeria’s energy sector. Making this currently flared gas available for electricity production will be the needed tonic for solving our current power crisis. Also, investments in abundant sources of renewable energy, stipulated in the Renewable Energy Master Plan would assist in addressing energy security. These will help industries create new jobs and help government end the current environmental crisis in the Niger Delta. According to a 2009 study by the International Centre for Energy Environment and Development and the Global Climate Network, over 600,000 new jobs can be created in the short to medium term, from gas and small hydro technologies.

These and other strategies for reforestation, energy efficiency, and population growth control present valid win-win policy options that can be implemented now.

In addition to the various benefits that mitigation can bring, it provides access to the carbon market for Nigeria. In 2009 alone, World Bank estimates showed that of the primary and secondary carbon markets– a market where developing countries are allowed to trade their emission was about USD$33.5 billion. Nigeria currently has only three projects that that have received financing from this market. Continued use of the clean development mechanism makes many projects in Nigeria potential beneficiaries for this financing opportunity.

Domestic unilateral actions to mitigate climate change present a crucial step in these mitigation actions. Many countries such as Brazil, China, India and South Africa have already seen the benefit of reaching their national development objectives by investing in low carbon technologies. Developing a nationally appropriate mitigation plan of action is therefore imperative in reaching the goals of the Vision 2020. This plan would detail next steps and help mainstream climate change related issues into developmental plans, a link that has so far been missing.

For plans to be effective, they must be backed by proactive legislation that can be enforced and implemented. Unlocking the potentials for domestic gas use, lies in the effective implementation of the Gas Master Plan. The Renewable Energy Master Plan presents a framework to increase the use of clean energy. However, consolidating and updating policies that aid market creation in these green technologies is important. Developing a Clean Energy Law that builds upon these existing legislations is therefore vital.

The Gas Flare Out Policy must also be passed and enforced to ensure more effective domestic utilization of gas in Nigeria. Contrary to views in some quarters that prohibiting gas flaring will endanger access to the carbon market, ending gas flaring is perhaps the singular most important step in jumpstarting the Nigerian economy and reducing emissions of these harmful gases.

Taking action now can be quite painless, if the proper next steps and policy actions are taken. It is a win-win for all, including job creation opportunities, energy security and creating an avenue for addressing the environmental concerns of the Niger Delta. In addition, we simply reduce our greenhouse gas emissions as an added bonus.

Uloma Onuma, is of the International Centre for Energy, Environment & Development, a member of the Global Climate Network.