Experts canvass use of reliable alternative energy sources | The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News
Experts canvass use of reliable alternative energy sources Guardian Nigeria
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Mitigating Climate Change through Alternative Energy Sources
To mitigate climate change, experts have reiterated the need to encourage the use of alternative energy sources like solar, hydropower, wind, and biomass, which are clean, reliable, and accessible.
Importance of Alternative Energy Sources
- Reduction in carbon emissions
- Improved air quality
- Lower cost compared to fossil-based generators
The experts emphasized the importance of preventing and reducing air pollution to improve air quality. They highlighted the high cost of air pollution in society and its negative impacts on the economy, work productivity, healthcare costs, and tourism.
Clean Air Day Webinar
The experts spoke at the Clean Air Day webinar held at Dangote Cement Company office in Lagos. The forum attracted the Occupational Health Safety & Environment (OHS&E) Department of Dangote Cement, energy firm Arnergy, and the National Environmental Standard and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
Impact of Fossil Fuel Reliance in Nigeria
Chief Commercial Officer of Arnergy, Omobola Omofaiye, analyzed the air quality index and highlighted the negative impact of heavy reliance on fossil fuel for power generation in Nigeria. She mentioned that Nigerians spend $14 billion on fueling petrol or diesel-powered generators, and over 40% of Nigerian households own fuel generators.
Omofaiye emphasized that fossil fuels have a significant negative impact on the environment, emitting greenhouse gases and air pollutants. She highlighted the benefits of clean alternative energy sources, including reduced fossil fuel consumption, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality, energy efficiency, and lower waste generation.
Benefits of Clean Energy
- Reduction in carbon emissions
- Promotion of good air quality
- Lower cost compared to fossil-based generators
- Compliance with regulatory emission standards
NESREA Assistant Director & Head Environmental Quality Management, Mr. Usman Musa, commended Dangote Cement for their initiative in supporting the regulation of air quality in Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for new projects and the submission of Environmental Audit Reports (EAR) for existing industries.
Satya Prakash, representing Dangote Cement, expressed the company’s commitment to clean air and reducing emissions of dust and greenhouse gases.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The promotion of alternative energy sources and the improvement of air quality align with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
The article discusses the need to encourage the use of alternative energy sources to mitigate climate change and improve air quality. These issues are directly connected to SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. The article also mentions the impact of air pollution on the economy, work productivity, healthcare costs, and tourism, which relates to SDG 11’s focus on creating sustainable cities and communities. Additionally, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and combatting climate change align with SDG 13. Finally, the emphasis on clean energy and reducing air pollution is relevant to SDG 15’s goal of protecting and restoring terrestrial ecosystems.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
- Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality.
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
- Target 15.2: Promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests, and increase afforestation and reforestation globally.
Based on the article, the targets mentioned above can be identified. The promotion of alternative energy sources like solar, hydropower, wind, and biomass aligns with Target 7.2. The focus on improving air quality and reducing air pollution relates to Target 11.6. The emphasis on combating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions corresponds to Target 13.2. Lastly, the mention of the negative impact of fossil fuel consumption on the environment connects to Target 15.2.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption
- Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5) in cities
- Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the establishment or operationalization of an integrated policy/strategy/plan which increases their ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change, and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development in a manner that does not threaten food production
- Indicator 15.2.1: Progress towards sustainable forest management
The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators, but based on the identified targets, the indicators listed above can be used to measure progress towards those targets. These indicators include measuring the share of renewable energy in total energy consumption (Indicator 7.2.1), monitoring levels of fine particulate matter in cities (Indicator 11.6.2), assessing the establishment or operationalization of integrated climate change policies/strategies/plans (Indicator 13.2.1), and tracking progress towards sustainable forest management (Indicator 15.2.1).
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. | Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality. | Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5) in cities |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the establishment or operationalization of an integrated policy/strategy/plan which increases their ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change, and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development in a manner that does not threaten food production |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.2: Promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests, and increase afforestation and reforestation globally. | Indicator 15.2.1: Progress towards sustainable forest management |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: guardian.ng
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