Planeteer Alliance Harps on Renewable Energy Transition
From: Femi Mustapha
The Planeteer Alliance has reiterated the need for the protection and rehabilitation of Nigeria’s natural carbon sinks, such as forests, oceans, coastal mangroves, wetlands, and grasslands saying, such measures could significantly aid in mitigating the effects of climate change in the Country.
The Host of Planeteer Alliance Fire Summit 2024, Mr Ekundayo Solomon asserted this while speaking to the media in Zaria.
Mr Solomon explained that developing intentional policies and investments in protecting the continent’s carbon sinks would enhance carbon sequestration and reduce net emissions as these natural landscapes act as significant carbon reservoirs, absorbing and storing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere.
Speaking during the Summit with the theme: Blazing a Trail of Sustainability, Solomon said: “It is a global summit series happening in more than 20 countries across the world and we are having our own in Zaria here to talk about renewable energy efficiency for homes, for transportation, for clean cooking too.”
He stressed that “the Summit is also looking at how Nigeria can have a reduction in fossil fuel because the burning of fossil fuels contributes to the effect of climate change and also how we can create an alternative energy source for people, communities especially those at the grassroots level to be able to access energy. Nigeria as a country in Africa, we experience energy poverty here.”
“We thank God for the African continent, here we have the sun as a source of energy which gives solar energy and can be used to power a lot of things, Industries can also use it. We also have agricultural wastes that can be used for the biogas and there are others. Solar panels power homes, and electric vehicles function without fuel so those are good alternatives.
“We are also going to show practical ways these alternatives function. For instance, we have solar dryers, solar ovens, solar cookers, and others that communities can purchase. For instance, some women use firewood to cook but with these alternatives, they can create a more sustainable solution to these effects that can affect their health, well-being, and environment.
“We are trying to influence and mobilize youths to come together to create a more sustainable environment which is why we pushed the agenda to ensure we bring it down here. This is the first time it is happening in Zaria, Kaduna and we are trying to put Zaria on the global map to bring the Northern Youths together so that diverse communities can unite to create solutions to the pressing issues of the environment.
“The key message is that we are trying to adopt renewable energy for the community, so we can reduce the pressure on fossil fuel because one of the big pollutants of the environment is the burning of fossil oil and about 60% of the world population rely on fossil fuel to get energy.
“So we are trying to bring youths together, to be more practical to bring innovative solutions to how we can have access to good energy sources and we are not only trying to get energy but also a sustainable means where this energy can be enough for homes, transport system and others.
Speaking also, the Founder Of Green Bricks Solution, Engr. Yusuf Owoseni noted that there is an urgent need for a huge concentration on renewable energy sources in Nigeria.
Engr. Yusuf who is also a seasoned lecturer at the Department of Water Resources, ABU Zaria, added that there is a need to diversify energy by integrating renewable sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and biomass.
“There is a need for us to diversify the country’s energy sources through the integration of renewable energy mix. By reducing dependency on fossil fuel resources, Nigeria can enhance energy security and protect itself from the volatility of global energy markets.
“Massive investment in renewable energy by the Federal Government of Nigeria, which is one of the country’s articulating climate action plans and net zero emission by 2050, will reduce the impacts of climate change, which include flooding, drought, displacements, poverty, hunger, amongst others.”
The Co-Host of the Summit, Mr Rodney Ighalo said, “Nigeria as the most populous country in Africa, and a major global oil producer, faces a critical energy challenge. Despite its abundant fossil fuel resources, the nation struggles with inadequate power supply. To address these issues and pave the way for a sustainable future, Nigeria must embrace renewable energy solutions.”