The Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre has suggested the adoption of renewable energy to reduce the effects of fossil fuels on the environment.
Dr Confidence Otikor, the Project Officer of the Rivers-based advocacy group, spoke on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, in Port Harcourt at a one-day sensitisation workshop for communities in Rivers State.
Speaking at the workshop with the theme: “Awareness Creation on Energy Transition”, Otikor said the use of renewable energy would protect the environment.
The project officer said that the rapidly changing climate had made it imperative for humans to embrace green energy sources.
“This will help to preserve both the environment and the health of the citizens,” she said.
“The transition from fossil fuel is crucial to address climate change, considering that they are the primary sources of greenhouse gas emissions.
“Gas emissions trap heat in the atmosphere, causing global warming that leads to more frequent and severe weather conditions, such as rising sea levels, excess heat, and rain floods. among others.
“We encourage our people to buy into the idea of transiting from non-renewable energy to renewable sources,” she said.
Otikor stressed that adopting renewable energy means diversifying energy supply and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
She pointed out that Nigeria’s overdependence on fossil fuels had resulted in climate change, air and water pollution, land degradation, and health challenges, among others.
According to her, there is need to make renewable energy affordable and accessible to the average Nigerian household, without having to spend much.
“It is important that Nigerians transition to renewable energy, it will save them a lot money, protect the environment, improve air and water quality, and boost the economy.
“We understand that this transition is a gradual process, but it should be a collective effort so that everyone will embrace the idea to make it work.
“The government should provide solar systems to the people, especially those in rural communities that do not have the resources to purchase the facility,” she said.
Otikor said that while the government had a significant role to play in climate change mitigation, citizens should also make conscious choices in their daily lives.
She called on the Federal Government to invest in renewable energy sources such as wind, hydropower, geothermal, and solar.
“We call on the people to plant trees because trees help freshen our environment, ultimately leading to a better quality of life,” Otikor added.
By Desmond Ejibas
