01 August 2013, Lagos – The African Union Commission, AUC, Technical Adviser on climate change, Dr. Victor Fodeke has stated that increased usage of renewable energy and efficiency improvements will provide a lasting solution to various climatic problems caused by global climate change.
Fodeke said this in Lagos, at the opening ceremony of the 5th Alternative Power Exhibition tagged “Save the World Power Green” an initiative of Lagos State Television in conjunction with Folub Eletrik Servz.
According to him, unlike oil, natural gas and coal, solar energy technology which is one of the most renewable energy alternatives available today emits no carbon dioxide which makes it environment friendly, adding that renewable energy technologies such as wind turbines, solar photovoltaic panels, biomass power plants, solar thermal collectors, and biofuels are rapidly gaining wider attention.
“It’s very significant to note that contrary to popular opinion, a massive uptake of renewable energy and efficiency improvements alone can solve our global warming problem.
“Our contributions to the climate change crisis are often associated with global coal and oil use that is raising awareness towards new potential solutions to replace coal and oil with such as renewable energy initiative as well as biofuels.”
“The global market for renewable energy is growing dramatically; global investment in 2006 reached $38 billion, 26 per cent higher than the previous year. The time window available for making the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy is relatively short.
“We can solve global warming, save money, create massive job and wealth as well as eradicate poverty, Improve air and water quality without compromising our quality of life. “Strict technical standards are the only reliable way to ensure that only the most efficient transportation systems, industrial equipment, buildings, heating and cooling systems and appliances will be produced and sold.
Adetokunbo Agbesanwa, Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Fashola on School Advocacy and Environment who commended the initiator of the exhibition said the state government through its school environmental advocacy programme is currently training students and teacher on best environmental practices.
“We have put in place a robust environmental programme, we have waste and energy management clubs in the school to train the children on best environmental practices and on use of altanative sources of energy.”
Engr. Bode Adefolu, chief executive oficer, Folub Eletrik Servz, one of the 5 companies already at the exhibition, said the exhibition will be on till Saturday adding that people are becoming to see the advantages of solar products as the their patronage has improved from that of last year.
– William Jimoh, Vanguard
