That Africa should awake to the reality of its enormous energy potentials and leverage same for a smooth transition to a non-fossil-dependent economy was the gist of the presentation made recently by the German State Secretary & Special Envoy for International Climate Action at the Federal Foreign Office, Berlin, Mrs. Jennifer Morgan.
She gave the charge at a public lecture jointly organised by the University of Lagos and the Consulate-General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Lagos, which held on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at the Tayo Aderinokun Hall.
Mrs Morgan began her presentation by acknowledging the presence of students who she described as “studying at a key moment in the history of the world and of your country”.
She spoke on The Climate Crisis & the Global Energy Transition: Challenges & Opportunities.
The former Managing Director of Greenpeace International (GP) emphasised the reality of a Climate Crisis, which the world cannot afford to ignore; and how that reality has triggered an Energy Transition that has become irreversible.
Her words: “The Climate Crisis is one that the world can’t look away from. After months of drought, sudden heavy rainfall washes away people’s lives and livelihoods. 14.5 million deaths are likely to occur globally if the climate crisis is not addressed. Climate Change is a reality that is making countries all over the world, including Germany, begin an Energy Transition journey that de-emphasises reliance on carbon energy”.
Mrs Morgan spoke of the opportunities that come with the global transition to clean energy and how Africa sits at the core of that transition, although not yet optimising its potentials.
“All around the world, there is a new economy that’s being created; one that creates inclusivity and sustainability. Green transition can be the opportunity for a better life and economic justice, though it may involve making tough economic choices. The International Enery Agency forecasts that by 2030, demand for fossil fuel will peak; hence there is the need for African economies to steer away from carbon reliance.”
She continued: “Africa is a huge basket of untapped energy potential. 60% of the best spots for the installation of solar energy infrastructure is in Africa, but only 1% of that is being utilised. That is why African youths and researchers must step up to take charge of this inevitable transition process. That’s why the German government is working with countries and institutions in Africa to aid that transition and make it an equitable and inclusive one”.
A Grateful and Green University
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Lucian Chukwu, represented the Vice-Chancellor at the lecture. Prior to and after Mrs Morgan’s presentation, he expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Germany for their collaborative disposition to the University of Lagos, enumerating countless initiatives and faculty in the university that have received the generous support of the European powerhouse.
“The visit of the German Chancellor, Mr. Olaf Scholz, to the University of Lagos in October 2023 says everything about Germany’s friendship with us. To be followed closely by the visit of a State Secretary and prominent Climate Action personality is a privilege that our University is grateful for’’.
He highlighted the numerous Climate Action initiatives of the University, which show the institution’s commitment to the global call for green energy.
“The University of Lagos has a Climate Action initiative. We have embarked on research activities that have led to significant advocacy and knowledge-sharing efforts on the matters of climate change and sustainable energy. Today, we have a solar-powered Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station, the first and only one of its kind in Nigeria, courtesy of a research group here at UNILAG. Earlier this year, the University of Lagos planted 1,000 trees as demonstration of our commitment to keeping our campus and country green. We are determined to remain at the forefront of the energy transition conversation in Nigeria; and we are grateful for partners like the Federal Republic of Germany”.
The event was well-attended by staff , students, and Climate Action enthusiasts who found it a forum to interact, raise questions, and share ideas.
REPORT: Isaiah Kumuyi
PHOTOGRAPHY: Islamiat Oyebanire
