A New Perspective on Climate Change and Resource Consumption
Professor Mohammed Usman, a leading figure in Process Systems Engineering at the University of Lagos, has introduced a fresh perspective on the climate crisis. He argues that the problem lies not in carbon emissions themselves, but in the way resources are consumed irresponsibly. This view challenges the widely held belief that carbon is the primary cause of environmental degradation.
Nigeria, like many other countries, continues to face significant climate-related challenges. These include frequent flooding, prolonged heatwaves, food insecurity, soil erosion, land degradation, droughts, desertification, and rising temperatures. These issues have profound impacts on both the environment and human livelihoods.
During his inaugural lecture titled “Carbon Truly as Guilty as Charged? The Perspective of a Process Systems Engineer on Sustainability,” Professor Usman emphasized that extravagance and self-indulgence in resource use are the main drivers behind high levels of greenhouse gas emissions. He stated that it is essential to shift the focus from blaming carbon to examining how resources are used.
He highlighted the importance of asking a critical question before any resource is deployed: “What is the minimum resource necessary to accomplish a specified task?” This approach should be applied across all sectors, including individuals, industries, and public and private institutions. By doing so, societies can move towards sustainable practices that prioritize efficiency over excess.
Professor Usman also stressed the need for individuals, industries, and governments to eliminate extravagance in all its forms. He aligned this call with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 12, which focuses on responsible consumption and production. He believes that achieving sustainability requires a deep understanding of the minimum resources needed to achieve specific goals, combined with the technological capability to meet those needs.
To support this vision, he called for strong policy integration across all levels of governance. This includes creating frameworks for periodic assessments of the resource footprint of existing and future policies. Such evaluations would help identify synergies and prevent environmental problems from simply being shifted from one resource type to another.
In addition to policy changes, Professor Usman urged the legislature to support these measures through enabling laws. He also encouraged the UN Climate Change Commission to reconsider its strategies by recognizing carbon as a vital resource rather than a villain. This shift in perspective could lead to more effective and balanced approaches to addressing climate change.
Professor Usman emphasized that policy integration is crucial for efficient resource utilization and sustainable development. He suggested that governments at all levels develop frameworks to align their policies and integrate them into their governance structures. Mandating periodic assessments of policy resource footprints would reveal potential synergies and ensure that resources are used optimally.
He proposed replacing terms such as decarbonization with “100 per cent carbon utilization” or recarbonization. This approach would apply similar performance metrics to other resources used in renewable energy, such as silicon and lithium. By adopting this mindset, societies can move toward a more holistic and sustainable model of resource management.
The Role of Academia in Addressing Climate Challenges
Professor Usman also spoke about the role of academia in tackling climate change and other pressing issues. He expressed concern over the poor remuneration of lecturers in Nigeria, describing the state of education as an emergency that requires immediate action. He called for academia to be recognized as the “fourth arm” of government, on par with the judiciary in terms of status and compensation.
This recognition would not only improve the quality of education but also empower academic institutions to contribute more effectively to national and global sustainability efforts. By investing in education and research, Nigeria can build a stronger foundation for addressing climate change and other complex challenges.
Ultimately, Professor Usman’s message is one of balance, responsibility, and innovation. He calls for a rethinking of how resources are consumed, managed, and valued. By focusing on efficiency, sustainability, and the responsible use of all resources, societies can work toward a more resilient and equitable future.