A New Perspective on Climate Change and Resource Management
A professor of Process Systems Engineering at the University of Lagos, Mohammed Usman, has presented a compelling argument that challenges conventional views on the climate crisis. In his inaugural lecture titled “Carbon Truly as Guilty as Charged? The Perspective of a Process Systems Engineer on Sustainability,” he emphasized that the primary issue lies not with carbon emissions, but with the inefficient use of resources.
Usman highlighted that the current global discourse often places undue blame on carbon, while ignoring the broader context of resource consumption. He stated, “It is abundantly clear that those who point an accusing finger are more guilty than carbon.” According to him, the real problem is how resources are utilized rather than the type of resource being used.
He advocated for a shift in mindset, urging individuals, industries, and governments to focus on the minimum resources necessary to achieve specific goals. This approach, he argued, would lead to more sustainable practices across all sectors. “We must ask this critical question before deploying any resources: what is the minimum required to accomplish a specified task?” he said.
Emphasizing Efficiency and Innovation
The professor stressed the importance of resource utilization efficiency as the key to sustainability. He called for a collective effort to eliminate extravagance in all forms, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 12 on responsible consumption and production. This requires not only individual responsibility but also systemic changes in policy and practice.
To achieve this, Usman proposed strong policy integration across all levels of governance. He suggested frameworks for periodic resource footprint assessments of policies, both ongoing and prospective. These assessments, he believed, would identify synergies and prevent environmental challenges from simply shifting from one resource to another.
In addition, he urged legislative support for these measures, suggesting that laws be enacted to provide a legal framework for efficient resource utilization. “Policy integration is pivotal to efficient resource utilization and sustainable development,” he said. “Governments should develop a framework to synergize their policies and mainstream them throughout their governance structure.”
Redefining Terminology and Strategies
Usman also recommended replacing terms like decarbonization with concepts such as “100 per cent carbon utilization” or recarbonization. He suggested applying similar performance measures to other resources used in renewable energy, such as silicon and lithium. This shift in terminology, he believes, would encourage a more holistic approach to resource management.
He further called on the UN Climate Change Commission to reconsider its strategies by recognizing carbon as a pivotal resource rather than a villain. “Let us no longer fear carbon,” he said. “Instead, we must understand it, master it, and design with it.”
The Role of Academia and Industry
Speaking about the role of academia, Usman expressed concern over the poor remuneration of lecturers in Nigeria. He described the state of education as an emergency requiring urgent intervention. He called for academia to be recognized as the “fourth arm” of government, with status and remuneration comparable to the judiciary.
He also emphasized the need for stronger academia-industry partnerships through deliberate policies that promote local content across sectors. Such linkages, he argued, would boost research and development, help industries remain competitive, and reinvigorate the academic sector.
Moving Towards Self-Sufficiency
Usman urged the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to integrate its utility needs, including power and water supply, to achieve self-sufficiency. He proposed shifting waste management from mere compliance to full resource recovery. Additionally, he suggested establishing a Centre of Excellence for Biomimicry to position the institution as a leader in Africa for nature-inspired technological solutions.
While acknowledging the global urgency of tackling climate change, Usman insisted that demonizing carbon misses the root cause. “Carbon is therefore considered not guilty as charged and is hereby discharged and acquitted,” he concluded. His perspective offers a fresh approach to addressing environmental challenges, focusing on efficiency, innovation, and systemic change.