The Excessive Use of Fossil Fuel and Its Impact to Climate Change in Africa
Bernard Anayo Udeh *
Department of Environmental Engineering, Cyprus International University, Nicosia, Turkey.
Rana Kidak
Department of Environmental Engineering, Cyprus International University, Nicosia, Turkey.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Fossil fuel dependence in the African continent is so alarming with a constant emission of greenhouse gases (GHG), which includes methane, carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and water vapor. The presence of these gases in the African climate has resulted in unprecedented change in weather conditions in Africa, and has accounted for low rainfall, constant flooding, and low food productivity. Many countries in Africa are continuously subsidizing petroleum products for their people and these may continue to worsen the situation. Curbing global warming through decarbonization of the African economy by reducing dependence on use of fossil fuels will be a gateway to a cleaner environment. This will go a long way to minimize number of deaths from illness, such as cancer, heart diseases, stroke, and reduce negative impact of extreme weather conditions as to flooding and low rainfall.
Keywords: Climate change, Africa, global warming, fossil fuel, weather, greenhouse gases.