Urbanization and Climate Change in Nigeria

The study investigates the impact of urbanization on climate change in Nigeria in the period 1981 to 2023, utilising the Cobb-Douglas production function as a framework for analysis. The equations were estimated with the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) estimator. The urban population growth rate was used as a proxy for urbanization (UBAN), whereas carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions were used to represent climatic change. Empirical results showed a direct and significant impact of urbanization on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The nonrenewable energy consumption (NREC) variable also had a direct and significant impact on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. While renewable energy consumption (REC) had an indirect and insignificant impact on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, Domestic investment (GFCF) had an indirect and significant impact on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Also, population growth (LAB) rate had a direct and insignificant effect on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Based on the aforementioned results, the government should prioritise urban planning, this can balance the demand for urban growth with the need to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, thereby addressing climate change in Nigeria. Also, there should be strategic investments in green technologies, sustainable infrastructure, and energy-efficient systems in Nigeria. Despite its high cost, it has the potential to cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and prevent climate change.