Pursue sustainable technology, solutions to end climate crisis, stakeholders told

• NSE advocates policies, investment in renewable energy projects
Experts, under the umbrella of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), yesterday, tasked stakeholders to use sustainable technology and energy solutions to address the global climate crisis impacting the country.

Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Christiana Ijagbemi, led the call at the sixth edition of Olutumbi Joanna Maduka’s yearly lecture, entitled:”Sustainable Technology and Energy Solutions in Climate Change”, organised by APWEN in Lagos.

Maduka, who turned 84 years old, was the founder of APWEN, its pioneer president and the first female president of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering.

She explained that sustainable technology and energy solutions were indispensable tools in the fight against climate change and the pursuit of a resilient future, noting that by harnessing the power of innovation, collaboration, and collective action, Nigerians could transition to a low-carbon economy, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and build thriving, sustainable communities for generations to come.

She said climate change was one of the most pressing challenges of the present time, with far-reaching impacts on ecosystems, economies, and communities worldwide.

Represented by Prof Temitope Odetoye, she said the accumulation of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, in the earth’s atmosphere, would trap heat and lead to global warming. This warming, in turn, ljagbemi noted, would cause shifts in weather patterns, rising sea levels, more frequent and severe extreme weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems and biodiversity.

However, she observed that sustainable technology, which encompasses a wide range of innovations and practices designed to minimise environmental impact while meeting human needs could be deployed.

“Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power, offer clean alternatives to fossil fuels, reducing carbon emissions and dependence on finite resources. Energy-efficient buildings employ technologies like smart thermostats, efficient lighting, and advanced insulation to minimise energy consumption and lower operating costs,” she said.

President of APWEN, Dr Adebisi Osim, represented by Mrs Patricia Odili, said by implementing a combination of sustainable technology and energy solutions and incentives, governments can effectively promote the widespread adoption of sustainable technology and energy solutions, ultimately contributing to the fight against climate change.

President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mrs Margaret Oguntala, said the theme of the lecture was a reminder of the urgent need to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change impacting every aspect of lives, from environmental degradation, economic downturns to decline in social wellbeing.

In her remarks, the Guest of Honour, Marie Fatayi-Williams, described the celebrant as a caring mother and wife who excelled in a male-dominated profession.

According to her, with the climate-induced challenges faced by people, especially women, technological solutions are needed to curb such problems.

She advanced the need for people to love God, their neighbours and the environment, noting that when one of the three is missing, there will be a crisis.

Also speaking, the celebrant, Mrs. Maduka lauded APWEN, friends and families for honouring her through the yearly lecture.

She challenged young engineers to be hard working and persevere to survive in the profession and live behind indelible marks in the sands of time.