Title:
Urbanization and Climate Change in Nigeria

Authors:
Donatus Otaigbe ONOGBOSELE, Ebikabowei Biedomo ADUKU, Nigeria

Abstract:

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.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.51505/IJEBMR.2025.9305