Ecological Footprint of Energy Consumption in Ijebu Ode, Nigeria

Abstract

Notwithstanding overwhelming evidence that shows how unsustainable energy consumption contributes to our already rising ecological footprint (EF), the situation is mostly unchanged worldwide, especially in developing countries with poor equipment for efficient energy generation, with a growing threat of global warming due to unsustainable energy consumption and its disastrous environmental effects. Therefore, this study sought to analyze the ecological footprint of energy consumption in Ijebu Ode. A descriptive cross-sectional method was employed, and primary data were sourced from systemically sampled 400 households using structured questionnaires, analyzed descriptively using Microsoft Excel, and inferentially using the ecological footprint mathematical model. Findings revealed the overall EF of energy consumption in Ijebu Ode at 0.07 gha/capita, constituting about 6.7% of the city EF share, with electricity having the major share (0.04 gha; 51.9%), followed by gas with a footprint of 0.02 gha (26%). The lowest of the energy footprints were kerosine, charcoal, and firewood, with 0.003 gha (3.9%), 0.002 gha (2.6%), and 0.001 gha (1.3%), respectively. Thus, we conclude that Ijebu Ode has sustainable energy consumption, and therefore calls for practical policy directives aimed at improving our natural gas distribution potential to facilitate household availability and affordability in light of our reputation as the highest natural gas reserve holder in Africa.