Transfer of environmentally sound technologies from the developed to the developing countries remains hotly debated in global climate change negotiations. How to create incentives for expanded use of existing and next generation low-carbon technologies have polarised poor and rich countries in the climate negotiations. These technology issues are particularly important for Nigeria.
The Copenhagen negotiations did not produce all the desired result from a Nigerian perspective. However, the Copenhagen Accord establishes a ‘Technology Mechanism’ to accelerate technology development and transfer in support of climate change adaptation and mitigation. This mechanism is to be guided by domestic actions and national circumstances and priorities. This is a single step in a million kilometre journey.
The objective of the technology mechanism within the new Accord is to implement an immediate and urgent delivery of development, deployment, diffusion and transfer of low-carbon technologies to the developing countries.
This mechanism is expected to comprise the following: (a). An Executive Body on Technology comprised of technical panels, strategic planning committee, verification group and a secretariat; (b) A Multilateral Climate Change Fund to support a list of activities ;(c) Technology Incentive for Development and Transfer ; and (d) Technology Capacity Building Program.
The functions of the Mechanism would include, among other things, the acceleration of the development, demonstration, deployment, adoption, diffusion and transfer of environmentally sound technologies; monitor and access the financial support and performance of development and transfer of environmentally sound technologies in terms of speed, range and size. It also includes the removal of barriers for technology development and transfer and promoting the establishment of national and regional technology innovation centres and networks.
The result of the Copenhagen Accord on technology issues is particularly important for Nigeria. Over the years, there is a significant decline in technology innovation and development in the country. This has been driven by poor government funding, decline in industrial output and lack of research and development. This has affected priority areas such as energy, industrial, agricultural and other technologies. The agreement in Copenhagen provides fresh opportunities to begin to address these issues.
Low carbon technologies are particularly important to Nigeria. Not only will these technologies reduce environmental degradation, especially gas flaring in the Niger Delta, it would boost energy supply and industrial growth. A technology mechanism will help in strengthening institutions and personnel capacity of Nigerians in identifying technologies for adaptation and mitigation, most importantly, improving on local technologies. Funding opportunities for green technologies, expert collaboration of regional centres of excellence will be made available.
The Mechanism also has as a priority, improving the understanding of the roles of ocean in climate change, and the effects of climate change marine biodiversity, marine ecosystems and coastal communities. This particular function of the Mechanism will immensely benefit Nigeria in those coastal areas where coastal erosion, ocean surge and loss of aquatic splendour hold sway.
However, while expectations are high as to the delivery of technology transfer by this international mechanism, Nigeria should not lose sight of her own domestic responsibilities. Nigeria should first of all identify its climate change technology needs assessment (TNA). This TNA should be based on national development priorities and needs. This will also create a synergy between greenhouse gas reduction and economic development.
Government policies to support the creation of enabling environment for innovation, research, development and deployment of technology in the country should be enacted. These policies could include transparent and legal institutions, macroeconomic policy frameworks, as well as institutional capacities to adapt to changes. The Climate Change Commission that is currently being created can play a significant role.
The country should encourage Public Private Partnership in funding innovation, research and development of green technologies. Existing technology research centres should be encouraged to improve on the indigenous green technologies that have been identified, while government should increase surveillance on our international borders to deter the importation of obsolete technologies into the country.
Nigeria has the potential of growing her economy through green technologies, if she musters the political will to embrace this new opportunity.
