Fundamentally, it will let people trade energy amongst themselves, putting control into the hands of those consuming energy, rather than purely those who supply it. This, in turn, creates a bigger push towards more renewable energy projects: wind, solar and hydro producers can easily connect directly with investors – a distributed system, it allows for the middleman to be removed. As well as this, Blockchain technology lets energy producers make more money by issuing energy tokens that can either be consumed or resold, creating a clean, multidimensional grid.

“Blockchain lets energy producers make more money by issuing energy tokens that can either be consumed or resold, creating a clean, multidimensional grid.”

Blockchain technology, therefore, creates a decentralised energy sharing economy, where power can be exchanged between peers, stabilising the grid. Blockchain technology will allow for a more secure, cost efficient, low carbon grid – forging a stronger path towards a zero-carbon world. Blockchain expertise is invaluable in the Renewable Energy sector. 

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In today’s rapidly changing world, the importance of sustainable development has become more evident than ever before. To address pressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation, the United Nations introduced the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These 17 interconnected goals provide a roadmap for a sustainable and equitable future. One of the most potent tools to achieve these ambitious goals is youth education. In this comprehensive blog, we will delve into the learning objectives that should guide youth education for the SDGs, shaping informed and empowered global citizens capable of driving positive change.

Learning Objective 1: Awareness and Understanding

The foundation of any education related to the Sustainable Development Goals is to instill awareness and a deep understanding of these goals:

1. Introducing the SDGs: Begin by ensuring that young learners are well-acquainted with the 17 SDGs, their specific objectives, and their broader significance. Each goal addresses a unique global challenge, from ending poverty to conserving marine life.
2. Interconnectedness: Emphasize the interconnected nature of these goals. Encourage students to recognize that the success of one goal often hinges on progress in others. This approach fosters a holistic understanding of sustainability.
3. Local and Global Context: Make the SDGs relevant on both local and global scales. Show how individual and community actions can contribute to global progress while addressing local challenges simultaneously.

Learning Objective 2: Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving

To effectively address the complex and multifaceted challenges the world faces, youth education should cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving skills:

1. Analyzing Complex Issues: Encourage students to analyze real-world problems through the lens of the SDGs. This involves considering various perspectives, investigating root causes, and exploring potential solutions.
2. Innovative Thinking: Promote creativity and innovation in devising sustainable solutions to challenges. Nurture an entrepreneurial mindset that sees problems as opportunities for positive change.
3. Ethical Decision-Making: Guide students in making ethical decisions that weigh the social, environmental, and economic impacts of their choices. Help them develop a strong sense of responsibility towards future generations.

Learning Objective 3: Active Citizenship and Engagement

Youth should be empowered to become active and engaged citizens, participating in efforts to advance the SDGs:

1. Community Involvement: Encourage students to take action within their communities. This might involve volunteer work, local initiatives, or advocacy campaigns that align with the SDGs.
2. Participation in Global Initiatives: Teach students about international efforts related to the SDGs, such as the Paris Agreement on climate change, and how they can engage in global initiatives.
3. Advocacy and Policy Engagement: Equip students with the skills needed to advocate for policy changes at various levels of government. Show them the power of civic engagement in shaping policies that drive sustainable development.

Learning Objective 4: Sustainability Literacy

Promote sustainability literacy as a fundamental component of SDG-focused education:

1. Environmental Literacy: Educate students about environmental issues, including climate change, biodiversity loss, deforestation, and resource conservation. Make them aware of the impacts of human activities on the planet.
2. Economic and Social Literacy: Help students understand the economic and social dimensions of sustainability, such as poverty reduction, gender equality, inclusive economic growth, and social justice.
3. Scientific and Technological Literacy: Familiarize students with scientific and technological advancements that can contribute to sustainable development, such as renewable energy technologies and sustainable agriculture practices.

Learning Objective 5: Empathy and Cultural Competence

Cultivate empathy and cultural competence in students:

1. Appreciating Diverse Perspectives: Encourage students to appreciate diverse cultures, experiences, and viewpoints. Emphasize that sustainable development is a global effort, requiring collaboration across borders and cultures.
2. Empathy for Vulnerable Communities: Foster empathy for vulnerable communities that are disproportionately affected by poverty, inequality, and environmental challenges. Inspire students to take action to address these issues and advocate for social justice.

Conclusion

Youth education for the Sustainable Development Goals is not merely a means of imparting knowledge; it’s an investment in our shared future. By focusing on these critical learning objectives, educators can equip young learners with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to become informed, engaged, and empathetic global citizens. Empowered with awareness, critical thinking abilities, active citizenship, sustainability literacy, and empathy, the next generation can be the driving force behind positive change. They hold the key to achieving the SDGs and forging a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous world for all. In educating our youth, we empower the future.

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Prof. Eli Jidere Bala, Director-General/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) stated to The Nation Newspaper. That we can achieve Nigeria’s goal of accelerating economic growth at a rate between 11% & 13%; through the exploitation of alternative sources of energy. He added that utilizing an alternative source of energy is essential. Especially to the country’s goal of being one of the top 20 economies in the world by 2020. Solar, wind, biomass, hydropower, ocean wave, tidal, and geothermal are a few such alternative energy sources. They are crucial to Nigeria’s economic growth.

In the same vein, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola. The wife of the former Governor of Lagos State, asserted that due to their environmental friendliness. There has never been a better time to adopt alternative energy sources. She suggested that Nigeria should investigate the possibility of turning garbage into energy through the State Ministry of Environment. Where waste is used to create power in various markets. She claims that alternative energy sources are not only more affordable and healthier but also have access to raw resources.

According to Dr. Ogbonnya Onu, Minister of Science and Technology, the Federal Government is actively looking into an alternative source of energy. According to Onu, his ministry is promoting research and study innovations in wind energy, biomass energy, solar energy, and hydropower. This is so that the nation may utilize resources that will not be depleted over time. Also, he continued by saying that Nigeria needed to diversify its energy supply. Hence, he pointed out that one area in which the nation had a huge edge was renewable energy. Onu, said that the investigation of renewable energy cannot only produce jobs but also increase wealth and lessen poverty in rural regions.

Dr. Ayoade Adewopo also stated in a statement published by the PUNCH Newspaper. This was after he gave a lecture at a roundtable conference on “Sustainable Development for Nigeria: Factors militating against her progress and the way forward”. He maintained that one of the main causes of Nigeria’s economy’s failure to expand is insufficient power generation. This is due to the electricity problem harming local enterprises and impairing the livelihoods of peasant farmers, craftspeople, and market vendors. Meanwhile, these individuals ought to have been actively advancing the nation through their activities.

Read Also: The Best Source of Energy

He suggested that the Federal Government should de-regulate the energy industry. Also, provide the states with the freedom to produce and research any alternative source of energy. Which could be solar, wind, biomass, coal, hydro or gas, to aid their populations’ consumption on their terms and at their speed. Additionally, in Nigeria, experts have emphasised how renewable energy sources can satisfy the nation’s energy demands. While simultaneously fostering economic growth and minimising environmental effects.

Furthermore, by 2026, the annual worldwide demand for biofuels is expected to have reached 186 billion litres. This was according to the Director General, who spoke on behalf of the Deputy Director of NABDA, Dr Shakirat Ajenifuja-Solebo. By comparison, the demand for biofuels increased by 28%. Also, Abdullahi Mustapha, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Biotechnology Development Agency, spoke about the number of biofuels predicted to be consumed in 2030. Saying it is 45% made up of wastes, residues, and special crops that did not compete with food crops.

Hence, Mustapha pointed out that Nigeria may achieve self-sufficiency in the domain of alternative source of energy. Especially if it could sustainably utilise indigenous bioenergy capacity and relevant technologies like biotechnology. He continued by saying that this will reduce carbon emissions and improve the nation’s trash management.

More so, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), expressed his viewpoint on The Cable. He urged Nigeria and other African nations to invest in alternative source of energy for growth. He also said that using alternative energy sources may aid in reducing poverty, enhancing energy security, and halting climate change. Massive expenditures should be on a variety of energy sources, such as gas, hydropower, and large-scale solar arrays. So, this will assist industrial mini-grids to concentrate electricity in industrial zones. It will also help to guarantee reliable baseload power for companies, and direct power preferentially to industries.

Anu Ogunro, on Business Day Nigeria has argued for the adoption of alternative energy sources like solar and wind power to address Nigeria’s energy demands. In contrast to conventional sources like oil and gas, he contends that solar and wind power are more ecologically benign and sustainable. Thus, He has demanded an improve in government assistance for the growth of alternative source of energy in the nation. Anu, also said that incentives and regulations that promote investment in renewable energy can help Nigerians innovate and build new employment. He thinks renewable energy technology can aid in bridging Nigeria’s energy access gap and lessen reliance on the national grid.

Final Note

The utilisation of alternative source of energy is becoming more crucial as the globe struggles to address issues. Such as climate change, energy security, and sustainable development. Experts in Nigeria are increasingly in agreement that spending on alternative energy sources can help promote innovation, provide employment opportunities. As well as expand access to power in both urban and rural regions.

To overcome the obstacles to the adoption of alternative energy sources. However, there are still many obstacles we need to address. Such obstacles include the need for greater research, funding, and government backing. Ultimately, we need a coordinated effort from decision-makers, industry leaders, and society as a whole to make the transition to a more sustainable and resilient energy system in Nigeria easier and possible.

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