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Effects of Renewable Energy Adoption on Public Health Outcomes in Nigeria's South-South Region

Obinya, C. D., Youdeowei, P. O., Gobo, A. E., Alazigha, N. , Dollah, O. C

Abstract

The worldwide transition to renewable energy is crucial for tackling environmental deterioration, climate change, and health issues related to reliance on fossil fuels. This research focused on the influence of renewable energy on public health and examined perceptions, possibilities, and obstacles concerning the energy shift in Nigeria's South-South area. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving 400 questionnaire participants and 60 interviewees chosen from six states in the region. The analysis of data included descriptive statistics, weighted means, chi-square assessments, and one-sample t-tests. The results showed that participants largely view renewable energy as significantly beneficial for public health (grand mean = 3.68). Renewable energy was linked to decreased air pollution, fewer respiratory diseases, enhanced indoor air quality, and reduced hospital admissions related to fossil fuel emissions. The one-sample t-test indicated a statistically significant positive influence of renewable energy on public health (t = 30.91, p < 0.05), which led to the dismissal of the null hypothesis. Nonetheless, concerns emerged about the environmental and health impacts of specific technologies, including wind energy and small-scale hydropower systems. Furthermore, the findings highlighted a strong awareness of the region's renewable energy capabilities (Decision Index = 2.67), especially regarding solar and biomass resources, along with a moderate endorsement for the local manufacturing of renewable energy technologies. Despite this potential, uptake is notably low due to insufficient government support, weak policy enforcement, inadequate infrastructure, and limited funding options. The chi-square analysis revealed no significant differences in how respondents viewed key aspects of the energy transition (χ2 = 10.22, p > 0.05), suggesting a common understanding of energy challenges in the area.The study concludes that renewable energy can provide considerable public health advantages and possesses significant developmental possibilities in Southern Nigeria; however, effective implementation faces limitations stemming from institutional and structural deficiencies. It advises enhanced policy frameworks, increased investment in renewable infrastructure, and improved public education to facilitate a sustainable energy transition in the region.

Keywords

RenewableEnergyAdoptionPublicHealth & Outcomes IJGEM IIARD International Journal of Geography & Environmental Management

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