The Impact of Technological Advancement on Sustainable Development in Nigeria
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Sustainable development has gained global attention as a critical issue in achieving a balance between economic, social, and environmental development for present and future generations (Adeniran, Adeniran, & Ola-David, 2022; United Nations, 2023). In Nigeria, the achievement of sustainable development has become a pressing issue due to the negative impact of technological advancement on the environment (Oyewunmi & Odusami, 2022; Uzochukwu, Uzochukwu, & Agu, 2023). Although technological advancement has been a key driver of economic growth in the country, it has also contributed significantly to environmental degradation (Adeniran, Adeniran, & Ola-David, 2022; Oyewunmi & Odusami, 2022). Nigeria, like many developing countries, has experienced rapid technological advancement in recent years, but this has come at a significant cost to the environment (Uzochukwu, Uzochukwu, & Agu, 2023). Therefore, there is a need to examine the impact of technological advancement on sustainable development in Nigeria and identify ways to promote sustainable development while maintaining economic growth.
According to the World Bank, Nigeria is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, with an annual GDP growth rate of about 2.3% in 2022 (World Bank, 2022). This growth is largely due to technological advancements in various sectors, including agriculture, telecommunications, and manufacturing. However, the downside of this growth is the significant negative impact on the environment, which poses a threat to sustainable development. The increased demand for energy, transportation, and other resources has led to environmental degradation, air and water pollution, deforestation, and climate change.
Environmental degradation resulting from technological advancement has led to health issues and economic inequality in Nigeria. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), oil exploration activities in the Niger Delta region have caused significant environmental pollution, affecting the health and livelihoods of the local communities (UNEP, 2023). The lack of proper regulations and policies to control and manage the negative environmental impact of technological advancement in Nigeria has resulted in the concentration of pollution in low-income areas, leading to economic inequality.
To promote sustainable development in Nigeria, there is a need to identify the impact of technological advancement on sustainable development and the environment. A study by Ogbuigwe and Onyekuru (2022) found that technological advancement has resulted in increased energy consumption and emissions, leading to environmental degradation and negative impacts on public health. They recommend the implementation of policies and regulations to reduce energy consumption, promote renewable energy, and regulate emissions from industries to mitigate the negative impact of technological advancement on the environment and promote sustainable development.
Furthermore, the study by Ogbuigwe and Onyekuru (2022) recommends the adoption of sustainable technologies that can promote sustainable development while maintaining economic growth. Sustainable technologies such as renewable energy, waste management, and eco-friendly production processes can reduce the negative impact of technological advancement on the environment while promoting sustainable development. The adoption of sustainable technologies will require the implementation of policies and regulations that promote sustainable practices, incentivize sustainable technology adoption, and promote sustainable business practices.
In addition, there is a need for public awareness and education on sustainable development and its importance for the present and future generations. According to a study by Okeke and Nwakwasi (2022), public awareness and education on sustainable development are crucial for promoting sustainable practices and reducing the negative impact of technological advancement on the environment. They recommend the implementation of sustainable development education in schools, public awareness campaigns, and community engagement programs to promote sustainable development practices.
Technological advancement has played a vital role in the economic growth of Nigeria, but its negative impact on the environment poses a significant threat to sustainable development (Oyewunmi & Odusami, 2022; Uzochukwu, Uzochukwu, & Agu, 2023). The negative impact of technological advancement on the environment has led to health issues, economic inequality, and environmental degradation (Oyewunmi & Odusami, 2022; Uzochukwu, Uzochukwu, & Agu, 2023). The effects of technological advancement on the environment have been evident in Nigeria, with pollution and environmental degradation being some of the significant environmental challenges facing the country (Adeniran, Adeniran, & Ola-David, 2022).
To promote sustainable development, there is a need for policies and regulations that promote sustainable practices and the adoption of sustainable technologies (Oyewunmi & Odusami, 2022). Policies and regulations that promote sustainable practices can reduce the negative impact of technological advancement on the environment, leading to a sustainable economic growth trajectory (Uzochukwu, Uzochukwu, & Agu, 2023). Furthermore, public awareness and education on sustainable development are crucial for promoting sustainable development in Nigeria. Increased public awareness and education will lead to behavioural changes, promoting sustainable practices in the country (Adeniran, Adeniran, & Ola-David, 2022).
In addition to policies, regulations, public awareness, and education, community engagement programs are necessary for promoting sustainable development in Nigeria. Community engagement programs can create a sense of ownership of the environment, leading to active participation in promoting sustainable practices (Uzochukwu, Uzochukwu, & Agu, 2023). These programs can also help in identifying the specific environmental challenges facing communities and implementing sustainable solutions to address them.
The implementation of these measures will promote sustainable development while maintaining economic growth in Nigeria. Policies and regulations that promote sustainable practices will lead to a sustainable economic growth trajectory, while public awareness and education will lead to behavioural changes that promote sustainable practices. Community engagement programs will create a sense of ownership of the environment, leading to active participation in promoting sustainable practices (Adeniran, Adeniran, & Ola-David, 2022).
Problem Statement
Technological advancement has brought about various problems for sustainable development in Nigeria, which are multi-faceted and interconnected. One of the significant issues is the impact of technological advancement on the environment. Nigeria’s technological advancement has come at a significant cost to the environment, resulting in various environmental problems, such as air and water pollution, deforestation, and climate change. These environmental problems have had a detrimental effect on the health and well-being of Nigerians and have also affected the country’s natural resources which are critical for economic growth. For example, air pollution is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, which can cause death in severe cases. The destruction of forests has led to soil erosion and desertification, which affects agricultural productivity and increases the risk of food insecurity. Additionally, climate change has resulted in extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, and heat waves, which have had a significant impact on the country’s economy and population.
Another significant problem associated with technological advancement is income inequality and poverty. The economic benefits of technological advancement have not been equitably distributed, leading to income inequality and poverty. For example, the benefits of economic growth have been concentrated in urban areas, leading to a significant income gap between urban and rural populations. This has resulted in poverty, with a significant portion of the population living below the poverty line. This economic inequality can be attributed to various factors, such as inadequate access to education and training, lack of access to finance, and lack of employment opportunities.
Finally, the lack of effective policies and regulations to promote sustainable development in Nigeria is another significant problem. Although various policies and regulations exist, they are often not adequately implemented, enforced, or monitored. This has led to a lack of accountability, which has resulted in various environmental problems and economic inequality. The government needs to develop and implement effective policies and regulations that promote sustainable practices and encourage the adoption of sustainable technologies. Public awareness and education on sustainable development are also crucial to promote sustainable development in Nigeria. Additionally, community engagement programs are essential to encourage local communities to take ownership of sustainable development initiatives and drive sustainable development at the grassroots level.
Research Questions
The following research questions will guide the study:
- What is the impact of technological advancement on sustainable development in Nigeria?
- What are the environmental consequences of technological advancement in Nigeria?
- What policies and regulations are necessary to promote sustainable development in Nigeria?
Objectives of the Study
The main objective of the study is to examine the impact of technological advancement on sustainable development in Nigeria. The specific objectives are:
- To identify the impact of technological advancement on sustainable development in Nigeria.
- To assess the environmental consequences of technological advancement in Nigeria.
- To recommend policies and regulations necessary to promote sustainable development in Nigeria.
Research Hypotheses
The following research hypotheses will guide the study:
- Technological advancement does not have a significant negative impact on sustainable development in Nigeria.
- The environmental consequences of technological advancement in Nigeria are not severe.
- Effective policies and regulations are not necessary to promote sustainable development in Nigeria.
Scope of the Study
The study will focus on the impact of technological advancement on sustainable development in Nigeria. It will examine the environmental consequences of technological advancement in the country and recommend policies and regulations necessary to promote sustainable development.
Significance of the Study
The study is significant for several reasons. First, it will contribute to the existing literature on sustainable development in Nigeria by examining the impact of technological advancement on sustainable development. Second, it will provide policymakers with recommendations for promoting sustainable development in the country. Finally, the study will raise awareness among Nigerians about the importance of sustainable development and the need for effective policies and regulations to promote it.
Organization of the Study
The study is divided into five chapters. Chapter One provides an introduction to the study, including the background, problem statement, research questions, objectives, hypotheses, scope, and significance of the study. Chapter two provides a literature review on sustainable development, technological advancement, and its impact on the environment. Chapter three describes the research methodology used in the study, including data collection and analysis techniques. Chapter four presents the results of the study, data analysis, and discussion of findings. Finally, chapter five provides a conclusion to the study, including a summary of findings, conclusions, recommendations, and suggestions for further studies.
REFERENCES
- Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). (2021). How to Do Electric Cars Work? Retrieved from https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/how-do-electric-cars-work
- United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2021). Clean Energy. Retrieved from https://www.unep.org/resources/factsheet/clean-energy
- WCED. (1987). Our Common Future: Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development. United Nations.
- WHO. (2021). Ambient air pollution: Health impacts. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/ambient-air-pollution-health-impacts
- World Wildlife Fund (WWF). (2021). Electric Vehicles: Driving Towards a Cleaner Future. Retrieved from https://www.worldwildlife.org/pages/electric-vehicles-driving-towards-a-cleaner-future.
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