The Energy and Well-being Symposium was convened on 30 March 2024, in Enugu, Nigeria. The event served as a key component of the ‘Energy, Health and Happiness’ project, part of the UKERC’s Whole Systems Networking Fund (Phase 4). The project fostered a dynamic platform for experts, researchers and academics from diverse disciplines. Their shared objective was to explore the intricate relationships between energy, well-being and sustainable development.
Opening and keynote addresses
The symposium commenced with opening remarks delivered by Dr Modupe Jimoh (UKERC | University of Warwick) and Dr Eleanya Nduka (UKERC | University of Warwick). This was followed by a series of keynote addresses from esteemed guests: Associate Professor Onyukwu E. Onyukwu (University of Nigeria), Professor Brit Grosskopf (University of Exeter) and Dr Juliana Carneiro (University of Warwick). Their insightful presentations encompassed a comprehensive range of topics, including the economic implications of energy consumption, the nexus between energy access and happiness, and the challenges of energy poverty and indoor air pollution.
Research presentations
Beyond the keynote addresses, the symposium offered a platform for the presentation of other research papers. These included:
- “Air Pollution and Economic Growth in SSA Countries: Implication on Population Health Outcome” by Dr Henry Asogwa (University of Nigeria)
- “Promoting Environmental Sustainability through Energy Transition, Natural Resource Rent and Economic Growth: Evidence from sub-Saharan Africa” by Dr Favor Onuoha and Dr Benedict Uzoechina (Evangel University and Nnamdi Azikwe University)
- “A Systematic Review on the Association between Domestic Biomass Fuel Use and Respiratory Diseases amongst under five Children in Nigeria” by Dr Abu-Talib Abdulsalam (ACE Strategy and Consults)
- “Energy Use, Climate Change, Institutions and Economic Growth in sub-Saharan Africa Countries” by Dr Ezebuilo Ukwueze (University of Nigeria)
Key takeaways from the presentations and discussions
- The detrimental impact of air pollution
A significant and demonstrably harmful effect was identified concerning air pollution. This impact affects women’s happiness, health, and well-being, and children’s development, especially in rural areas with prevalent use of dirty fuels and resulting indoor air pollution.
- Policy focus on clean energy access
The symposium emphasised the need for policymakers and stakeholders to prioritise initiatives that enhance household energy access. Additionally, promoting a shift towards clean cooking practices was identified as crucial for protecting women’s health and well-being.
- Educational campaigns for women and communities
Targeted campaigns were deemed essential to educate women and communities about the detrimental mental health consequences associated with the use of dirty cooking energy sources.
- Prioritizing research advancements
The importance of further research was underscored. Key areas include improved methods for measuring exposure to biomass fuels, addressing existing gaps in mortality measurement, and focusing on the time-activity patterns of children exposed to such pollutants.
- Leveraging Africa’s renewable energy potential
The discussions highlighted the critical role Africa’s abundant renewable energy resources can play. By harnessing these resources, Africa can meet the growing electricity demands of its population and economies, ultimately leading to a more sustainable environmental future.
- Driving the energy transition process
The symposium underscored the vital importance of building human capacity and skills, fostering balanced transformative decarbonization efforts, and financing and investing in renewable energy innovations. Additionally, establishing competent institutions and fostering strong human capital were identified as key drivers of a successful energy transition process.
