In the heart of West Africa, a pressing issue is unfolding that could reshape not only the urban landscape of Burkina Faso but also the broader energy sector. Dr. Issaka Abdou Razakou Kiribou, a researcher at the Doctoral school of Informatics for Climate Change, University Joseph KI-ZERBO, and the Africa Centre of Excellence for climate Smart Agriculture and Biodiversity Conservation (ACE-Climate SABC) Haramaya University, has recently published a groundbreaking study in the Journal of Urban Mobility. This research delves into the intricate web of greenhouse gas emissions from road transport and urban mobility in Burkina Faso, revealing alarming trends that demand immediate attention.
The study, led by Dr. Kiribou, sheds light on the significant contributions of the road transportation sector to fossil fuel consumption in Burkina Faso, a country where the energy sector is already the largest consumer of fossil fuels. With a burgeoning urban population, the demand for transport and mobility is skyrocketing, leading to a surge in vehicle fleet growth and fuel consumption. The implications for the energy sector are profound, as the transport sector alone consumes a staggering 89% of the fossil fuels sold in the country. This revelation underscores the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions and climate change mitigation strategies.
Dr. Kiribou’s research highlights the dire environmental consequences of this trend. The city of Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, is grappling with significant gas emissions and air pollutants. The study reveals an average carbon dioxide (CO2) emission factor of 3.7623 kg/l for diesel vehicles and 3.270 kg/l for gasoline vehicles. In 2019, the transport sector produced a total of 1,034,513.84 tons of CO2. If current trends continue, the city is projected to emit a staggering 4,486,559.34 tons of CO2 by 2040, with gasoline and diesel contributing 62% and 38%, respectively.
The study also incorporates satellite NO2 emission data, revealing that the Central Business Division (CBD) of Ouagadougou City is particularly affected by high levels of tropospheric nitrogen dioxide. The average emission of 1.89 mol/m2 corresponds to 56 µg.m-3, which exceeds the World Health Organization’s (WHO) standard for annual average exposure. This finding is a stark reminder of the urgent need for environmental regulations and sustainable mobility solutions.
Dr. Kiribou emphasizes the commercial impacts of these findings for the energy sector. “The transport sector’s high fossil fuel consumption and resulting emissions pose significant challenges for energy providers and policymakers,” he says. “It’s crucial to develop strategies that reduce dependence on fossil fuels and promote cleaner energy sources.”
The study’s projections paint a grim picture of the future if no action is taken. However, they also present an opportunity for innovation and change. The energy sector, in collaboration with urban planners and policymakers, can leverage these findings to develop sustainable mobility solutions. This could include investing in electric vehicles, improving public transportation infrastructure, and promoting cleaner energy sources.
Dr. Kiribou’s research, published in the Journal of Urban Mobility, serves as a wake-up call for the energy sector and urban planners. It highlights the need for urgent action to mitigate the environmental impact of road transport and urban mobility in Burkina Faso. The study’s findings are a clarion call for sustainable urban mobility, underscoring the importance of climate change mitigation actions and environmental regulations. As the world grapples with the challenges of urbanization and climate change, Dr. Kiribou’s research offers a pathway forward, one that prioritizes sustainability and environmental stewardship.