Vincent Ezikornwor Weli and Ozabor Famous
The issues relating to the deleterious impacts of increase temperature has serious consequences on life supporting systems in the biosphere. This study determined the role of clean energy in lowering temperature in two Niger Delta Cities (Akure and Port-Harcourt) by using statistical downscaling technique. Expost-facto research design was adopted for the study. Mean air temperature data (1986-2015) were sourced from Nigerian Meteorological Agency, and predictors data were accessed from HadCM3 archive covering 139 years and for two grid boxes (3,31 and 2,31). Statistical downscaling model version 4.2.9 was applied in downscaling analysis, while Paired‘t’ test was used for hypotheses testing. Results indicate that, predictors for temperature in Akure were MSLP (r0.75 & Pr0.63), r500 (r0.69 & Pr0.51), Rhum (r0.79 & Pr0.62) & temp (r0.86 & Pr0.72), while those for Port-Harcourt were MSLP (r0.73 & Pr0.61), r500 (r0.64 & Pr0.53), r850 (r0.68 & Pr0.52) and temp (r0.71 & Pr0.65). During model validation (2001-2015), the monthly sub-model performed better for both NCEP (Akure, r20.97, RMSE, 0.25; Port-Harcourt r20.95, RMSE, 0.34) for both locations. Downscaled mean temperature for both locations revealed that with clean technology (B2 emission-scenario), Akure temperature dropped by 2.10C, while that of Port Harcourt dropped by 0.970C. This paper therefore advocates that gas flaring in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria be stopped and relevant laws enforced against breakers of them. Also, urban greening and the use of solar and hydro energy to supply electricity should be encouraged at all levels of government.