Exploitation of Carbon Energy and the Integrity of Protected Rainforest Areas in Nigeria
Ewah, J. O. PhD

Abstract
Exploitation of fuel wood in pre-colonial Africa did not affect ecological balance. Carbon generated was sunk into living trees in exchange for oxygen. However, the coming of colonialism, industrial revolution, introduction of scientific or industrial forestry and urbanization has substantially altered the balance between exploitation and forest sustainability. The impact of fuel wood exploitation on protected areas in Nigeria and beyond on the environment is degrading. The study identified climate change and global warming as products of deforestation enhanced through charcoal and fuel wood exploitation. The study traced the origin of fuel wood and charcoal business in Nigeria and suggested alternatives to fuel wood that will enhanced the sustainability of the remaining rainforest areas in Nigeria and beyond. This study examined the form and content of fuel wood or biomass exploitation in different ecological zones in Nigeria and its impact on the integrity of the rainforest and savannah region in Nigeria. It also referred to environmental challenges such as climate change desertification global warming and floods as some of the major effects and contributions of fuel wood and charcoal to environmental degradation. The study emphasized the role of households and commercial exploitation in environmental abuse and suggests alternative methods such as renewable energy and stoves to check the negative effects of climate change, desertification and global warming in Nigeria and beyond.

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