Transition to low emission automobiles and the legal effects on developing, oil exporting nations. A Nigerian perspective

Abstract or Introduction

This work is a consideration of the evolution of the transportation sector towards a more sustainable attitude. It aims to assess the international regulatory frameworks created to reduce the carbon footprint of the global automotive and transport sector, through the promotion of low emission standards and more innovative / sustainable methods in the transportation sector to be met by nations around the world. The effect of the evolving transportation sector on West African countries, and specifically in Nigeria will be evaluated.

Globally, the importance of the automotive sector cannot be overemphasized. A resulting effect of this booming sector however is its contribution to Greenhouse Gas emissions, which has become a situation of global environmental concern. Due to this, there have been new developments globally, and evolving emission laws and standards have been set and are being strictly followed by the West. According to the United Kingdom Energy Research Centre, UKERC, there lays the speculation that global “conventional oil” reserves will be curbed by depletion before 2030.

Primary consensus however is on the effects the transport sector has on the climate change and global warming phenomenon, the technological advancements in the sector which have been developed to help manage the effects of climate change and, the legal developments that have come about as a result of the developments and advancements. Climate change is one of the key global policy issues of our time. Transport is the sector from which it has been hardest to cut emissions and, to make substantial progress in the future, action will be required at all levels of government in all nations across the globe.