Human Excess, Not Carbon, Fuels Climate Woes – Prof. Usman

Professor Mohammed Awwalu Usman has challenged the popularly held notion that carbon emissions is the primary reason behind climate change.
Prof. Usman made the assertion at the University of Lagos’ 19th Inaugural Lecture for the 2024/2025 session, where he made a compelling argument that invited a more nuanced conversation about the future of sustainability.
In his lecture, Is Carbon Truly as Guilty as Charged?, Prof. Usman argued that inefficient human systems and wasteful practices are more to blame for environmental damage.
He urged a shift from demonising carbon to fixing the processes and behaviours that misuse resources. Drawing from five major research studies, he showcased solutions such as retrofitting refineries, integrating food and energy policies, turning waste into valuable products, and creating greener industrial systems.
Professor Usman is an astute Professor of Process Systems Engineering at the University of Lagos. His major research area is in Process Systems Engineering with focus on resources conservation.