CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS FROM SHIPPING OPERATIONS INFLUENCES LIGHTNING IN NIGERIA’S COASTAL REGION

Abstract: Diesel engines from vessels employed for shipping operations produces carbon dioxide (Co2) emissions forming clouds in the atmosphere. As particulates accumulates and collides in the cloud, static electricity is formed. When the positive and negative charges meet, the resulting great spark is what is termed lightning. Lightning related fatalities and damages persists within the Nigerian coastal lines. The focus of this paper is to investigate why in Nigeria, shipping routes measuring about 750km experiences more lightning than some other regions. Secondary sources were used. The study reveals that the flash densities along the sea routes are higher, hence, high frequency of lightning incidents.. The paper posit that Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) should strategies agenda with a view to reducing Co2 emission from vessels entering Nigeria seaports as part of environmental protection efforts.

Keywords: Coastline, electricity, emission, lightning, ports, shipping,