Assessment of the Impact of Vehicular Carbon Dioxide Emissions on Climate Change in Zaria Metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

Urban transport is one of the key contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in rapidly developing cities. In Zaria metropolis, three nodes are identified to be hotspots for carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gas emissions. They are: Kofar Doka Cloverleaf, PZ Junction, and Flyover at Kwangila. This study assessed CO2 emission levels at the three designated spots. Temperature rise at the spots was attributed to the increased CO2 emission. A multi-user instrument for measuring greenhouse gases Multi-Gas Analyser (Model: Testo 350 Portable Emission Analyser), was used to measure the CO2 levels. The analyser was calibrated before each session to ensure accuracy. Surface temperature conditions from NiMET; standards from NESREA, and the WMO, were compared with the data collected from the field, and correlation and regression analysis were carried out. Findings indicated the concentrations of carbon dioxide above the world average. They are: 455 ppm, 586 ppm, and 620 ppm for Kofar Doka, PZ, and Kwangila, respectively. Findings further revealed a significant correlation between vehicular density and carbon dioxide concentration at (r = 0.81, p < 0.05) and CO₂ concentration, and a moderate correlation (r = 0.67, p < 0.05) between mean temperature and CO₂ levels, revealing significant local warming effects. The study concluded that vehicular emissions highly increase the climate change vulnerability in the transport sector of Zaria Metropolis. The study therefore recommended the provision of efficient public transport systems, emission testing, and urban greening to mitigate impacts.