Hydropower-Climate Change Nexus: The need for a New policy approach

Abstract

Hydropower as a major source of energy is a red flag for climate change given the numerous effects that development of hydropower projects could have on the environment. Governments have responded to the challenge of climate change through a number of approaches; including policies and legislation that border on environmental protection. Energy production and consumption are among the biggest culprits in climate change, notwithstanding, climate change and energy are currently disjointed in many West African countries. The disjoint between climate change, environment and hydropower policy is more obvious than in the past. There is need for cohesion and coordination among institutional role players. The national climate change plans and policies, environmental policies and hydropower development in some West African countries are compared to establish the need for enhanced policy cohesion and institutional integration in the bid to address climate change challenges. A review of existing legislation is made and recommendations for enhanced policy coordination, and integrating institutional frameworks to ensure concerted efforts are outlined.