Potential and Legal Challenges of the Metaverse for Environmental Awareness and Sustainability in Nigeria: A Comparative Analysis with Singapore

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25041/aelr.v5i1.3230

Abstract

The Metaverse offered a novel and immersive platform where Nigerian users engaged with virtual environments that mirrored the physical world or even transcended its confines, similar to Singapore's adoption in its economy. This digital realm provided a unique opportunity for individuals and organizations to simulate and visualize the environmental consequences of human activities, thereby deepening awareness of ecological issues. Virtual reality simulations and immersive educational experiences empowered users to witness the ramifications of environmental degradation, motivating them to adopt eco-friendly practices in their daily lives. However, the realization of the Metaverse's potential for promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices faced various legal challenges. This research employed a hybrid research approach, combining both doctrinal and non-doctrinal methods, to assess the prospects and legal issues surrounding the use of the Metaverse as a catalyst for environmental awareness and sustainability. A total of 304 questionnaires were distributed to Nigerian respondents, and data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical methods. The findings revealed that the burgeoning Metaverse had the potential to play a pivotal role in advancing environmental awareness and sustainable practices, contributing to the mitigation of climate change. Nonetheless, several challenges, such as data privacy, security issues, regulatory concerns related to the Metaverse, digital illiteracy, and insufficient funding for incorporating Metaverse technology, might hinder its effective utilization for promoting environmental awareness and sustainability. It was concluded that the Metaverse possessed transformative power to enhance environmental awareness and sustainable practices in Nigeria. Furthermore, drawing insights from Singapore's experiences in the Metaverse highlighted potential lessons and inspiration for Nigeria as it embarked on this journey of environmental awareness and sustainability through immersive digital experiences.

Keywords:

Environmental, Legal, Metaverse, Nigeria, Sustainable Practice

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Authors

  • Paul Atagamen Aidonojie Edo State University, Uzairue, Nigeria
  • Toyin Afolabi Majekodunmi Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria
  • Eregbuonye Obieshi Edo State University Uzairue, Nigeria
  • Omolola Janet Adeyemi-Balogun Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria

Published

2024-04-30

How to Cite

Aidonojie, Paul Atagamen, Toyin Afolabi Majekodunmi, Eregbuonye Obieshi, and Omolola Janet Adeyemi-Balogun. 2024. “Potential and Legal Challenges of the Metaverse for Environmental Awareness and Sustainability in Nigeria: A Comparative Analysis With Singapore”. Administrative and Environmental Law Review 5 (1):33-58. https://doi.org/10.25041/aelr.v5i1.3230.

Issue

Section

Articles

Author Biographies

Toyin Afolabi Majekodunmi, Olabisi Onabanjo University

Law Lecturer/Researcher

Faculty of Law, Ago-Iwoye

Olabisi Onabanjo University

Ogun State, Nigeria

Eregbuonye Obieshi, Edo State University Uzairue

Law Lecturer

Edo State University

Faculty of Law Uzairue

Edo State, Nigeria

Omolola Janet Adeyemi-Balogun, Olabisi Onabanjo University

Law Lecturer

Olabisi Onabanjo University

Faculty of Law,

Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria