Thomas Berry’s Idea of Technological Transformation: Its Relevance to the Management of Oil Technology in Nigeria’s Niger Delta

Abstract

Nigeria’s Niger Delta, which produces the oil and gas that have made the country the twelfth largest oil producer in the world, has suffered from environmental degradation caused by oil and gas exploration involving the use of technologies that are very often applied without consideration for the health and well-being of the entire ecosphere. This paper argues that the ideas of the eco-philosopher, Thomas Berry, on technological transformation can be helpful in mitigating such damage in the Niger Delta. The paper concludes that oil technology is not essentially undesirable, but can actually be used to positively transform the Niger Delta. The paper contributes to efforts at promoting ecological conservation.

Key Words

Thomas Berry, Technology, Oil, Niger Delta, environment, philosophy