Lagos setting the pace to tackle climate change with action plan

By Hauwa Ali

The Lagos State Government says it is updating its development plan to incorporate climate adaptation  in each sector of the state with its developed Lagos Climate Action Plan, to mitigate and combat climate change.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said this at the Lagos State 9th International Climate Change Summit, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, on Tuesday in Lagos.

Themed: “Integrating Climate Actions in Lagos State Development: Investment Opportunities and Trade – offs” the summit was a call on need for government and stakeholders to accelerate development and adoption of innovative climate technologies.

According to the governor, represented by his Deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, the summit was an opportunity for government and private sectors to rob minds on issues affecting the environment and Lagos is setting the pace to tackle climate change with its action plan, would be done with special emphasis on protecting women, children and people with disabilities.

“The summit avails government and the private sector the opportunity to speak on various issues mitigating against the environment.

“We have recognised that inaction in the face of the devastating impact of Climate Change is not an option. No one will be left untouched. Even worse is the impact on the most vulnerable among us: Women, Children Persons living with Disabilities, the poor. These categories of people are bound to disproportionately bear the brunt of extreme weather events,” he said.

“Climate change, which is the most pressing effect on the environment, reflects the variations in the average daily weather conditions such as temperature, humidity, rainfall and sunshine of a location over an extended period.

“It also threatens the social and economic growth in sectors dependent on climatic conditions.

“To this end, the Lagos State Government in its proactive measure is setting the pace to tackle the issues of climate change with its action plan,” the governor said.

Sanwo-Olu explained that Lagos State being 2 meters below sea level, the launching of the Lagos Climate Action Plan: the second five-year plan, covering 2020 – 2025 had started to deliver great rewards.

“We are seeing the impact in everything from wildfires to rising sea levels and flooding, to intensifying heatwaves in places where such phenomena used to be unknown.

“Here in Lagos, our status as a littoral state puts us at the mercy of rising sea levels. It cannot be over-emphasized that we are witnessing the increasing interdependencies of systems. With each passing year, the risks of unabated climate change mount,” he stated.

“Last year, Lagos State took a giant leap by launching the Lagos Climate Action Plan: our second Five-Year Plan, covering 2020 – 2025. This plan highlights evidence-based and inclusive climate action that will help create a more resilient Lagos for all.

“In just a year, I can say with great confidence that the Lagos Climate Action Plan has started to deliver great and impactful rewards, including attracting the attention of critical supporters and partners.