Lagos to adapt to climate impact-Sanwo-Olu

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday said that the state under his watch is in constant discussion with the private sector, development partners and donor organizations, to find solutions and ways to better adapt to climate impact, with special emphasis on protecting women, children and people with disabilities.

He stated this while speaking at the Lagos State 9th International Climate Change Summit with the theme; ‘Integrating Climate Action in Lagos State Development: Investment Opportunities and Trade-Offs’ at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The governor said that the conference is one of the many manifestations of the state’s keenness to engage and collaborate.

Sanwo-Olu who was represented by Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, his Deputy said: “We have recognized 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.”

The governor said last year, the State took a giant leap by launching the Lagos Climate Action Plan, which was the second Five-Year Plan, covering 2020 – 2025, adding that the 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.

“For example, there is the recently awarded grant by the UK Government (Future Cities Nigeria) to the Lagos State Waterways Authority to improve the ferry services across the State, which will further support our efforts to provide a truly multi-modal transport network for Lagos, with consequent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions associated with road transportation,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu added that Lagos State has also embarked on the journey of updating its Development Plan, incorporating climate adaptation and mitigation components in each sector.

“We also have the Lagos Climate Action Plan, which requires adopting and mainstreaming into all that we do: our policy-making, as the public sector, and your business and investment strategies as the private sector,” he said.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello, in his welcome address said that the event over the years has served as a conveyor of opinions and suggestions on how to manage the planet against the deadly impact of climate change with special attention to the state.

He said that climate change is the most pressing concern facing the planet and that in recent times, countries across the globe and Lagos inclusive have witnessed extreme weather events, ranging from heat waves to extreme storms, sea level rise, droughts, floods and wildlifes as a result of increasing greenhouse gas concentrations.

Bello stated that the theme for this year’s summit demonstrates the state’s commitment to climate action as a state and how new vistas of opportunities can be opened and that it promises to be action-oriented.