Lagos pledges commitment to Paris Agreement

Towards building capacity for implementation of ambitious climate action, Lagos State Government has launched the C40 Climate Action Planning Africa Programme.

The programme provides direct support to the nine African cities in developing unprecedented, robust and evidence-based long-term climate action plans that align with the objectives of the Paris Agreement.

The support includes a dedicated city advisor based in each city, a series of workshops, and access to expert technical advice as needed. Nairobi and Abidjan have also joined the programme and are anticipated to submit their climate action commitments soon.

Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti who spoke at the launch in Ikeja urged entrepreneurs in the state to harness budding business opportunities inherent in the climate change challenge.

The Commissioner, who represented the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, said efforts to combat climate change would receive a boost when entrepreneurs recognise and seize opportunities in areas such as food security, waste reduction and renewable energy in conformity with current adaptation and mitigation measures.

He said that the Lagos State Government was committed to harmonizing its economic policies with environmental policies, adding that it was such consideration that informed the massive greening programme, landscaping and establishment of Parks and Gardens as well as the transport sector reform among others.

He also identified initiatives of the State Government in other areas as strong environmental advocacy, reform of the solid waste management system, improved transportation system to reduce vehicular emission as well as the promotion of the use of renewable energy.

Durosinmi-Etti extolled the C40 group for the laudable initiative to implement meaningful and sustainable climate related actions in Africa, stressing that the initiative was structured to support 10 megacities in Africa to develop and implement climate action plans that address the goals of the Paris Agreement.