The 10th Lagos International Climate Change Summit, celebrated a decade of significant progress in climate action and sustainable development.
With the theme, “Accelerating Climate Finance and Championing Local Adaptation Initiatives,” it set the stage for crucial discussions and collaborations aimed at addressing the urgent climate crisis.
At the three-day summit, Human Settlements Officer for Anglophone West Africa and Manager Africa Urban Agenda, UN-Habitat commended the Lagos State government for its trailblazing commitment to climate change. While acknowledging the visionary leadership that has promoted climate actions and sustainable development in the state, emphasised that the global community recognises the right steps being implemented to salvage the state.
Advocating for women-driven solutions, she cited UN Women data indicating that globally, 80 percent of people displaced by climate change are women. She stressed that women, often at the forefront of managing household resources, are more susceptible to climate-related disruptions.
“Lagos State has consistently demonstrated leadership in climate action, setting a benchmark for others to follow.” She highlighted that investing in local adaptation is not just an environmental necessity but an economic opportunity, noting that according to the Global Commission on Adaptation, every one dollar invested in climate adaptation yields four dollars in benefits. By accelerating climate finance and championing local adaptation initiatives, communities can be better prepared for future challenges while fostering sustainable economic growth.
Dr. Odunbaku expressed optimism that the summit will provide the platform to leverage existing finance and is confident that the exchanges and deliberations will accelerate climate action and champion local adaptation efforts that safeguard the environment and enhance the wellbeing of inhabitants in the state and adjoining communities.
She concluded by extending UN-Habitat’s hand of friendship to leverage global partnerships that support the mobilisation of relevant resources towards climate adaptation and a contextualised implementation plan.
