The Lagos State Government on Tuesday said it will finance the transition to a low-carbon economy and support those affected by the impact of climate change.
This was disclosed by Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab at the 10th Lagos State International Climate Change Summit with the theme of the summit is: “Accelerating Climate Finance and Championing Local Adaptation Initiatives.”
According to Wahab, the state government is determined to create resilient infrastructure that would withstand the impact of climate change in Lagos state.
“This year’s summit is therefore not just a forum for discussion, but a clarion call for action.
“We must accelerate our efforts to mobilise climate finance and channel it towards projects that prioritise local adaptation initiatives.
“This means investing in infrastructure that can withstand the impacts of climate change, empowering communities to develop climate-resilient livelihoods, and enhancing our capacity to respond to climate-related disasters,” Wahab said.
He said that it was important to champion the voices of those most affected by climate change – particularly vulnerable communities who often bear the brunt of its consequences.
“We must embrace their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives as valuable resource to shape effective adaptation strategies that are grounded in local realities.
“From the inaugural summit to this momentous occasion, celebrating a decade of climate change summit, we have witnessed a transformative shift in global consciousness towards climate action,” Wahab said.
Wahab quoted the IPCC Chair, Hoesung Lee, as saying that mainstreaming effective and equitable climate action would not only reduce losses and damages for nature and people, but provide wider benefits.
The commissioner said that the statement underscored the urgent reality that climate change is not waiting for us – we are running out of time.
“The solution to this lies in climate resilient development which involves integrating measures to adapt to climate change with actions to reduce or avoid greenhouse gas emissions in ways that provide wider benefits.
“This year’s summit theme – Accelerating Climate Finance and Championing Local Adaptation Initiatives aims to explore ways of attracting climate finance into the adaptation space.
“As we embark on this three-day journey of deliberation and collaboration, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding our planet for future generations.
Together, we can turn the tide against climate change and build a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient future for all,” Wahab added.
Alleluia is the Assistant Editor and Content Writer at LagosPost.ng. She is a prolific writer and editor, she has written features and news stories on Lifestyle, Sports, Business, Politics and B2B marketing. She is also an event coordinator, host and social media content creator.
