Lagos State leverages climate opportunities to drive growth

THE Lagos State government has reiterated the need to harness opportunities within the climate change ecosystem to institutionalise a circular economy to create jobs and contribute to the state's gross domestic product ( GDP). Speaking during a courtesy call on the management of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority ( LAMATA), the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Titi Oshodi, said climate change poses a severe threat to the well- being and economy of Lagos state.

Oshodi said the energy sector in the state is the highest contributor to the emission of greenhouse gas in the state, “so, fundamentally, the ministry is the first port of call”.

The state’s Climate Action Plan between 2020 and 2025 showed that more than half of Lagos's 21 million residents live in informal settlements, which makes them vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, she said.

She noted that the state’s Adaptation and Resilience Plan ( LCARP) estimated the effects of climate inaction at $ 22 to $ 29 billion, 11 times the state’s 2022 yearly budget.

She said the state must look for ways to rein in the menace, hence “we are first touching base with major actors and sharing our plans with them”.

“We plan to bridge that gap using various advocacy platforms and education channels that we are creating. We are ready to work with all stakeholders to ease their work and accelerate their impact through climate change education and advocacy.

“On the other hand, climate change and its impact are not all bad news. They also hold huge economic opportunities for job creation and revenue generation,” she said.