Climate Change: ‘Study shows Lagos is sinking, needs support’

Experts, government officials, and stakeholders gathered in Lagos to discussed strategies for preventing and mitigating the effects of climate change within the state. During the event, Professor Adeniji Gbadegeshin, an environmentalist from the University of Ibadan, highlighted the urgent situation of the state sinking due to the consequences of global warming.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu affirmed his administration’s dedication to collaborating closely with experts, organizations, and the global community in order to strengthen the state’s ability to counter climate-related challenges. Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the government had formulated a climate action plan aimed at achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

These statements were made during the 2023 Annual Summit of the Association of Lagos State Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries (ALARHOSPS), held in Alausa, Lagos. The summit’s theme, “Climate Change: Man, Nature, and the Threat to Life: Lagos State as a Case Study,” underscored the urgency of addressing climate change’s impacts on both the environment and communities.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, expressed the commitment of his administration to promote resource reuse and waste reduction as part of the effort to tackle climate change.

The challenge of climate change is evident for Lagos State, given its dynamic urban development, population growth, and coastal location. The state faces a complex interaction between these factors, demanding innovative solutions and decisive actions to mitigate climate change impacts. The current administration acknowledges the gravity of this challenge and has built upon previous efforts to address its effects.

Professor Gbadegeshin provided an overview of the theme, stressing that climate change’s harmful impacts have led to global discussions. He emphasized the need for Lagos State Government to integrate climate change mitigation and resilience-building activities into its development projects across the state, particularly in response to accelerated flood risks due to climate change. The effects of climate change, such as melting glaciers and rising sea levels, pose significant threats to coastal and low-lying regions like Lagos.

The situation of Lagos sinking is attributed to climate change, which introduces multiple threats to life, including coastal inundation, floods, disease redistribution, and security risks from migration. The issue of flooding is complex, resulting from poor drainage, floodplain inundation, and coastal flooding, all stemming from climate change impacts.