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Tag: climate change

  • Climate change: Lagos to plant 20,000 trees in one year

    Climate change: Lagos to plant 20,000 trees in one year

    Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday, July 14, said the government will be planting about 20,000 trees in the next 12 months as part of efforts to beat climate change and also attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    Sanwo-Olu spoke at the celebration of the 2024 Tree Planting Day held at the State House in Marina.

    This year’s theme is ‘Nurture our Future’.

    He said: “Tree planting is important to save the earth and curb climate change. And so this annual ritual is a demonstration of our administration’s commitment to securing our environment and combating climate change.

    “We will continue this initiative all year round so we can achieve our target fast. We will particularly be planting every month so we can spread the message to the larger community. We will plant about 20,000 trees in the next 12 months to boost our efforts at fighting climate change.”

    Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources Tokunbo Wahab noted that the theme ‘underscores our pledge to protect and preserve the environment for future generations’.

    Wahab, described Lagos as ‘a city defined by water’, and said it faces increasingly severe annual flooding, exacerbated by sea level rise, in addition to a fast-growing population. ‘By some estimates, the city grows by a million people annually. But, just as Lagos’ population is rising, the city is also sinking’.

    The commissioner lamented improper waste disposal, blockage and destruction of drainages and canals, indiscriminate tree felling,
    noise and air pollution, poor sanitation habits, among many other issues, as daily experiences of residents.

    Wahab thus called for collective action to stem the tide.

    He said: “These issues threaten our environment, economy and livelihood, the consequences of which are far-reaching, impacting both public health and safety. Although our ministry and agencies respond swiftly with interventions that were widely acknowledged by residents and the public, I believe that our inability to take full ownership of our environment may sadly also be our downfall.

    “It is therefore a matter of urgency for us to develop better environmental habits and teach our children by showing them good examples of responsible living in our communities. One of such ways is by planting trees. Trees are a vital component of our environment and play a crucial role in regulating the climate, preventing soil erosion, protecting biodiversity and enhancing our resilience to climate impacts.

    “Trees are natural air purifiers, sequestering carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, thus
    improving air quality. This year’s theme therefore serves as a powerful reminder of our responsibility to invest in the health of our planet and commit to the well-being of future generations.

    “However, government cannot do it alone. I call upon every Lagosian to join us in this endeavor. Please plant at least one tree in your lifetime, nurture it and watch it grow; teach your children and wards the importance of environmental stewardship.

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    “As we embark on today’s ceremonial tree-planting activities, let us do so with a sense of purpose and commitment. Let us plant each tree with the knowledge that we are contributing to a greener, healthier and more sustainable Lagos. Let us Nurture our Future together.

    General Manager of the Lagos State Parks and Garden Agency (LASPARK) Mrs. Adetoun Popoola reiterated the agency’s readiness to support the governor’s dream of planting 20,000 trees in the next 12 months.

    She also thanked the governor and Wahab for supporting the agency and championing all environmental issues.

    “Today’s event holds special significance as we unite under the theme ‘Nurture our Future’, which aligns with the global focus on ‘Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience’ as highlighted on World Environment Day.

    “It is another reminder for us all on the vital role that trees play in maintaining ecological balance. Trees are nature’s most powerful tool in combating climate change, preventing soil erosion, and improving air quality. They are essential in our fight against desertification and in enhancing our resilience to drought.

    “The theme is therefore a call to action. It is a reminder that the decisions we make today will shape the world we leave for future generations. To this end, the agency will be establishing six ‘Eco-Friendly Playgrounds’ in public primary schools across the state. we will also be distributing free tree seedlings to interested persons to plant in their communities.

    “By planting trees, we are investing in the health and well-being of our planet and our communities. Each tree planted today is a step towards a greener, more sustainable Lagos,” she added.

    Highpoint of the event was the symbolic planting of trees by the governor, his wife Ibijoke and Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, after which Wahab presented each with a certificate.

  • Why Nigeria may lose billions to climate change impact, by Sanwo-Olu’s aide

    Why Nigeria may lose billions to climate change impact, by Sanwo-Olu’s aide

    Mrs. Titilayo Oshodi, the special adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on climate change and the circular economy, has warned that failing to address climate change promptly will result in significant economic losses for the country that may run into billions of naira in the future.

    Mrs. Oshodi issued the warning during the 36th edition of Platform Nigeria, organized by Covenant Nation Church over the weekend.

    She cited a report predicting that inaction could cost Lagos State an estimated $22 to $25 billion due to the adverse effects of climate change on key sectors such as agriculture and tourism.

    However, she highlighted the potential for substantial economic opportunities, citing a report from Manufacturing Africa that projects an economic boom worth $2.7 billion by 2030 if Nigeria leverages its inherent resources and sectors such as agriculture, solar energy, and green manufacturing.

    Mrs. Oshodi referred to several ongoing initiatives aimed at driving sustainability in Lagos state.

    The EcoCirculate Programme is an education-driven initiative that promotes responsible sustainable practices by incentivising citizens through a rewards system tied to social amenities like transportation, education, and healthcare.

    She also spoke about the waste-to-energy projects, in collaboration with Ghana, aimed at converting waste landfills into energy-producing facilities, expected to generate 60 to 70 megawatts of electricity, power up to 70,000 homes, save over 500,000 metric tonnes of carbon emissions, and create numerous jobs.

    These initiatives exemplify how innovative solutions can address environmental challenges while fostering economic growth.

    Mrs. Oshodi emphasised the need for climate literacy to be integrated into all levels of education and media platforms.

    By raising awareness, the government can empower citizens to make environmentally conscious decisions and support sustainable policies.

    She urged businesses to embrace their roles in sustainability through the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework.

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    “Businesses must innovate and push the boundaries of technology to drive sustainability,” she said, highlighting the need for the private sector to lead in adopting sustainable practices and technologies.

    Mrs. Oshodi concluded her speech by urging citizens to hold businesses and the government accountable, ensuring that their actions align with sustainable practices.

    “It’s time for us to introspectively think about resources and act upon them to grow the country’s GDP and ensure a sustainable future. The time to act is now,” she stressed.

    “This vision for a sustainable Nigeria requires coordinated efforts from the government, businesses, and citizens, all working together to secure a prosperous and sustainable future.”

    The government sets rules and regulations to ensure fair play, but businesses must drive innovation and economic growth.

    Also, citizens are expected to make informed choices, hold their businesses accountable, and demand action from the government.

    This tripartite cooperation is essential for addressing the pressing issues of climate change and sustainability.

  • Climate Change makes U.S., Mexico heatwave 35 times more likely

    Climate Change makes U.S., Mexico heatwave 35 times more likely

    Human-induced climate change made recent extreme heat in the U.S. south-west, Mexico and Central America around 35 times more likely, scientists say.

    The World Weather Attribution (WWA) group studied excess heat between May and early June, when the U.S. heatwave was concentrated in south-west states, including California, Nevada and Arizona.

    Extreme temperatures in Mexico also claimed lives during the period.

    Such attribution studies take some time to complete, so it is too soon for scientists to say how much of a role climate change is playing in the current heatwave stretching from the centre of the US through to the north-east and into Canada.

    In their new report, the scientists said such a heatwave was now four times more likely than it was in the year 2000, driven by planet-warming emissions.

    Many extreme weather events including heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense as a result of climate change, experts say.

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    “The results of our study should be taken as another warning that our climate is heating to dangerous levels,” said Izidine Pinto, Researcher at the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute.

    “Potentially deadly and record-breaking temperatures are occurring more and more frequently in the US, Mexico and Central America due to climate change.

    “As long as humans fill the atmosphere with fossil fuel emissions, the heat will only get worse – vulnerable people will continue to die and the cost of living will continue to increase.”

    The WWA study focused on a region including the US south-west and Mexico, as well as Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador and Honduras which also saw dangerously high temperatures.

    The scientists said that the hottest five-day stretch across the region in June was made about 1.4C warmer by climate change.

  • CAAF24 highlights Africa’s urgency for Climate Change

    CAAF24 highlights Africa’s urgency for Climate Change

    In a bid to address climate change in Africa, Climate Action Africa (CAA), on Wednesday brought together leading environmental advocates and stakeholders for the Climate Action Africa Forum 24 (CAAF24).

    CAAF24 aims to galvanize action and underscore the urgent need for climate action across industries and communities across Africa.

    The event, held at the prestigious Landmark Center, brought together a diverse array of stakeholders including government officials, business leaders, academics, civil society representatives and the media. The theme of this year’s forum, “Green Economies, Brighter Futures,” highlights the imperative for immediate and collective action in mitigating the effects of climate change in Africa and achieving global sustainability goals.

    “CAAF24 serves as a critical platform for dialogue and collaboration,” said Grace Oluchi Mbah, Co-Founder and Executive Director of CAA.  

    “With the event, we aim to increase education and awareness on climate change, showcase innovations and projects driving Africa to a sustainable future, and more actively contribute to the expansion of Africa’s green economy,” she said.

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    The program featured addresses from Her Excellency, Madame Ramatoulaye Diallo Ndiaye, Former Minister of Culture Mali and Founder and CEO of the Great Green Wall of Africa (GGWoA) Foundation who was the special keynote speaker.

    There were breakout sessions for panel discussions and workshops that focused on key issues such as the potential of forests and carbon credits, climate financing, Nigeria’s carbon market activation, mobilizing private capital for climate-positive investments in Africa, building resilient and livable African Cities and more. Sessions were designed to encourage interactive participation and exchange of ideas among participants from diverse backgrounds and sectors.

    In addition to formal sessions, CAAF24 included networking opportunities and showcased the selection of outstanding innovations from over 800 registrations through the Deal Room, a platform that connected high-impact climate innovators in Africa with potential investors seeking to accelerate sustainable solutions.

    Other highlights at CAAF24 were the audacious launch of the Billion Trees for Africa Initiative as part of CAA’s community programs and the unveiling of the Pan-African Green Economy Program (PAGE), a partnership with IDEA AFRICA and the Founder Institute that seeks to grow a new generation of 5,000 green innovators across Africa by 2035. The selection of Omoniyi Praise (1st position), Treasure Nwosu (2nd position) and Alabi Abimbola (3rd position) as winners for the Climate Champion Quest organised by STEAM Funfest also stood out at CAAF24.

  • Oceans Day aims at preserving marine environments, climate change

    Oceans Day aims at preserving marine environments, climate change

    Chairman and Founder of Lekan Bakare Foundation (LBF), Chief Olalekan Bakare, has underscored the need to preserve marine environments and address climate change.

    To celebrate World Oceans Day 2004, LBF, in partnership with Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), organised a cleanup at Elegushi Beach, followed by a symposium at Rotunda Hall of NCF, Lekki.

    Bakare noted LBF has made progress in marine conservation with efforts  focused on key on marine pollution reduction, marine wildlife protection, environmental education and advocacy as well as research and innovation.

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    He said: “We have initiated beach clean-up campaigns along Nigeria’s coastline, removing tons of plastic waste and debris that threaten marine life. Our partnership with local communities have empowered residents to take ownership of the environment, creating a lasting impact.

    “Our foundation has protected endangered marine species, as sea turtles with local fishermen and authorities. We have established protected zones as safe havens for these species to breed and thrive.

    “We believe education is the cornerstone of change. Our programmes have reached thousands of students, raising awareness about importance of ocean conservation and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.

    “Collaborating with marine biologists and research institutions, we have supported studies that provide insight into health of our marine ecosystems. These studies inform our strategies and ensure our efforts are based on science.

    Bakare noted in celebrating World Oceans Day,we acknowledge much remains.

  • Climate change: Humanitarian group advocates tree planting

    Climate change: Humanitarian group advocates tree planting

    A humanitarian organisation catering to the needs of children, Save the Children International (SCI) has advocated tree planting to mitigate the effects of climate change.

    The Advocacy Campaign Policy Manager of the organisation, Innocent Ifedilichukwu said the effect of climate change was on the rise and children bore the brunt of it most.

    He spoke during a Climate and Sensitisation Activity and Tree planting exercise at Piwoyi Junior Secondary School to celebrate the World Environment Day in Abuja.

    The programme was organised by the organisation under its Children’s Generation Hope Campaign, in partnership with Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB).

    He said as a child-centred organisation, Save the Children Nigeria designed its programmes around health, nutrition, livelihood, climate change and others and works towards protecting children.

    He said: “We are happy as an organisation to be part of this year’s tree planting working with government and other stakeholders.

    “We are using this opportunity to also encourage school children to also be part of the tree planting. What that is doing is helping them to know that they have to work hard to safeguard the environment.

    “So we are happy that the children are adding their voices and participating in planting these trees.”

    He said that there were lots of benefits associated with tree planting ranging from health to economics, among others.

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    Innocent encouraged Nigerians to imbibe the culture of tree planting to promote green environment and tackle climate change.

    Deputy Director, Environmental Management Department, AEPB, Ms Rebecca Mamven explained that AEPB’s purpose was to sensitise communities to seeks ways to restore the land back from degradation and stop desertification.

    She added that the organisation was also working to promote drought resilience with planting of different types of trees and plants.

    “In the north especially, we experience drought a lot; so, we are here to celebrate this day with our children and to teach them how to address these things,” she said.

    Deputy Director, Education and Principal, Junior Secondary School Piwoyi, Mrs Pauline Nwagwugwu commended the stakeholders for bringing the tree planting project to the school.

    She said she was a lover of the green environment and had been planting trees in the school since she was transferred there.

    She expressed gratitude that the students were being carried along to promote a green environment and assured the group of the school’s commitment to sustaining the project.

    The Chief of Piwoyi, Tanko Bahago, said the idea of planting trees in communities and schools was a welcome development.

    Tanko said that the community had plans to plant trees around but was waiting for the rainy season to do that.

    “By planting trees on this day, we actively contribute to the preservation of our environment and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come,’’ he said.

  • Plant trees to mitigate climate change, Lagos urges residents

    Plant trees to mitigate climate change, Lagos urges residents

    The Lagos State government has reiterated the need for everyone to focus on tree planting to mitigate climate change and create a sustainable environment.

    Special Adviser to the governor on Environment Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu spoke yesterday after leading a sensitisation walk to mark the 2024 World Environment Day. According to him, the day is celebrated globally to raise awareness and support accelerated progress on global commitments, which include protecting land and sea for nature and restoration of the planet.

    The 2024 World Environment Day is themed ‘Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience’.

    Rotimi-Akodu, who planted a tree after the walk, explained that planting of trees is essential to combat challenges of climate change such as desertification, drought, and erosion, among others. He said Lagosians must appropriate the government’s effort in greening and restoration of indigenous trees towards curbing climate change.

    Read Also: FCT pupils seek action on climate change

    “We must have a change of attitude to protect our environment because it is our land and our future,” he added.

    Chairman of the House of Assembly Committee on Environment, Olanrewaju Afinni, who recieved the procession at the JJT Park in Alausa, Ikeja, called for a more proactive approach to protect the land and ecosystem.

    He said: “We have to embrace the earth, not minding that we sometimes have natural disasters but with proper planning and programmes like the World Environment Day, we can always be ready for any form of disaster be it natural or man-made.”

  • FCT pupils seek action on climate change

    FCT pupils seek action on climate change

    Two pupils, Olaniyi Ayomide of Great Royal Kids Academy, Abuja, and Sodique Emmanuel of Zuba Academy, have called on citizens and government at all levels to protect the environment against climate depletion.

    They spoke during a youth-led climate sensitisation workshop organised by a non – governmental organisation, Save the Children Nigeria in Zuba, a suburb in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

    The sensitisation workshop was part of activities to mark this year’s world environment week.

    The event is held annually to draw attention to environmental issues globally.

    Olaniyi and Emmanuel said poor awareness of impacts of climate change contributed to environmental challenges such as drought, erosion among others.

    Stating that improper disposal of refuse contributes to environmental challenges like erosion, blockage of drainage channels, Emmanuel recommended tree planting as part of major measures that could mitigate impact of climate change on the environment.

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    The Campaign and Policy Manager, Save the Children Nigeria, Innocent Ifedilichukwu, explained that the organisation decided to raise climate change campaigners among the youths, equipping them on what actions they should take to better preserve the environment.

    According to him, young people bear a disproportionate burden of the environmental crises the world faces today, which will impact their future.

    He maintained that through the youths, families, communities and society will be well informed of climate change impacts on the environment and begin to take actions to mitigate it.

    Ifedilichukwu said it was time the country started raising youth advocates to start influencing activities around the environment.

    He said: “We want these children to speak on issues that affect them more. Children are contributing less to some of these challenges. Climate change affects the general wellbeing of your children and that’s why we need to address it urgently.”

  • Lagos postpones climate change summit

    Lagos postpones climate change summit

    Lagos State government has announced June 11 as the new date for the commencement of the 10th International Climate Change Summit.

    A statement by the Permanent Secretary (Environmental Services) in the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Omobolaji Tajudeen, said the summit will now hold from June 11 to 13 at the same Continental Hotel, Victoria Island.

    Gaji apologised for any inconvenience the postponement may have caused all delegates and stakeholders, attributing it to circumstances beyond its control.

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    He said: “This decision has not been made lightly, and we wanted most importantly to guarantee a summit where all stakeholders are present and commitment galvanised towards accelerating climate adaptation in the state.

    “We appreciate the time and effort you have invested in preparing for this event, and we share your disappointment in having to reschedule.”

  • Insurance operators examine climate change impact

    Insurance operators examine climate change impact

    Africa is taking the challenges posed by climate change more seriously as about 2,000 insurance practitioners gather in Namibia to discuss how the continent will cope with rising natural catastrophes on the continent going forward.

    The operators said climate change can no longer be shrugged off as things that can happen elsewhere only as some think it is broached.

    At the opening of the 50th Conference and Annual General Assembly of African Insurance Organisation (AIO) with theme: “Coping With Rising Natural Catastrophes In Africa”, which ends tomorrow in Windhoek, Namibia, the AIO President, Mr. Benhabiles Cherif, said the rise in disasters has prompted questions about the under-insurance and un-insurance levels across the continent.

    He said natural disasters, including earthquakes and severe storms, caused global economic losses estimated at $194 billion in the first half of last year, with only 27 per cent covered by insurance, according to a new report from AON, an insurance broker and professional services firm.

    He said their objective was to discuss, noting that the increasing number of natural catastrophes is more than an answer to sceptics on the effects of climate change on Africa.

    He said: “To say the least, in recent years, Africa has suffered from several natural catastrophes which resulted in the loss of several human lives and property and a resultant misery and suffering to millions of survivors.

    “Barely a few weeks ago, several lives were devastated by floods and flash floods in Kenya. Since March, Kenya has been battered by above-average rainfall, exacerbated by climate change and the effects of the El Nino weather pattern, which is typically associated with increased heat worldwide and leads to drought in some parts of the world and heavy rains in others.”

    “We remember cyclone Freddy in Mozambique, the devastating earthquake in Morocco, the floods in South Africa and Libya, the wildfires in Algeria, heavy rains and flooding in DR Congo and Rwanda. The low-income levels of most of our populations makes it difficult to cope in the face of these major catastrophes, be they earthquakes, floods and droughts.

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    “The World Risk Report of 2023 identifies Africa as the most vulnerable continent to natural disasters. The same report indicates that drought and flood reduced GDP per capita by 0.7% and 0.4per cent respectively between1990 and 2019.”

    Cherif further stated that despite low emissions, Africa is highly vulnerable to global warming above 1.5°C, with its agricultural sector exposed to extreme weather. Climate change has reduced Africa’s agricultural productivity by 34 per cent since 1961, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change of the United Nations, IPCC.

    He said: “These anthropogenic or natural disruptions strongly threaten, among others, the resilience of agricultural systems and the vulnerability of rural populations in developing countries including those in Africa. The picture definitely looks very dark. Yes, indeed as we think of future climate changes, we equally have widespread poverty, social conflicts, population growth, generalised inflation and rapid urbanisation to worry about.

    “Africa depends mainly on agriculture and is particularly vulnerable to climate change due to its weak ability to adapt, due to insufficient financial and technological resources that can enable her to stand the challenge.

    “What adaptation strategies should be adopted in the face of all these? Moreover, what solutions can African insurers propose to this situation which is in no small way aggravating the continent’s low insurance penetration?

    “This is the reason why we brought together some fine brains and seasoned professionals to lead the reflection on how Africa can cope with the rising natural catastrophes and I believe we will come up with positive suggestions as the event goes on.”