The Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Ibadan, has offered solutions to Lagos State’s environmental challenges.
A researcher at the institute, Dr. Olalekan Fatoki, called on Lagos State to emulate Hamburg’s green initiatives to address these challenges effectively.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Dr. Fatoki described Lagos as highly vulnerable to climate change, noting its status as the tenth most at-risk coastal city globally since 2014.
“Nigeria is the fourth most climate-vulnerable country globally, with Lagos, its commercial capital, facing significant threats such as flooding, rising sea levels, and unpredictable rainfall,” he said.
Dr. Fatoki highlighted that Lagos’s population, estimated at over 24 million in 2023 and projected to reach 35 million by 2050, worsens issues like urban sprawl, heatwaves, and poorly planned industrialization.
Drawing attention to Hamburg’s Energiewende strategy, which focuses on renewable energy, he urged Lagos to adopt similar measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change effectively.
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“Hamburg has invested heavily in solar and wind power, setting an ambitious goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.
“Lagos can replicate this by incentivizing renewable energy investments and encouraging the installation of solar panels on homes and businesses,” he said.
Dr. Fatoki also recommended that Lagos implement stringent building codes modeled after Hamburg’s Climate Protection Act.
He suggested promoting energy-efficient construction and retrofitting existing buildings with modern insulation and renewable heating systems.
Addressing waste management, he emphasized the importance of adopting Hamburg’s circular economy policy to reduce pollution and promote sustainability through recycling and resource reuse.
“Lagos struggles with inadequate waste management infrastructure, which exacerbates pollution. Hamburg’s focus on recycling and resource reuse has proven effective, and Lagos should launch similar programs to promote sustainability,” he advised.
He also stressed the need for flood protection infrastructure, such as levees and drainage systems, to protect the city from heavy rainfall and rising sea levels.
On urban greening, Dr. Fatoki highlighted Hamburg’s success with green roofs, parks, and green walls as effective measures to combat urban heat and improve air quality.
“Hamburg’s Green Roofs program has significantly increased biodiversity and reduced stormwater runoff. Lagos can adopt similar initiatives by creating community parks, encouraging rooftop vegetation, and planting more trees to restore natural areas,” he said.
Dr. Fatoki identified challenges hindering Lagos’s environmental progress, including corruption, weak enforcement of environmental laws, and an over-reliance on fossil fuels.
He advocated for comprehensive environmental policies, such as renewable energy targets, public-private partnerships for green infrastructure, and strict penalties for violations of environmental laws.
“Citizens also have a crucial role to play. Households can adopt renewable energy solutions, embrace recycling, and participate in tree-planting initiatives.
“Advocacy groups and educational institutions should raise awareness about environmental sustainability and hold political leaders accountable for implementing climate-friendly policies,” he said.
Dr. Fatoki concluded by emphasizing the urgency of action, noting that Lagos could leverage Hamburg’s strategies to mitigate climate impacts and create a sustainable future.
“Collaboration among government, businesses, and residents is key to transforming Lagos into a climate-resilient city,” he said.
