Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos, as well as Nairobi, Kuala Lumpur and Bogota will benefit from a fresh £27.5m funding from the United Kingdom for the development of low-emission public transport systems.
The ‘Urban Climate Action Programme’, launched on Thursday at the ongoing 26th Conference of Parties, will support the cities and regions in developing countries most impacted by climate change to accelerate their transition to net zero.
According to the UK, the money is part of its International Climate Finance commitment to back cities across Africa, Asia and Latin America to take action against climate change and create a sustainable future, by helping them to become carbon neutral by 2050 and prepare low-carbon infrastructure projects.
Aside transport systems, the funding will also assist the beneficiaries to develop low-emission renewable energy, sustainable waste management, new climate-smart buildings codes and climate risk planning.
Over 1,000 cities, including Lagos, and regions across the world –a fifth of the global urban population – have so far committed to slashing their emissions to net zero by 2050.
Lagos, with its escalating population and as one of the most vulnerable coastal cities, will receive support to implement its low-carbon, inclusive and climate-resilient urban development plans through UCAP.
Regions and Built Environment Day in Glasgow, UK, have called on cities that are yet to make commitment to step up and set a net zero target that would protect the places where people live and work for future generations.
Business and Energy Minister, Lord Callanan, said, “From our homes and workplaces to our towns and cities, the buildings we live in are a fundamental part of our daily lives, but also a significant source of global emissions.”
Deputy High Commissioner of UK in Lagos, Ben Llewellyn-Jones, said, “The population of Lagos is projected to double by 2050, and the speed and scale of urbanisation may lock in high-carbon infrastructure and inequality, if we do not act now.
“Lagos has continued to drive action at scale to tackle climate change and protect people’s livelihoods. I am glad that the UK’s new programme would provide invaluable support to the state for sustainable growth, enhance resilience to climate risks, and secure a greener future for generations to come.”
To address emissions from the wider built environment, the UK government is investing £3.9bn through the public sector decarbonisation scheme, the Home Upgrade Grant Scheme, Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, Boiler Upgrade Scheme and Heat Network Transformation Programme.
The Minister, Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Eddie Hughes, stated, “Net zero provides a real opportunity as we level up across the UK – delivering new green jobs and skills – and boosting local economic growth.”
Recognising the urgency to tackle climate change by quickly reducing carbon dioxide emissions, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State signed up to the Zero Emission Vehicles Joint Statement.
