Climate Apocalypse: Is Lagos Ready?

 

“According to CNBC: Nowhere for the water to go: Dubai flooding shows the world is failing a big climate change drainage test. “. Within the first quarter of 2024, the world has witness serious major environmental disaster. From the flooding in Dubai and Kenya to the unexpected cyclone in East Africa. From the heavy hail and flood in Saudi Arabia to the severe floods in Brazil which makes the country to witness the worst flooding in over 80 years clearly shows the world is battling a new world order. Climate change is battling high. From developing countries to well advance countries every nation is fighting for survival. Are we gradually witnessing a climate apocalypse? 

Lagos, with its bustling streets and vibrant energy, is facing its own climate woes. From floods to scorching heatwaves, the State continues to witness different climate situation. However, if Mother Nature's decided to throw chaotic block party in the city of Lagos? Are we fully prepare for the situation that will follow……

Although the occurrence of catastrophic climate changes is largely predictable, probability estimates of the aggregate amount of human suffering that will result from these changes are more likely problematic. These estimates depend crucially on local climate adaptation and mitigation efforts, both successful unilateral efforts as well as the possibility of making international adaptive transfers and mitigation payments. If sufficient future adaptation to almost desert-like conditions, including flood protection, for Nigerian cities does not occur, the resulting damages from Lagos' catastrophic climate change alone will likely exceed that of currently planned global nuclear conflict. These catastrophic risks would be orders of magnitude smaller if immediate, first generated efforts to reduce ongoing climate damages by reducing and eventually eliminating global warming through financially targeted international carbon taxes and their exploitation via possible regional and international carbon taxes.

Long-term climate damages and temperature estimates show that several populous cities in Nigeria, including Lagos and Kano, will almost certainly revert to desert-like conditions before the end of the 21st century in the absence of adequate mitigation or palliative adaptation efforts. This conclusion is based on standard mainstream models and climatological metropolitan historical data. It assumes the absence of large unilateral adaptation efforts that would protect these cities and their teeming inhabitants from potential climatic catastrophes, possibly with international assistance in the absence of ongoing national collaboration. While other parts of Nigeria and Africa will also experience serious climate change under these assumptions, this article focuses on the much more serious challenges confronting 30 to 40 million urban residents in the event of catastrophic climate side effects.

The state's vision on climate change is presented in the Lagos State Climate Action Plan 2020-2025 which clearly states the States action and plan to build resilient infrastructure in all public spectrums that will see an immediate response to climate threats, ensure that the state has resilient communities, and be able to protect the vulnerable groups in our society. The action plan also assess the strengths as well as the weaknesses, action strategies are then proposed specific to Lagos in order to facilitate the city's efforts in addressing the wider urban population. 

It is clearly known to all from all research and studies that the city will experience prolonged heat periods, high-intensity rainfall, stronger winds, and more frequent extreme weather events such as storms, ocean surges, hurricanes, as well as rainfall-related flooding. Since the impacts, global consequences, and specific impacts of climate change have been noticed, response strategies are a necessity for cities, which are at the greatest risk due to their high population concentrations. The whole world recognizes the effect climate change may have on the atmosphere, which will, in turn, impact the socio-economic systems. Building a Climate-ready Lagos is a challenge for environmentalist planner and all concern. Let's transform our city into a climate superhero. With sustainable practices, smart policies, and empowered communities, we can build a Lagos that's ready for whatever climate change throws our way. So, let's roll up our sleeves and get to work. Our future depends on it.

 

In conclusion, as Lagos grapples with the realities of a changing climate, it is clear that proactive measures and collaborative efforts are essential in building a resilient and sustainable future for the city. By addressing infrastructure vulnerabilities, enhancing public health preparedness, and implementing effective policies and community-based initiatives, Lagos can strive towards becoming a climate-ready metropolis that is equipped to withstand the challenges ahead. Through collective action and a commitment to adaptation, Lagos can pave the way for a more resilient urban environment in the face of climate apocalyptic threats.