The UK government launched the new Urban Climate Action Programme and £27 million (N14.8 billion) funding on Thursday to support the cities and regions in developing countries in their transition to net zero.
The programme will help cities like Lagos, Nairobi, Kuala Lumpur, and Bogotá develop low-emission public transport systems, renewable energy production, sustainable waste management, new climate-efficient buildings codes and climate risk contingency planning.
“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,” UK Business and Energy Minister Lord Callanan said.
“That’s why at COP26 today we are calling on cities, regions, governments and businesses to seize the moment and set bold net-zero targets as we work together as a global community to end our contribution to climate change.”
Over 1,000 cities and regions across the globe — over a fifth of the global urban population — have committed to cut their emissions to net-zero by 2050, and Lagos is one of them.
“Lagos has continued to drive action at scale to tackle climate change and protect people’s livelihoods. And, I am glad that the UK’s new programme will provide invaluable support to the state for sustainable growth, enhance resilience to climate risks, and secure a greener future for generations to come,” said UK’s Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos Ben Llewellyn-Jones.
