…Joins Y2022 World Environment Day Celebrations
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has expressed an urgent need for everyone to focus on living sustainably with nature for the benefit of mankind.
He made this known during the year 2022 World Environment Day finale held at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Secretariat, Alausa, adding that shifting to a greener lifestyle, through policies and individual choices, has become necessary.
Explaining that sustainability of the environment is one of the most pressing issues in the world today, Sanwo-Olu stated that the Earth faces triple planetary emergencies namely: Climate Change, Loss of Biodiversity and Environmental Pollution.
The Governor, who was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Omobolaji Gaji, noted that the impact of the aforementioned challenges has negatively made the achievements of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) less successful.
He said: “It is pertinent to mention that this year’s theme “Only One Earth” was the slogan for the 1972 Stockholm Conference and 50 years on, this truth still holds as evidenced in the theme for World Environment Day 2022 being ONLY ONE EARTH”.
“With nature in emergency mode, the #OnlyOneEarth campaign for World Environment Day 2022 wants us to celebrate the planet through collective environmental action”, he added.
The Governor reminded participants that the 1972 Stockholm Conference spurred the formation of Environment Ministries around the world and kick-started a host of new global agreements to collectively protect the environment, pointing out that the forum linked poverty alleviation and environmental protection, paving the way for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He explained that around the world now, the planet is suffering a staggering rate of dramatic environmental change, which is increasingly subjected to the negative effects of human population growth and the associated pollution problems.
“Global environmental pollution has altered the earth’s natural system and is becoming an increasing concern for the well-being and survival of many species”, the Governor said.
While noting that nature presently is in emergency mode, Sanwo-Olu emphasised that without action, exposure to air pollution beyond safe guidelines will increase by 50 percent within the decade and, therefore, result in the climate heating up too quickly for people to survive and adapt to nature.
His words: “No matter the economic status, everyone must be a part of the Lagos State Development Agenda by getting involved. It is an opportunity given to all to think about nature which offers supply, shelter and ecosystem restoration”.
“Lagosians must acknowledge the efforts of the State Government in the Greening and Restoration of Indigenous trees project towards curbing climate change effects and its commitment to end open defecation by 2025”.
The Governor commended Corporate Organisations, Non-Governmental Institutions, Traditional Groups, Religious Groups and other notable bodies for ensuring that the persistent drive of the State’s policy towards entrusting the legacy of greening and restoration of indigenous trees to the citizen is sustained.
Earlier in his address, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello, said the Government has implemented several programmes to mitigate challenges through Tree planting, a Climate Change summit, Environmental Bees clubs in schools, waste to wealth and a ban on open defecation.
The Guest Lecturer, Dr. Ayo Tella, in his presentation noted that anthropogenic effects caused by human activities such as the felling of trees have altered the earth’s natural systems and the survival of many species.
Various categories of awards were presented to corporate organisations, Community Development Areas and Schools, amongst others, in recognition of their contributions to a sustainable environment.
