The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, says the state aims to reduce methane emissions by 45 per cent by 2035.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, methane is the second most abundant anthropogenic greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide, accounting for about 16 per cent of global emissions. Methane is said to be responsible for about 30 per cent of the current rise in global temperature.
Sanwo-Olu, who is currently attending the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in the United Arab Emirates, made the commitment during a panel with the theme, ‘Lowering Organic Waste’, according to a post on his verified X account.
“At COP28 today, I set a bold target for Lagos: a 45% reduction in methane emissions by 2035. We’re committed to action, but we need global support to double our waste processing capacity.
“Speaking on a panel with the theme ‘Lowering Organic Waste Methane’, presided over by U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, Mr. John Kerry, I spoke about how Lagos carries the problems of two cities. We need to get twice the support to address the gap and bring about solutions.
“Our political will to cut emissions is fully supported by the regulatory framework to do what is required of us. As a fast-rising economy in Africa, we need all the support of industrialised economies. Any success in any part of the world without African success would amount to little progress.
“We have set up this target, which aims at cutting methane emission by 15% to 20% in 2030 and by 45% in 2035. However, we will not be able to achieve this goal if we don’t get the support we require.
“If there are no honest conversations with real partners at this level, our present efforts might take time to get the desired result,” the governor wrote.
