Global warming is real, Lagos government issues flood alert

The Lagos State Government has issued an urgent call to action to address the rising threat of flooding, calling for robust flood defenses and a collective commitment to sustainable environmental practices, warning that the state is at a crossroads and faces a growing threat from rising sea levels and flooding.

In a statement released on X.com on Thursday, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, emphasized the need for robust floodmy defenses and a collective commitment to sustainable environmental practices.

He wrote, “The whispers are gone. Climate change is here, and the water is at our doors. From Mumbai to Miami, from Dubai to Dublin, from Argentina to Australia, Toronto to Texas, cities around the world are facing a new reality – a reality of ferocious flash floods and towering tsunamis.”

Wahab highlighted the clear scientific evidence that the planet is warming, causing erratic weather patterns and rising sea levels, which translates to heavier rainfall, more powerful storms, and a growing threat to coastal communities.

He noted that the recent images of entire neighbourhoods underwater and desperate struggles for survival against unforgiving currents have brought the issue closer to home.

He said, “The science is clear. Our planet is warming, causing erratic weather patterns and rising sea levels. This translates to heavier rainfall, more powerful storms, and a growing threat to coastal communities. We’ve seen it recently, haven’t we?! The heart-wrenching images of entire neighbourhoods underwater, the desperate struggle for survival against the unforgiving current.

“Closer to home, here in Lagos, we stand at a crossroad. We are a vibrant city, a center of commerce and culture. But we are also vulnerable. The rising sea level threatens our very foundation.”

The commissioner urged immediate action to protect the state’s infrastructure, homes, and people, emphasizing that global warming is real and requires collective action.

He said, “Now is the time to act. We need robust flood defenses, and a collective commitment to sustainable environmental practices. We must protect our infrastructure, our homes, and most importantly, our people.

“Global warming is real. Ensure you keep your environment clean at all times and do not engage in any activity that can hinder the free flow of water.”

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