Built Environment Leaders Urged to Advance Climate Resilience

Recent events and conferences have highlighted the growing call for built environment professionals to prioritize climate resilience, particularly in regions facing rapid urbanization and infrastructure challenges.

At the 2026 FUTA Annual Lecture and Postgraduate Conference, Professor Dorcas Ayeni of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, called on professionals in the sector to integrate climate resilience into their projects, support evidence-based regulations, and invest in solutions tailored to local needs. The event, held at the T.I. Francis Auditorium, focused on the role of built environment professionals in strengthening communities against climate-related risks in the Global South.

According to Professor Ayeni, urban populations in the Global South are expected to double by 2050, presenting challenges related to infrastructure and climate adaptation. She also noted that climate change could push an additional 100 million people into extreme poverty by 2030, while annual infrastructure deficits are estimated at several billion dollars.

The Vice Chancellor of FUTA, Adenike Oladiji, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Sunday Oluyamo, stated that professionals in the built environment must design and manage communities capable of withstanding, adapting to, and recovering from climate-induced shocks. The conference recognized Abimbola Tofowomo, Director of the Department of Master Plan at the Ondo State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, who encouraged diligence and support for emerging planners in the field.

What the numbers show

• Urban populations in the Global South are projected to double by 2050
• Climate change could push 100 million more people into extreme poverty by 2030
• Infrastructure deficits in the region are estimated at several billion dollars annually

Built environment professionals include a range of specialists such as architects, urban planners, quantity surveyors, estate managers, industrial designers, textile designers, surveying and geoinformatics experts, and builders. Their collective expertise is considered essential for addressing the complex challenges posed by climate change and urban growth.

Other recent forums have also addressed climate resilience in the built environment. In May 2024, the Lagos Architects Forum, organized by the Nigerian Institute of Architects, focused on environmental resilience and climate adaptation, with discussions on green infrastructure and coastal protection. In June 2025, experts at the African ESG Conference in Lagos urged developers to adopt circular economy principles and prioritize the design of climate-resilient, energy-efficient buildings.

During World Habitat Day in October 2025, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors called for the creation of infrastructure such as flood control channels, retention ponds, and green spaces to enhance resilience in cities. These calls reflect a broadening focus on practical measures to address climate risks within the built environment sector.

Industry reaction

At the 2026 FUTA conference, Abimbola Tofowomo received a special recognition award and urged professionals to maintain diligence and mentor upcoming planners. The Vice Chancellor of FUTA, through the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), emphasized the responsibility of professionals to create communities that are adaptable to climate-related challenges.

Institutional leaders at events such as the Lagos Architects Forum and World Habitat Day have also stated the importance of incorporating climate adaptation strategies and resilient infrastructure into urban planning and development.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.