By: Joseph Momoh, Reporter D.S
Freetown – Mark Watts, the Executive Director of C40 Cities, has unveiled a $100,000 grant aimed at studying urban heat impacts in Freetown. The announcement was made during a press conference held on April 2, 2025, at the Freetown City Council (FCC) Headquarters on Wallace Johnson Street. Watts is currently on a four-day visit to the city, from April 1 to 4, to enhance climate action initiatives and collaborate with local leadership, including C40 Co-Chair and Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, OBE.
During his visit, Watts engaged with local government officials and stakeholders to discuss ongoing and upcoming climate initiatives, highlighting Sierra Leone’s growing role in global climate action and its active participation in the C40 Global Leadership network. “This visit is an opportunity for us to see firsthand how we can bolster climate action,” Watts stated, emphasizing the need for collaborative approaches to address climate crises through community engagement and sustainable initiatives.
Reiterating C40’s commitment to supporting Freetown’s climate efforts, Watts underscored the organization’s role in providing technical guidance and financial resources. “We are excited to support projects that play a crucial role in mitigating climate change, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing urban infrastructure,” he added.
A significant aspect of Watts’ visit is the focus on youth engagement in climate initiatives. Through a youth program funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, young individuals are being empowered to develop climate-resilient innovations. “We acknowledge that our youth are the future, and providing them with the tools and support for climate solutions is crucial,” he emphasized.
The $100,000 grant will specifically aid in studying urban heat impacts, with Watts affirming C40’s commitment to assist the city in combating heat effects, improving air quality, and promoting sustainable living. Furthermore, he expressed the organization’s support for additional climate resilience efforts in Freetown, including the introduction of low-cost, accurate air pollution monitoring centers and backing for the Cable Car project, which aims to enhance mobility and reduce carbon emissions.
Watts commended Mayor Aki-Sawyerr’s leadership in driving sustainable urban development projects despite budget constraints, reiterating C40 Cities’ goal of assisting member cities in reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean energy solutions by 2027.
Freetown’s membership in C40 Cities has positioned it as a pivotal advocate for climate action. The city’s leadership continues to push for community engagement initiatives, encompassing tree planting, job creation, and equitable climate policies to secure a sustainable future.
In outlining Freetown’s ambitious climate initiatives, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr emphasized the need for access to climate finance, multi-government collaboration, youth engagement, and strategies to mitigate extreme heat. She highlighted the cable car initiative, which has received $1 million in feasibility study funding from C40 Cities. “This project aims to significantly reduce travel times and is a vital component of our strategy to enhance urban mobility,” she stated.
Freetown’s commitment to urban sustainability is further underscored by its large-scale tree-planting program that has seen 1.2 million trees planted to combat deforestation and expand green spaces. “In 2023, we achieved 82% of our tree-planting target, reaffirming our dedication to a healthier urban environment,” Mayor Aki-Sawyerr noted.
As C40 Co-Chair, she has prioritized four key areas: access to finance, multi-government collaboration, youth engagement, and the reduction of extreme heat. She called for the national recognition of C40 Cities, noting that it provides funding for health and heat-related initiatives to challenge climate impacts.
In light of the urgent issue of deforestation, she expressed pride in the city’s reforestation efforts and confirmed that research is underway to implement nature-based solutions for rainwater harvesting, aimed at providing water access to underserved communities reliant on the Guma Valley Water Company.
Throughout the visit, discussions centered on fortifying Freetown’s partnership with the C40 network, establishing a platform for cities to share experiences and resources. Local officials are optimistic that these collaborations will inspire robust climate action and resilience-building measures for the city.
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