The Executive Director of C40 Cities, Mark Watts, has announced a $100,000 grant to study urban heat impacts in Freetown. This announcement was made during a Press Conference held on April 2, 2025, at the Freetown City Council (FCC) Headquarters on Wallace Johnson Street. Mark Watts is currently on a four-day visit to Freetown, from April 1 to 4, to strengthen climate action efforts and collaborate with the city’s leadership, including C40 Co-Chair and Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, OBE.

During his visit, Mark Watts engaged with local Government officials and stakeholders to discuss ongoing and future climate initiatives. His presence underscores 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,” Mark Watts stated. He emphasized the need for cities to work together in addressing climate crises through community engagement and sustainable initiatives.

Reaffirming C40’s commitment to supporting Freetown’s climate initiatives, Mark Watts highlighted the organization’s role in providing both 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.

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A key focus of Mark Watts’ visit is youth engagement in climate initiatives. Through the Bloomberg Philanthropies-funded youth program, 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.

In a bid to further support climate adaptation efforts, Mark Watts announced the $100,000 grant for studying urban heat impacts in Freetown. “We are committed to working with the city to provide the necessary tools to combat heat effects, improve air quality and promote sustainable living,” he affirmed.

Additionally, Mark Watts expressed C40 Cities’ commitment to supporting Freetown’s climate resilience efforts through projects that enhance urban sustainability. This includes plans to introduce low-cost, accurate air pollution monitoring centers to reduce air pollution. The organization also pledged support for the Cable Car project, an initiative aimed at increasing mobility and reducing carbon emissions in the city.

The Executive Director of C40 Cities commended Mayor Aki-Sawyerr’s leadership in implementing sustainable urban development projects despite budget constraints. He reaffirmed C40 Cities’ goal of supporting member cities in reducing carbon emissions and providing clean energy solutions by 2027.

Freetown’s membership in C40 Cities has positioned it as a key player in advocating for climate action. The city’s leadership continues to push for community engagement initiatives such as tree planting, job creation and equitable climate policies to ensure a sustainable future.

C40 Co-Chair and Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE, outlined Freetown’s ambitious climate initiatives, emphasizing access to climate finance, multi-government collaboration, youth engagement and strategies to mitigate extreme heat in urban areas.

She highlighted key projects, including the cable car initiative, which 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 demonstrated by its large-scale tree-planting program, which has planted 1.2 million trees 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 added.

As C40 Co-Chair, she has prioritized four key areas: access to finance, multi-government collaboration, youth engagement and reducing extreme heat. She emphasized the importance of C40 Cities being recognized and appreciated at the national level, noting that the organization provides funding for health and heat-related initiatives to combat climate challenges.

Recognizing the pressing issue of deforestation, she expressed pride in the city’s reforestation efforts and revealed that research is underway to implement nature-based solutions for harvesting rainwater. This initiative aims to provide water access to communities currently underserved by the Guma Valley Water Company.

Additionally, the Bloomberg Youth-funded program continues to support young people in developing climate-resilient innovations.

Throughout the visit, discussions focused on strengthening Freetown’s partnership with the C40 network, creating a platform for cities to share experiences and resources. Local officials remain hopeful that this collaboration will inspire stronger climate action and resilience-building measures for the city.