On this typical Tuesday, he takes an early morning flight from Kumasi for meetings in Accra, with an evening return flight to Kumasi for another early-morning engagement the next day that could unlock a significant business deal.

By mid-morning upon arriving in Accra, the sun blazed with unusual intensity, draining energy from anyone forced to move between appointments.

Kwaku dashed from one office to another as the sun burnt hot and harsh, but stayed focused on finishing his work to catch his evening flight back to Kumasi.

But without a warning, the clouds gathered. What had been scorching skies just hours earlier began to darken as clouds gathered fast and thick, rolling in with surprising speed. Within minutes, the atmosphere flipped from heatwave to storm warning.

Then came the rain; a torrential downpour. By the time Kwaku reached the airport, the announcement board read flight delayed. Then what he feared hit him; his flight cancelled.

The same skies that had scorched him hours earlier had now grounded him completely.

Despite his careful planning, he could not return to Kumasi that evening, missing a scheduled meeting for the following day.

In just one day, Kwaku experienced two extremes — intense heat and a disruptive storm — both powerful enough to alter personal and professional outcomes.

What once felt like isolated weather incidents now seem connected, part of a broader pattern of climate volatility that was becoming harder to ignore.

Climate change is no longer an abstract headline or distant environmental debate; it is operational risk, an economic loss and human disruption happening in real time.

UN Climate chief calls for new era of climate action

Last Thursday, the UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell, addressed a press conference hosted by the COP31 President Designate, Minister Murat Kurum in Istanbul, Türkiye, where he stated that climate action can deliver stability in an unstable world of arms and trade wars.

“We find ourselves in a new world disorder. This is a period of instability and insecurity. Of strong arms and trade wars. The very concept of international cooperation is under attack. These challenges are real and serious.

“Climate action can deliver stability in an unstable world of arms and trade wars. In the face of the current chaos, we can, and must, drive forward a new era of international climate cooperation,” he said.

The UN Climate Change’s plan for a new era of climate action was divided into three eras: first was to uncover the problem and respond; and the second was to get serious about solutions in building the Paris Agreement.

Simon Stiell acknowledged the Agreement did not solve the climate crisis, but showed that nations can deliver change on a major scale when they stand together.

“In the decade since Paris, clean energy investment is up tenfold – from two hundred billion dollars to over two trillion dollars a year. And, in 2025, amidst all the economic uncertainty and gale-force political headwinds, the global transition kept surging forward: clean energy investment kept growing strongly, and was more than double that of fossil fuels.

“Renewables overtook coal as the world’s top electricity source. The majority of countries produced new national climate plans that will help drive their economic growth up and – for the first time – global emissions down. And, at COP30, nations said with one voice: the global transition is now irreversible, the Paris Agreement is working, and together we will make it go further and faster,” he emphasized.

Trump challenges climate science

While the UN Climate chief is strongly advocating climate adaptation for resilience building, US President Donald Trump has continued his attack on climate science by revoking a landmark ruling that greenhouse gases endanger public health.
The key Obama-era scientific ruling in 2009 underpins all US federal actions on curbing planet-warming gases.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decided that key planet-warming greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide and methane, were a danger to human health.

But the reversal, according to the White House, is necessitated by the drive to make cars cheaper with an expected ease in the cost of production.

“This radical rule became the legal foundation for the Green New Scam, one of the greatest scams in history,” said President Trump, who has snubbed the Paris Agreement on Climate Change twice.

The exit of US from the Paris Agreement means that America will no longer be bound by the agreement’s requirements, such as submitting plans to reduce carbon emissions.

As the world’s second-largest greenhouse gas emitter behind only China, environmental groups say the latest move by the US is by far the most significant rollback on climate change, amidst skepticism of the potential cost savings being touted by the Trump administration.

The Third Era of Climate Action

The UN Climate Chief has observed an unprecedented threat to the decade of international climate cooperation that has delivered more real-world progress.

“From those determined to use their power to defy economic and scientific logic, and increase dependence on polluting coal, oil and gas – even though that means worsening climate disasters and spiralling costs for households and businesses. These forces are undeniably strong, but they need not prevail,” stated Stiell.

His solution to the chaos and regression is for countries to stand together, building on successes and working more closely with businesses, investors, and regional and civic leaders to deliver more real-world results in every country.

This is the third era of climate action; an era to speed-up and scale-up implementation of actions.

“It must start with a relentless focus on delivering – or even exceeding – the targets agreed in the first global stocktake, in 2023. Doubling energy efficiency and tripling clean energy by 2030. Transitioning away from all fossil fuels, in a just, fair and orderly manner. Strengthening resilience and reducing vulnerability, and ensuring more climate finance reaches people everywhere, especially the most vulnerable,” said Simon Stiell.

The expectation is for countries to be on track to meet the commitments by the second global stocktake in 2028, in boosting resilience, growing economies, and slashing emissions.

“The fact is climate adaptation is the only path to securing billions of human lives, as climate impacts get rapidly worse,” said Mr. Stiell. “As climate disasters hit food supplies and drive inflation, resilient supply chains are crucial for the price stability populations are demanding. And they are increasingly unforgiving of governments who don’t deliver it.

“So more than ever, climate action and cooperation are the answer: not despite global instability, but because of it. There is a huge amount of work before us, this year and in the years to come”.

As vulnerable people and communities in Africa are already suffering the extremes of weather conditions, the UN conference of parties (COP31) in Antalya is expected to deliver for people, prosperity and planet.

For professionals like Kwaku, what used to be a routine of moving between two cities for work has suddenly felt uncertain; the weather is no longer background noise, it is deciding outcomes.

Amidst the reality of climate science and the challenge to the impact of the science, what would a new world disorder of climate change mean for people like Kwaku?

Kofi Adu Domfeh is a journalist and Climate Reality Leader| adomfeh@gmail.com

Elsewhere, a patrol vehicle is stuck on a washed-out stretch of road, while an emergency call goes unanswered — not because officers do not care, but because nature has outpaced logistics. This is climate change in uniform.

For years, climate change in Ghana has been framed as an environmental or economic issue — about cocoa yields, coastal erosion, or energy transitions. But a quieter truth is emerging: climate change is also a law enforcement and public safety crisis, and the Ghana Police Service is already on the front line.

Climate change is changing how the police work. It does not announce itself with policy memos. It arrives as floods, heatwaves, storms, and displacement — and the police are often the first state institution citizens encounter when things fall apart.

Urban flooding, particularly in Accra, Kumasi, and coastal towns, has become more frequent and severe. Roads become impassable, police stations are threatened, and response times stretch dangerously thin. Officers who should be preventing crime are redeployed to crowd control, evacuation support, and traffic management in flood zones.

According to the World Bank’s Climate Risk Profile for Ghana, the country is experiencing increased intensity and frequency of extreme rainfall events, with urban areas especially vulnerable due to poor drainage and rapid, unplanned development. Every flood is not just an environmental failure; it is a security stress test.

Ghana is also getting hotter. Average temperatures are rising, and heatwaves are becoming more common. For police officers — many of whom work long hours outdoors in heavy uniforms or riot gear — this is not a minor inconvenience. Heat stress affects alertness, decision-making, physical endurance, and long-term health.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned that rising temperatures will increasingly affect labour productivity and human health, particularly in tropical regions. In practical terms, a hotter Ghana means a more fatigued and overstretched police force operating under tougher conditions.

From climate shocks to social tension

Climate change does not stop at the weather. It spills into society. Floods destroy livelihoods. Heat reduces productivity. Failed rains affect food prices.

When economic pressure builds, social tension often follows — petty crime, protests, migration, and conflict over scarce resources. This link between climate stress and insecurity is now well established globally. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has highlighted how environmental degradation and climate shocks can exacerbate crime and weaken governance structures.

In Ghana, the police increasingly find themselves managing climate-driven instability, even if it is not labelled as such.

The irony is stark. The institution expected to maintain order during climate disasters is itself exposed. Many police stations, barracks, and posts are located in flood-prone areas. Drainage systems are inadequate. Storms damage equipment and records. Vehicles suffer wear and tear from extreme weather. Yet climate resilience is rarely part of police infrastructure planning.

The question is unavoidable: who is protecting the protectors?

The Ghana Police Service is not only affected by climate change; it can also be a powerful force in combating it — if properly empowered and integrated into national climate strategy.

Environmental crime is climate crime. Illegal mining (galamsey), illegal logging, sand winning, and pollution of water bodies all accelerate climate vulnerability. While specialised agencies exist, enforcement often collapses without police support.

A visible, well-resourced police role in environmental law enforcement would deter environmental destruction, protect water bodies and forests, and reinforce the rule of law in climate governance. This aligns with broader governance goals highlighted by UNDP Ghana, which emphasises the role of institutions in climate adaptation.

Climate change should be built into police planning, not treated as an occasional emergency. This means training officers in disaster response and climate risk awareness, integrating climate forecasts into deployment and operations, and designing climate-resilient police stations and barracks.

The Ghana Meteorological Agency already provides climate and weather data that could inform policing decisions more strategically. This is not futuristic thinking — it is basic preparedness.

The police remain one of the most visible arms of the state, and that visibility matters. Through community policing structures, officers can reinforce environmental laws, support sanitation enforcement, and partner with local leaders on climate resilience efforts.

When climate rules are backed by trusted institutions, compliance improves. Climate action succeeds faster when it feels legitimate, not imposed.

Despite all this, climate change is still largely absent from police training curricula, national security conversations, and climate adaptation planning frameworks.

Ghana has climate policies. Ghana has security strategies. What is missing is the bridge between them. If climate change is a threat multiplier, as global evidence suggests, then excluding the police from climate planning is not just an oversight — it is a risk.

Protecting the climate is protecting public safety.

Climate change is no longer a future threat for Ghana. It is here — soaked into our roads, baked into our heat, and written into the daily work of the Ghana Police Service.

Every flood an officer responds to, every traffic jam caused by a storm, every protest triggered by economic stress — these are climate stories wearing the mask of routine policing.

If Ghana is serious about climate resilience, it must start seeing climate change not only as an environmental issue, but as a public safety imperative. Because when climate change knocks, it does not ask who is on duty — and more often than not, the police are already there.

The writer, Shadrach Assan, is the lead producer for Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem.

Speaking at the first strategic meeting of the AGN under Ghana’s leadership, Dr. Amoah emphasized that Africa, as one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change, cannot afford to see multilateralism weaken.

“With Africa’s well-documented vulnerabilities to climate change, the continent cannot afford to let multilateralism die,” he stated.

Dr. Amoah reaffirmed his commitment to leveraging the wide-ranging expertise within the AGN to ensure Africa maintains a strong and coordinated presence in global climate negotiations, despite mounting geopolitical and economic pressures.

“The strength and success of the AGN lie in our ability to work together, even under difficult circumstances,” he said. “My chairmanship will harness the collective expertise within the AGN family to project Africa’s interests at a time when the spirit of multilateralism is clearly under strain.”

The virtual strategic meeting marked the first under Ghana’s chairmanship and focused on preparations for the upcoming African Union Summit, scheduled for 11–15 February 2026 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Key objectives of the meeting included:

• Reviewing outcomes and priority issues from COP30 and their implications for continental policy;
• Consolidating AGN positions and negotiation priorities to guide engagement at the African Union Summit; and
• Aligning the AGN Chair’s priority agenda with the perspectives of Lead Coordinators and country focal points.

Established in 1995, the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change is a technical body within the three-tier African negotiating structure. It engages in both UN Conference of the Parties (COP) technical negotiations and inter-sessional climate discussions, with the goal of representing Africa’s interests with a unified and common voice.

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Announced on the first day of the C40 World Mayors Summit in Rio de Janeiro, the Cool Cities Accelerator will help urban leaders protect residents, safeguard economies, and redesign cities for a hotter future.

The initiative brings together 33 founding cities representing over 145 million people from every region of the world. This includes 5 cities in Africa: Accra (Ghana), Durban (Ethekwini – South Africa), Freetown (Sierra Leone)
Nairobi (Kenya), and Tshwane (South Africa).

C40 established the Accelerator with support from The Rockefeller Foundation, and with implementation support from ClimateWorks Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Z Zurich Foundation, Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and IBM.

Extreme heat is already the deadliest weather-related hazard worldwide, responsible for nearly half a million deaths each year. Without decisive action, the number of people exposed to life-threatening urban heat is projected to increase fivefold by 2050. These 33 cities are committed to taking that decisive action.

The vast majority of deaths caused by extreme heat are preventable through timely access to cooling, hydration, medical care, public health interventions, and improved infrastructure. These preventable deaths typically occur when individuals—especially vulnerable populations such as the elderly, outdoor workers, or those without access to air conditioning—are not adequately protected during periods of dangerously high temperatures.

The Cool Cities Accelerator provides a science-based, practical framework for cities to take both immediate and long-term action.

Participating cities will collaborate, share best practices, and issue progress reports protecting residents now by establishing clear heat leadership, strengthening early warning systems, and ensuring access to cooling during emergencies within two years.

They will also look at transforming cities for the future by improving building standards, expanding urban tree cover and shade, and future-proofing critical infrastructure within five years.

“Extreme heat is no longer a distant threat—it’s a daily reality affecting the lives and livelihoods of millions around the world,” said Elizabeth Yee, Executive Vice President of The Rockefeller Foundation. “Through the Cool Cities Accelerator, we’re proud to support mayors who are investing in bold, science-based solutions to future-proof health systems, ensuring they can withstand 21st century challenges. Local leaders are not just responding to the climate crisis today—they’re redesigning urban life to protect people, strengthen economies, and build a cooler, safer future for all.”

“Extreme heat is a silent killer and an increasingly urgent global threat,” said Mark Watts, Executive Director of C40 Cities. “The number of days that major capitals experience temperatures above 35°C has increased 54% over the past twenty years. Cities are showing real leadership by taking practical steps to protect communities, safeguard economies, and create more liveable urban environments.

In support of the Cool Cities Accelerator, The Rockefeller Foundation is providing a grant of approximately USD 1 million to develop the targets for heat adaptation and provide technical assistance for cities to implement solutions that mitigate the dangerous effects of extreme heat.

The Cool Cities Accelerator is part of C40 Cities’ broader mission to support bold, science-based climate action in the world’s largest and most influential urban areas. By sharing strategies and scaling proven solutions, cities can act faster and more effectively than they could alone.

Together, participating cities represent a global movement to save lives, strengthen resilience, and create thriving, heat-resilient cities for generations to come.

Source: Kofi Adu Domfeh

Speaking at the Africa Climate Dialogue 2025 held at the Accra City Hotel, the Minister said the plan aims to deepen partnerships among government, academia, the private sector, and civil society to ensure that research drives policy and that investments support sustainable, nature-aligned development.

He stressed that the new approach would align Ghana’s climate agenda with global frameworks such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, both of which seek to mobilize international support and attract climate finance for ecosystem protection and restoration.

“To unlock the full potential of Nature-Based Solutions, we must strengthen collaboration across all sectors,” the Minister said. “Our goal is to align national priorities with global frameworks to mobilize support and ensure that nature continues to sustain both our people and our economy.”

Mr Issifu reiterated that the government is taking a whole-of-government approach to climate action, with efforts underway to institutionalise Climate Change and Sustainability Units across all Ministries, Departments, and Assemblies to mainstream climate considerations into national planning and budgeting.

He also revealed plans to establish a National Climate Change and Sustainability Hub, which will serve as a centre of excellence for policy innovation, research, and knowledge exchange.

The Hub, he said, will act as a bridge between science, policy, and practice to enhance coordination and accountability in national climate action.

The Minister further noted that Ghana’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan already reflect strong commitments to large-scale tree planting, sustainable agriculture, and the restoration of degraded lands and watersheds, interventions that not only enhance carbon sequestration but also create green jobs and improve livelihoods.

He praised the Africa Centre for Nature-Based Climate Action (AC4NCA) for convening the maiden Africa Climate Dialogue, describing it as “a crucial platform for innovation and collaboration at a time when Africa must take ownership of its climate destiny.”

Board Chair of AC4NCA, Rev. Dr. Joyce R. Aryee, in her welcome address, reiterated the Centre’s commitment to supporting governments and stakeholders to integrate nature-based solutions into national policy frameworks.

She described NbS as “the most cost-effective and practical pathway to environmental protection, social progress, and economic resilience.”

“By valuing and investing in nature, we secure not only our environment but also our future prosperity,” she said, urging African nations to embrace nature as a partner in development.

The dialogue brought together key stakeholders, including development partners, researchers, private sector leaders, and civil society actors, to explore how nature-based approaches can accelerate the continent’s transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future.

There as a panel session on including Science, Innovation and Local Action for Nature-Based Solutions.

It was followed by another on ‘Policy Coherence for NbS Integration into Development Frameworks’ and financing as well.

Partners for the event were Climate & Development Knowledge Network, Ghana Wildlife Society, Golden Star.

It was organised by the Africa Centre for Nature-Based Climate Action.

Source: Kenneth Awotwe Darko

Speaking to Adom News during a community engagement at Mawuli Estate in Ho, Mr. Opoku highlighted the importance of grassroots involvement in tackling the growing threat of climate change.

The event, organised by GAFtiNC in collaboration with the SANCOK Foundation, local volunteers, and environmental advocates, marked the launch of a large-scale tree-planting exercise under the #PlantTheBirthdayTree and #CelebrateGreen nationwide campaign. The initiative aims to plant 1,000 trees in the area to help restore vegetation and promote sustainable urban greening.

“The youth are the future stewards of our environment. By engaging in tree planting and other green initiatives, they are safeguarding their own future while contributing to a global cause,” Mr. Opoku stated.

He called on other communities across the Volta Region and beyond to replicate the initiative, stressing that the fight against climate change demands collective responsibility.

Dr. Jacob Fenteng, CEO of the SANCOK Foundation, together with other participants, reaffirmed their commitment to nurturing the trees to maturity.

The campaign, which has already been rolled out in the Ashanti and Greater Accra regions, is expected to extend to other parts of the country, with a target of planting over 20,000 trees nationwide by the end of the year.

Source: Odehyeba Owusu Job

Russ Vought, head of the Office of Management and Budget, announced the cancellations on social media and said additional details would be provided by the Department of Energy. All of the states affected by the cuts voted for former Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, and all are represented by Democrats in the Senate.

“Nearly $8 billion in Green New Scam funding to fuel the Left’s climate agenda is being cancelled,” Vought wrote on X.

The projects impacted are in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont and Washington, according to Vought. Fourteen of the states are led by Democratic governors. New Hampshire and Vermont are led by Republicans.

The announcement on the climate-related projects comes on the heels of the administration’s move to pause roughly $18 billion in infrastructure projects in New York City. Vought said the initiatives — specifically for the Hudson Tunnel and Second Avenue Subway — were put on hold “to ensure funding is not flowing based on unconstitutional DEI principles,” a reference to diversity, equity and inclusion policies.

The Department of Transportation said it issued letters informing New York officials that the projects were under administrative review “to determine whether any unconstitutional practices are occurring,” and said that examination “will take more time” because of the shutdown.

“Without a budget, the Department has been forced to furlough the civil rights staff responsible for conducting this review,” the Transportation Department said in a statement.

New York is home to the two top Democrats in Congress: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

Source: CBS News

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The initiative was unveiled during a meeting between the Anloga District Chief Executive, Madam Sandra Seyram Kpedor, and a UN-Habitat delegation led by Mr. Daniel Kofi Abu, Programme Specialist for Climate Change and Urban Resilience. The project will focus on Tegbi, Woe, Anloga, and Dzita-Agbledomi.

According to Madam Kpedor, the programme is a timely intervention aimed at helping the district’s coastal towns address growing environmental threats, including sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and flooding. She noted that the project will promote sustainable urban planning, develop eco-friendly infrastructure, create green jobs, and strengthen local capacity to adapt to climate-related challenges.

“This initiative will not only protect our people today but also secure a sustainable tomorrow. We welcome this partnership and are fully committed to working hand in hand with UN-Habitat to make this vision a reality,” Madam Kpedor affirmed.

Mr. Abu explained that the UN-Habitat programme seeks to build climate-resilient urban areas across Ghana, with a particular focus on vulnerable coastal settlements. He added that collaboration with local authorities, community leaders, and relevant stakeholders will be critical to ensuring the project’s success.

The intervention is expected to improve the safety, inclusiveness, and resilience of beneficiary communities, positioning them to better withstand the socio-economic and environmental impacts of climate change.

Source: Ivy Priscilla Setordjie

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The Emissions Levy Act (Act 1112) was passed in 2023 but took effect on February 1, 2024. This legislation imposed a levy on carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from specific sectors and vehicles.

The sectors affected by the Enwisie levy, as Ghanaians affectionately called it, included construction, manufacturing, mining, oil, and gas.

The law required entities in these sectors to pay GHS100 per ton of emission generated per month. The levy also affected owners of internal combustion engine vehicles, with rates based on vehicle type and engine capacity: Motorcycles and tricycles: GHS75 per annum; Motor vehicles, buses, and coaches up to 3,000 cc: GHS150 per annum; Motor vehicles, buses, and coaches above 3,000 cc: GHS300 per annum; and Cargo trucks and articulated trucks: GHS300 per annum.

The passage of the carbon emission tax and its implementation made Ghana one of the few countries in Africa to introduce a carbon emission tax of such kind. According to the report of the finance committee on the Emission Levy Bill, the levy was projected to generate GHC451,000,000 in revenue in the 2024 fiscal year.

The implementation of Act 1112 was aligned with Ghana’s broader environmental objectives, including the Climate Prosperity Plan (CPP), which aimed at addressing climate change while promoting economic growth. The CPP focuses on investments in renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and climate-resilient policies, targeting an Economic gain of USD 76 billion by 2050.

When the act was passed into law, the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), and Institute of Energy Security (IES) raised several concerns about its negative implications of the levy when implemented.

While their concerns were legitimate and were within their rights, they were not made to appreciate the several implications on the country’s efforts to ensure a carbon reduction-free environment.

Upon carefully looking at the act, its repeal will cause the following:

Weakened Motivation for Emission Reduction: Without the levy, businesses and industries may feel less incentivized to reduce their carbon emissions. The levy likely acted as a financial push for companies to adopt cleaner technologies or reduce emissions to avoid penalties. Its removal could result in less urgency to invest in sustainable practices

Reduced Financial Incentives for Green Projects: The carbon emission levy was likely implemented to generate funds that could be directed toward promoting sustainable practices, renewable energy projects, and green initiatives. Its repeal could reduce the financial resources available for these programs, slowing the transition to greener energy sources and technologies.

Challenges in Meeting International Climate Commitments: Ghana, as part of the global community, has commitments under international frameworks such as the Paris Agreement. The repeal of the carbon levy could make it more difficult to meet carbon reduction targets, affecting the country’s climate change efforts and possibly its international reputation in terms of environmental responsibility.

Economic Implications: While the repeal may ease some short-term financial burdens on businesses, especially those in carbon-intensive industries, it could ultimately harm long-term economic growth if the country doesn’t diversify its energy sector and improve environmental sustainability.

Public Perception and Environmental Awareness: The repeal may also influence public perception. The government’s decision could signal a lack of commitment to the environment, potentially diminishing public support for climate change initiatives and reducing awareness about the need to tackle carbon emissions.

Overall, the repeal of the carbon emission levy could hinder Ghana’s efforts to create a sustainable and carbon-neutral environment, as it may weaken both financial support for green initiatives and the regulatory pressure on industries to reduce emissions. However, the government could still pursue alternative measures to maintain momentum in climate action.

In conclusion, it is on record that in January 2023, Ghana became the second African nation, following Mozambique, to receive payments from the World Bank’s Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) for reducing emissions through the REDD+ program. The FCPF paid Ghana $4,862,280 for reducing 972,456 tons of carbon emissions during the first monitoring period (June to December 2019). This payment is the first of four under Ghana’s Emission Reductions Payment Agreement (ERPA) with the World Bank, potentially totaling up to $50 million for reducing 10 million tons of CO₂ emissions by the end of 2024.

These funds were primarily allocated to farmer groups and local communities that have adopted sustainable farming practices, such as shaded cocoa systems, to prevent the expansion of cocoa farms into forest reserves. These practices aim to reduce deforestation and forest degradation while enhancing farmers’ livelihoods.

Also, in July 2023, Ghana began disbursing the $4.8 million received, benefiting over 240,000 farmers across 1,400 communities in the country’s seven cocoa-producing regions. The disbursement supports the adoption of climate-smart cocoa production methods and aims to further reduce carbon emissions.

So, the repeal of the act is not only considered as a jolt in Ghana’s combative efforts against climate change, but it’s also put Ghana’s climate change fight in a factory setting mood in terms of the country’s commitment in the fight against climate change, most especially commitment to sustainable cocoa production and forest conservation.

President of France, Emmanuel Macron, once said ‘‘By polluting the oceans, not mitigating CO2 emissions and destroying our biodiversity, we are killing our planet. Let us face it, there is no planet B’’

Source: Listowell Kwadwo Fordjour

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The exercise, held in the Little Legon area of the University, saw members of Legon Lodge team up with the university’s Grounds Unit to plant over 120 trees in just one morning.

The initiative was not only a contribution to a greener environment but also a conscious effort to nurture the historical relationship between the lodge and the institution from which it draws its name and heritage.

Among the species planted were Dwarf Coconut, Mango, and Orange trees—chosen for their environmental benefits, aesthetic value, and potential to provide shade and nourishment to future generations on campus.

The seedlings were generously supplied by the Forestry Commission, underscoring the collaborative spirit of the event.

The initiative drew participation from brethren of other lodges within the District Grand Lodge of Ghana of the English Constitution, including Sir Charles, Harmonic, and Amity Lodges—turning the exercise into a colourful fraternity gathering with a shared cause.

Armed with shovels, watering cans, and an infectious sense of camaraderie, the brethren worked side by side with the university’s grounds staff, replacing old trees and introducing fresh saplings to rejuvenate the green spaces.

Speaking at the close of the exercise, the Curator of the University of Ghana’s Grounds Department, Philip Quaye, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Legon Lodge and its supporting lodges for what he described as “a timely, thoughtful, and impactful gesture.”

“This initiative not only adds life to our campus but also reminds us of the importance of partnerships in sustaining the environment,” he remarked.

Worshipful Master of Legon Lodge, Samuel Botchwey, in brief remarks, reaffirmed the lodge’s commitment to community service and environmental conservation.

“As part of our ethos of giving back, this exercise is a small but meaningful way of playing our part in safeguarding the environment for generations to come.”

The day ended with light refreshments, brotherly conversations, and a shared sense of accomplishment—proof that when tradition meets service, meaningful change is possible.

The tree-planting exercise is expected to become an annual event on the lodge’s calendar, with plans to extend it to other public spaces in the years ahead.

The initiative, under the Accelerating the Impact of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) project, aims to empower university lecturers with cutting-edge knowledge in climate smart agriculture and climate information services.

The event marks a major leap in integrating climate change into higher education curricula across West Africa. Over 50 lecturers and researchers from across the continent gathered for the workshop.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson, emphasized the strategic importance of the training.

“It is all joy to be part of this very important program. The Regional Universities Forum (RUFORUM) and WASCAL are expected to develop curricula in Climate Smart Agriculture and Climate Information Services to be mainstreamed into university programs by training lecturers and researchers,” she said.

The goal, according to organizers, is to train lecturers and also ensure university leadership embraces and promotes the newly developed modules.

These include topics such as pest and disease management under climate stress, disaster risk management in crop and livestock production, and soil carbon sequestration.

“We want every student coming out of university to understand climate change and its impacts. That’s why we are training the lecturers, so they can pass on this critical knowledge to an entire generation,” explained Prof. Konè Daouda, Director of the Capacity Building Department of WASCAL.

This initiative builds on WASCAL’s longstanding contribution to climate education. To date, the WASCAL Climate Change and Land Use program at KNUST has produced 41 PhD graduates, with 10 more expected to graduate this year.

Over 300 scientists have also earned their master’s and doctoral degrees through WASCAL’s international and national programs.

Director of WASCAL-KNUST, Prof. Wilson Agyei Agyare, highlighted the university’s purpose in climate education.

“KNUST plays a key role, involving 13 departments in training students. With the WASCAL centre, we are not just focusing on PhD-level training. We are now extending our reach to master’s and undergraduate levels as well,” he emphasized.

The workshop also showcased innovative technologies, including artificial intelligence, developed to tackle climate challenges. Participants are being urged to adopt and champion these tools in their teaching and research.

From the Alliance of Biodiversity International and CIAT, Dr. Alcade C. Segnon, revealed that 11 specialized modules have been developed by expert teams, reviewed, and finalized.

“A group of experts on each of the topic has been selected and then developed those modules and have gone for review process and now finalized. These modules are complementary and fill critical gaps in university teaching. This training ensures they are not only disseminated but effectively used,” he said.

As climate change continues to threaten food security, livelihoods, and ecosystems across Africa, this strategic investment in training educators at the tertiary level signals a hopeful, sustainable future.

Speaking at the opening of the AGN Preparatory Plenary Meeting ahead of the 62nd session of the UN Climate Change Subsidiary Bodies (SB62) in Bonn, Germany, Dr. Muyungi said power was a crucial element of climate negotiations.

“Florian Weiler lists three factors that determine power in UNFCCC negotiations: the size of a country’s economy, its international prestige, and levels of national greenhouse gas (GHG) emission intensity,” he said.

“When compared to the continent, individual AGN member states score very low on all these factors. Therefore, the AGN concept seeks to overcome this constraint through; providing a coordinated African response; reducing the likelihood of contradictory and competing bargaining positions; and discouraging incentives being offered to individual African states by external powers, which could undermine unity and cohesion. It is thus important that we continue leveraging on this power of unity as Africa.”

Dr. Muyungi further noted that through power of unity, AGN has been instrumental in representation and coordination by speaking with one voice, allowing the continent to exert more influence in the negotiation process.

“Over the years, the AGN has been pivotal in addressing Africa’s vulnerability and highlighting the importance of climate finance, adaptation, capacity building and overall climate action, by balancing individual country priorities on the one hand and demonstrating cohesion as a negotiating group on the other,” he added.

As a technical arm reporting to the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) and ultimately to the Committee of African Heads of state on Climate Change (CAHOSCC), the AGN remains a key instrument for Africa’s participation in climate negotiations and other related processes.

Dr. Muyungi explained “the second key pillar of the AGN position in the UNFCCC negotiations is the location of adaptation as the principal regional response to climate change. In fact, in the context of the impacts of drought, desertification, floods, and the need for adaptation, Africa was, at one stage, the only region that was explicitly referred to in the UNFCCC documents. The consistency of the AGN in advancing this position has undoubtably contributed to the prominence of adaptation in UNFCCC negotiations.

“This prominence of adaptation is reflected by (1) direct linkages that now exist between climate finance and adaptation, including recognition of the need for equal division of climate finance for adaptation and for mitigation; (2) the implications for adaptation responses owing to the failure in achieving the global mitigation goal, (3) the link between the global temperature goal and adaptation, (4) a shift in the framing of adaptation from a local issue to a global responsibility, (5) the inclusion of the adaptation component in the nationally determined contributions (NDCs) by almost all developing countries, (6) the establishment of the global goal on adaptation by the Paris Agreement; and (7) the inclusion of adaptation in the global stock take of the Paris Agreement”.

Priorities at SB62 session

At the Bonn Climate Talks, the group has prioritized Adaptation, Finance, Just Transition, Mitigation, Clean Cooking and Mission 300.

Clean cooking and energy access are two important initiatives aimed at addressing Africa’s energy poverty and overall contribution to the continent’s sustainable development agenda.

“Africa’s energy poverty is well documented; it is for this reason that our leaders under the auspices of the African Union, endorsed and declared Mission 300 and Clean Cooking initiatives as flagship programmes to transform the continent from its current state of energy poverty. We need to find a way of ensuring this agenda is embraced by all of us.

“As we are aware, our energy poverty impacts several social-economic sectors such as health, agriculture, manufacturing, and even adaptation to climate change impacts. We must therefore not shy away from highlighting and embedding into negotiations, key initiatives that we are undertaking as a continent for sustainable development and in support of global climate action,” highlighted Dr. Muyungi.

Mission 300 is a joint initiative by the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank Group to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030, while the Clean Cooking Project aims to transform the clean cooking sector by enhancing private sector participation and increasing access to affordable clean cooking solutions, particularly in underserved areas.

The two initiatives, spearheaded by the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, were in February, 2025, endorsed and declared as African union flagship programmes on clean energy access.

“At our Strategic meeting in Zanzibar in April, we resolved to ensure these two important initiatives are embedded in the Just transition and Mitigation work programmes, as guided by our Heads of State guidance in February,” added the AGN Chair.

Additional priority areas

1. Finalizing Africa’s approach towards the new round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs 3.0), ensuring they are ambitious, equitable, and supported by adequate means of implementation;

2. Securing clarity and operationalization of the New Collective Quantified Goal on climate finance, building upon AU and CAHOSCC relevant guiding decisions and the “Baku to Belém Roadmap to 1.3 trillion USD by 2035”;

3. Ensuring decisive progress on adaptation, including the adoption of robust indicators under the Global Goal on Adaptation, and tangible progress on National Adaptation Plans;

4. Defending Africa’s equity-centered positions in the evolving global climate governance, particularly in loss and damage, technology transfer, just transition work programmes, and transparency frameworks; and

5. Reaffirming that Africa’s natural wealth presents a transformative opportunity to drive global climate change mitigation while catalysing inclusive, sustainable economic growth across the continent, with particular attention to how Africa’s natural wealth could enable Africa to leapfrog into a low-carbon future while contributing meaningfully to global emissions reductions.

The session, Protecting Forests, Protecting the Planet: Financing Solutions for Nature and Climate, became a rallying point for rights-based solutions. Mr. Darko’s incisive questions and strategic framing connected forest protection to broader climate and biodiversity goals ahead of COP30.

Around 1,600 participants from across the globe—including high-level representatives from politics, international organizations, business, academia, and civil society—gathered in Hamburg on June 2 and 3 to forge new alliances and accelerate progress toward the United Nations 2030 Agenda.

HSC was organized by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Michael Otto Foundation, and the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg.

During the forest finance session, Mr. Darko, a journalist with JoyNews and Myjoyonline, opened the discussion by engaging Jochen Flasbarth, State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN). Mr. Flasbarth emphasized Germany’s commitment to designing effective forest finance mechanisms, noting the importance of holistic and integrated approaches.

Kenneth advanced the discussion by underscoring forests’ dual role as biodiversity sanctuaries and carbon sinks, a theme echoed by panelists from Brazil’s Articulation of Indigenous Peoples (APIB), the Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI), and Greenpeace.

He remarked, “Forests, home to millions of people, two-thirds of the world’s biodiversity and crucial carbon sinks, are vital for achieving climate and nature protection goals. With deforestation contributing 15% of global emissions, we need to explore opportunities for COP30 and beyond to enhance financing mechanisms and accelerate action to end deforestation and forest degradation by 2030.”

Posing a pivotal question to Dinamam Tuxá, an Indigenous leader from Brazil, Kenneth asked how urgent it was to redesign forest finance to guarantee direct access for IP&LCs. Tuxá responded that without inclusion, even the best-intentioned funds fail. He highlighted the contradiction that Amazon territories safeguard 80% of global biodiversity, yet receive less than 1% of climate finance directly.

In a powerful address, Alcebias Mota Constantino of the Coordination of Indigenous Organizations of the Brazilian Amazon (COIAB) expressed frustration at the gap between lofty commitments and meaningful action. He noted that as delays persist in developing mechanisms to support IP and community-led solutions, their living conditions continue to worsen.

Mr. Darko’s facilitation revealed both the stark realities and the potential solutions. Leslie Quarzazi of CAFI emphasized that Central Africa’s deforestation crisis demands “policy coherence and community-level funding,” a point Kenneth expanded upon by referencing Ghana’s forest conservation efforts and the promise of the SCALED initiative in bridging investment gaps.

Turning to COP30 as a key moment, Carolina Pasquali of Greenpeace Brazil, responding to Kenneth’s prompt, stressed the need for enforceable mechanisms beyond mere pledges, especially for high-integrity forests.

Quarzazi also spoke on the need for finance models that balance equity and effectiveness through holistic, long-term frameworks.

In closing, Mr. Darko synthesized the panel’s consensus by stating that credible solutions require respecting the people who live with the forests. His summary reflected the session’s key messages:

• Direct Access: Finance mechanisms must bypass bureaucracy to reach IP&LCs.

• Integration: Climate and biodiversity goals must be inseparable in forest policy.

• Accountability: COP30 must deliver tangible results, not just dialogue.

Kenneth Awotwe Darko’s leadership underscored a powerful truth: forest finance is not just about dollars—it’s about dignity. As global leaders prepare for COP30 in the Amazon, the call to prioritize the voices of those who guard these ecosystems offers a clear roadmap for converting promises into progress.

HSC 2025 successfully concluded its second edition, reinforcing its position as a vital global platform for advancing sustainable development.

This year’s event marked the launch of key initiatives and the achievement of broad consensus, including the Hamburg Declaration on Responsible AI for the SDGs. Despite heightened geopolitical tensions and increasing fragmentation, the conference demonstrated that multilateral collaboration remains both possible and essential.

The four HSC initiators emphasized the need to forge new alliances and cross-sector initiatives to build a sustainable future, particularly in these uncertain times.

Key highlights from HSC 2025 include:

1. Hamburg Declaration on Responsible AI for the SDGs
   On June 2, the UNDP and BMZ, alongside over 40 governments, private sector actors, civil society groups, and research institutions, endorsed this landmark declaration. It is the first global declaration focused specifically on AI in international development, committing to equitable, inclusive, and sustainable AI deployment—especially in developing countries.

2. SCALED: Unlocking Private Investment for Sustainable Development
   Also launched on June 2, the rebranded “SCALED—Scaling Capital for Sustainable Development” initiative aims to remove barriers to sustainable investment. A new company will be launched by the end of 2025 to mobilize private capital efficiently for ventures such as solar energy and entrepreneurship support, helping close financing gaps in developing nations.

3. Launch of the Global Alliance against Inequality
   On June 3, Germany, Sierra Leone, and the Pathfinders Initiative launched this coalition to tackle the structural causes of inequality that threaten democratic governance. The alliance will promote cross-regional dialogue, policy innovation, and efforts to rebuild trust in public institutions.

Additional notable developments during HSC 2025 include:

• A Memorandum of Understanding between GIZ and Euler Hermes to support sustainable German exports and investments in emerging markets.

• The Biodiversity Fund by the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF), seeded with €500,000, to support biodiversity in global textile supply chains.

• New signatories to the Hamburg Declarations on Green Aviation and the Decarbonisation of Global Shipping.

• A joint statement on improving municipal access to private capital.

• The concept launch of the Institute for Sustainability Arbitration (ISA), envisioned as a legal body for resolving sustainability-related disputes.

In sum, HSC 2025 sent a timely and clear message: even amid global uncertainties, collective action and sustainable progress remain achievable.

Leveraging local languages can amplify climate change awareness, engagement, and action.

Ghana, like many African countries, faces significant climate change challenges. Effective communication is crucial in addressing this global crisis.

Using local languages increases the resonance of the climate change message, making it more relatable and accessible. Local languages also preserve traditional ecological knowledge, which is crucial for climate adaptation.

Local languages convey cultural nuances, values, and traditional knowledge essential for climate-resilient practices. Proper Community Engagement through language-sensitive approaches foster inclusive participation and empower marginalized communities.

Climate change is often framed as a scientific or economic issue, but its impact is deeply personal and cultural. Effective climate action requires understanding and respecting the cultural values, traditions, and practices of diverse communities.

Climate change threatens cultural heritage, identity, and livelihoods, especially for indigenous and traditional communities, however building traditional knowledge and Practices with local cultures possess valuable insights into sustainable living, ecological management, and climate resilience.

Cultural understanding informs context-specific climate solutions, increasing their effectiveness.

Enhanced community engagement and participation, preserved cultural heritage and traditional knowledge, contextualized climate solutions, and Increased social justice and equity addresses climate change disproportion and its impact on vulnerable communities.

Ghana’s “Green Ghana” initiative uses local languages to promote reforestation however Ghana must incorporate local languages into climate change education curricula, Partner with local language media outlets for climate change awareness campaigns, develop climate change messaging in local languages for rural communities, and engage traditional leaders and local language speakers in climate change advocacy.

Effective communication is crucial, and local language storytelling can bridge the gap between climate information and community action. Using local languages (e.g., Twi, Fante, Ewe, Ga, Dagbani) increases climate change message resonance.

Ghana can spearhead climate action by embracing local languages. By doing so, the country will amplify its voice in the global climate conversation, empower marginalized communities, preserve cultural heritage, and drive climate-resilient development.

Media’s Role

1. Reaching wider audiences: Local language media extends climate information to underserved communities.
2. Cultural relevance: Local language storytelling conveys climate issues in culturally sensitive contexts.
3. Building trust: Local language media fosters trust and credibility, essential for climate action.

Storytelling Impact

1. Emotional connections: Local language stories create emotional connections, increasing climate empathy.
2. Contextualized messaging: Stories illustrate climate impacts and solutions relevant to local communities.
3. Behavioural change: Compelling stories inspire climate-conscious behaviours.

Local language storytelling through media is a powerful tool in the climate change fight. By leveraging local languages, media can increase climate awareness and engagement build trust and credibility inspire behavioural change, and preserve cultural heritage.

Empowering local language use in climate change efforts will amplify Ghana’s voice in the global conversation.

Source: Shadrach Assan

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Ghana’s forests and urban centres are under threat of irresponsible environmental infractions, including illegal mining, wetlands destruction and growing insanitary practices.

Under its new mandate, the EPA is assuring stringent efforts to safeguard the environment, health and safety of humans and the ecosystem.

Meanwhile, environmental activists and other stakeholders are urging stronger collaboration in restoring Ghana’s ecosystems.

Rapid urbanization without proper city planning continues to threaten the environmental architecture of urban centres with dire consequences on human existence and the ecosystem.

Filth and destruction to forest covers and wetlands continue unabated with climate change impacts.

Ashanti Regional Director of Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Dr. Jackson Adiyiah Nyantakyi highlights the new mandate of the authority in protecting wetlands in urban centres.

He noted that the agency is empowered to take action when environmental harm threatens public health.

“The Environmental Protection Act, Act 1124, section 165 makes this statement that if in the opinion of the authority, a land or a continuous existence of a project on a particular land poses a serious threat to the public health or even to the environment, the EPA will advise the assembly or maybe encourage them to revert what they have done, so that the environment does not suffer,” he explained.

He spoke during the 2nd Biennial Media Forum on Natural Resources, Environment, Climate Change, and Science, organized by the Media Platform on Environment and Climate Change (MPEC), the Afro-Sino Centre of International Relations (ASCIR), and The Steminist Foundation Ghana.

The forum brought together stakeholders from the media, academia, government and industry players to deliberate on how politics and science play a critical role in ecosystem restoration, with its impacts on human existence and the economy.

Prof. (Mrs.) Mercy Afua Adutwumwaa Derkyi of the University of Energy and Natural Resource (UENR) spoke on the theme: “Ecosystem Restoration: The Politics, the Science, the Human, and the Economy”.

“The intersection of politics, the signs, the economy and humans are unique opportunities for sustainable ecosystem restoration. We say intersection, they are together, can’t separate them. You may try to please one but if you don’t take care it will tilt, so we need to see how best we can manage each of them well and bring them into harmony,” she noted.

The forum reinforced the need for stronger collaboration to ensure that environmental restoration efforts are inclusive, enforceable, and impactful.

Highlighting the critical role of the media, Mrs. Ama Kudom-Agyemang, Executive Director of MPEC, described the media as a catalyst for restoration.

“We see the media as a catalyst for restoration. We are talking about ecosystem restoration, and we believe that media is key when we talk about restoration. We affirm the pivotal role of the media in raising awareness, promoting behavioural change and advocating for policy reforms towards ecosystem restoration in Ghana,” she said.

Scientists from the University of Copenhagen and the KNUST are starting a research study into how residents living in abject poverty in urban centres adapt to the ever-changing climatic conditions to access potable water for use.

The 5-year investigation is exploring the multi-factorial challenges that influence accessibility to water in the increasingly urbanized center of the Greater Kumasi metropolis.

As Ghana’s climate grows hotter and rainfall becomes increasingly unpredictable, urban residents in low-income areas are bearing the brunt of a water crisis.

Asawase – one of Kumasi’s clustered enclaves – is home to some of Ashanti region’s low-income earners.

In the past, residents relied on the only stream running through the enclave, the Pelele, as a source of potable water.

Once a clean and clear water source, the stream now collects milky sludge –its colouration nears a hot chocolate drink but can’t be gulped.

Nana Kwabena Pong has lived in the enclave for nearly five decades now.

“We used to drink from the stream in the 60s. But it’s no longer drinkable,” he said.

With growing urbanization and poor sanitary practices, the stream is no longer what it used to be. It is now an unhealthy running water source.

The residents living in the area must now find alternatives for domestic water use. It’s worse during the harmattan.

“Sometimes it’s difficult to get water especially for those of us living up the hill,” Harun Abdul Rashid, an assembly member, said.

Although peri-urban centres are expected to have increased water access, it is now a challenge.

The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) admits that over 40% of treated water is lost through leaks, theft, and poor metering.

Water infrastructure projects remain underfunded, and city planning often exempts the urban poor.

To inform policy and planning, the Centre of African Studies at the University of Copenhagen and the KNUST are investigating how poorer residents in different parts of the city access clean drinking water under conditions of climate change.

“Rainfall patterns are changing and that has an impact on the places we draw water. Some areas witness flooding and that can pollute water sources. Climate change exacerbated the pressure on water accessibility,” Principal Investigator, Prof. Karen Lauterbach said.

The Multiple Waterscapes in Urban Ghana (MUWUG) project will be assessing challenging and opportunities in water accessibility in three suburbs in the metropolis including Asawase, Ejisu and Ayoum.

Rising temperatures, intense flooding, and severe droughts are becoming the new norm.

While natural disasters are often blamed, a more sinister culprit lurks behind the scenes: fossil fuels. Ghana’s oil, gas, and coal extraction have been touted as an economic blessing, but they have devastating environmental costs.

The extraction and burning of these fossil fuels significantly contribute to the acceleration of climate change, posing a threat to the country’s development and the planet.

Ghana’s fossil fuel extraction significantly contributes to climate change, with far-reaching consequences for the environment, human health, and the economy.

The destructive role of fossil fuels in fueling climate disasters and harming Ghanaian communities includes

1. Fossil Fuel Extraction: Ghana’s oil, gas, and coal extraction contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, accelerating climate change.
2. Air and Water Pollution: Fossil fuel activities release toxic pollutants, harming human health and contaminating water sources.
3. Climate Disasters: Fossil fuel-driven climate change intensifies flooding, droughts, and heatwaves, devastating Ghanaian communities.
4. Community Displacement: Fossil fuel projects displace indigenous communities, eroding cultural heritage and livelihoods.
5. Economic Costs: Climate-related disasters and health impacts strain Ghana’s economy, diverting resources from development.

Ghana’s recent commissioning of a new bitumen processing plant has sparked concerns about the country’s commitment to addressing climate change. Bitumen, a byproduct of crude oil refining, significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

To align with global sustainability goals, Ghana must reassess its energy priorities, invest in clean technologies, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Ghana’s new bitumen processing plant poses a significant threat to the country’s climate change efforts.

Ghana is already experiencing climate-related disasters; the plant’s emissions will exacerbate this vulnerability which requires investing in sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy could create jobs and stimulate economic growth while mitigating climate change.

Fossil fuels are a ticking time bomb for Ghana’s communities and climate. Ghana must transition to renewable energy sources, promote sustainable practices, and hold fossil fuel companies accountable for their environmental and social damage.

Ghana’s new bitumen processing plant poses a significant threat to the country’s climate change efforts. The time for action is now – Ghana’s future depends on it.

Source: Shadrach Assan

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As the impact of climate change threatens building management and maintenance, professionals in the built industry are challenged to build resilience.

The facility managers insist this will ensure infrastructure resilience, functionality, and improve business performance.

The functionality, maintenance, and operations of facilities have been tasked to facility managers to ensure safety and proper functioning.

Climate change and its impact on the environment and the construction industry have attracted expert discussion at this year’s celebration of World FM Day in Kumasi.

The climate change phenomenon is impacting conditions of facility management through weakening-built structures and inflicting abnormal temperatures.

Associate Professor at the KNUST College of Arts and Built Environment, Eric Paul Tudzi, says facility managers should collaborate with architects to integrate sustainable, energy-efficient solutions that maintain comfortable indoor climates and sustain facility strength.

“Climate has introduced a lot into the built environment, and its important facility managers gain knowledge to abreast themselves with the changing landscape. We need them to improve their performance. Climate change has changed room temperature which is increasing and affects productivity.

“It’s important that facility managers ensure that architects come up with designs that take advantage of the natural environment so there can be less cost electricity wise, or the usage of other energy-efficient means to ensure the room remains at a reasonable temperature. We need these changes to improve the productivity of our business and quality of life. It will ensure functionality, sustainability and ensure that communities and infrastructures are in a good state,” he said.
The 2025 World FM Day assembled arts and built environments experts, facility managers and sustainability advocates under the theme; “Resilience in Action: Thriving in a World of Change”.

The theme emphasized the Facility Management (FM) profession and its impact on the built environment.

President of the International Facility Management Association, Ghana Chapter, Sampson Opare-Agyemang, is admonishing the government to commit to improving the capacities of facility management professionals.

“Climate disruptions are more frequent, budgets are tighter, infrastructure are ageing and demands for safety and sustainability are increasing. Facility managers remain the silent enablers of stability, continuity and sustainability.

“There is the need for government to recognize these people and ensure that they are trained professionals that manage our infrastructure built with fortunes. What FIMA has been doing is push for the education of facility management with many of our trainings and workshops,” he said.

Through expert presentations, facility managers explored their roles in national development.

A Senior Lecturer at the Kumasi Technical University, Dr Oti Amankwah, says facility managers’ work goes beyond management of facilities.

“Facility managers over the years have played important yet extensive roles incorporating innovative and technology to improve operations and efficiency, maintaining a healthy environment for occupants, involved in strategic planning for a long-term facility management and development and security management,” he said.

According to scientists, ocean heat content has reached a new high, contributing to alarming sea-level rise and coral bleaching with significant implications for coastal communities and ecosystems.

Ghana is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts due to its dependence on climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture, energy, and forestry.

The Volta Basin’s water volume is predicted to decrease by 24% and 45% by 2050 and 2100, respectively, affecting hydropower generation and access to clean drinking water.

The country’s greenhouse gas emissions are relatively low, accounting for only about 0.1% of global emissions, but the effects of climate change are already being felt.

Since 1960, Ghana has experienced a 1.0 °C increase in temperature, with the northern regions warming more rapidly than the southern regions. Rainfall patterns are becoming increasingly unpredictable, with droughts and floods affecting different parts of the country.

Flooding impacts around 45,000 Ghanaians every year – the country’s coastline is experiencing erosion and flooding due to sea-level rise, with a projected surge of 5.8 cm, 16.5 cm, and 34.5 cm by 2020, 2050, and 2080, respectively.

Displacements in coastal areas

Ghana’s coastal communities are grappling with the severe impacts of climate change, particularly rising sea levels and intensified tidal waves. These environmental challenges have led to significant coastal erosion, threatening homes, livelihoods, and the very existence of these communities.

In Agavedzi, a coastal town in the Ketu South District of the Volta Region, residents have witnessed their homes and ancestral lands being swallowed by the sea. The community has suffered the loss of over 50 houses in recent weeks, displacing approximately 300 people.

The erosion has unearthed cemeteries, forcing the reburial of over 100 bodies. Despite appeals for government intervention, such as the construction of sea barriers, assistance has been limited, leaving residents vulnerable to further devastation.

The destruction of homes has not only displaced families but also disrupted local economies. For instance, in Agavedzi, an eatery owner faces the collapse of her business premises, threatening her livelihood. The psychological toll is equally profound, with residents expressing feelings of sadness, depression, and uncertainty about the future.

Beyond coastal erosion, Ghana’s coastal regions are also burdened by environmental degradation due to pollution.

In Accra, areas like Old Fadama have become dumping grounds for textile waste, contributing to the pollution of water bodies such as the Korle Lagoon.

This pollution not only harms marine ecosystems but also exacerbates the vulnerability of coastal communities to climate change impacts.

Call to Action

The plight of Ghana’s coastal communities underscores the urgent need for comprehensive climate adaptation strategies. This includes the construction of sea defenses, implementation of sustainable waste management practices, and support for affected populations.

As climate change continues to pose existential threats to coastal regions, Ghana must prioritize the protection and empowerment of its coastal communities to safeguard their future.

Engaging local communities in climate resilience planning is crucial to ensure that interventions are effective and culturally appropriate.

Residents of Coastal communities should also be proactive in safeguarding their future against climate change by protecting and restoring coastal ecosystems like mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrasses.

The communities can also implement strategies like eco-friendly fishing methods to maintain fish populations, creating marine reserves and protected coastal zones to preserve critical habitats, and restoring mangrove forests to stabilize shorelines and rebuild habitats.

The Ghana Green Guard Initiative, forged between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the developer CarbonPura, and Private Sector Participation in Health (PSPH), will provide a series of regenerative solutions designed to secure a healthier and more sustainable future for all Ghanaians.

The initiative leverages carbon financing, and carbon, and biodiversity monetisation and aims to tackle pressing environmental challenges such as water security, restoration of polluted water sources, and environmental restoration across the country.

The Ghana Green Guard Agreement will be one of the largest and most nature-based projects globally, with plans to generate over 305 million high-quality, investment-grade carbon credits over the next 25 years, generating an estimated USD$10.4 billion in revenue.

EPA Chief Executive Officer, Prof Nana Ama Browne Klutse, in a press statement issued on Thursday, March 27, hailed the partnership as a milestone in Ghana’s environmental journey, noting that the project marks the beginning of a new era for public-private engagement aimed at sustainability.

She emphasised that the initiative would not only help protect the country’s water bodies but also promote a range of socio-economic benefits, including empowering women, children, and vulnerable communities.

The project aligns with Ghana’s net-zero goals and all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, setting the nation on a path toward a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive future.

According to her, the “ambitious” initiative will restore over 12 million hectares of land across various regions of Ghana, focusing on reforestation, regenerative agriculture, coastal environment restoration, and the reduction of illegal mining activities.

She said key partners such as the University of Pennsylvania Museum, the Getty Research Institute, and Google Arts & Culture will collaborate to ensure the initiative’s success, strengthening Ghana’s position as a leader in global climate action.

The Ghana Green Guard Initiative represents a powerful blend of environmental stewardship and socio-economic development, with long-term benefits for local communities and the wider population.

Through strategic partnerships and expert governance, the project will ensure the effective use of carbon credits and drive positive change across Ghana’s landscapes and communities.

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Extreme weather events led to the highest number of new annual displacements since 2008, destroying homes, vital infrastructure, forests, farmland, and biodiversity. The combined effects of escalating conflicts, droughts, and rising food prices worsened food crises in 18 countries worldwide by mid-2024.

Tropical cyclones, floods, and droughts contributed to record displacements over the past 16 years, further exacerbating food shortages and causing significant economic losses.

The UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO) compiled the report based on data from National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, WMO Regional Climate Centres, UN partners, and climate experts.

The report also assesses global temperatures in relation to the Paris Agreement and highlights temperature anomalies in 2023 and 2024. It includes insights into climate services and extreme weather events.

Impact in Africa

The report states that in West and Central Africa, 1,526 people lost their lives, 639,000 homes were damaged or destroyed, and over 1 million people were displaced. Chad and Nigeria were among the hardest-hit nations.

In Kenya, flood-related disasters claimed 282 lives, while Tanzania recorded 161 deaths. Cyclone Hidaya caused at least 236 fatalities in southern Ethiopia, with an additional 172 deaths reported across Mayotte, Mozambique, and Malawi.

Severe heatwaves gripped large parts of West Africa and the Sahel, with inland temperatures often exceeding 45°C. Several stations in Mali recorded their highest temperatures on record, with 102 heat-related deaths reported.

Disasters in Asia and the Americas

Typhoon Yagi was Asia’s most intense storm, making record-breaking landfalls in China and Vietnam, where over 700 lives were lost.

In South America, a wildfire south of Viña del Mar, Chile, resulted in 134 reported deaths, making it the deadliest wildfire in the region’s history. Flooding in Porto Alegre, Brazil, claimed 182 lives, displaced over 420,000 people, and caused billions of dollars in economic losses, ranking among the continent’s costliest disasters.

In the United States, Hurricane Helene caused at least 219 deaths, marking the deadliest mainland U.S. hurricane since Katrina in 2005. The disaster resulted in economic losses of $78.7 billion, making it the most expensive global climate event of 2024 and the costliest inland flooding disaster in U.S. history. The storm impacted western North Carolina, Georgia, western South Carolina, and eastern Tennessee.

Global Call to Action

UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the planet is sending distress signals but emphasized that keeping global temperature rise within 1.5°C remains possible.

“Leaders must step up to make it happen—seizing the benefits of cheap, clean renewables for their people and economies, with new national climate plans due this year,” he urged.

WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo added that while a single year above 1.5°C of warming does not mean the Paris Agreement’s long-term temperature goals are out of reach, it serves as a wake-up call.

“We are increasing the risks to our lives, economies, and the planet,” she cautioned.

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According to him, if Ghanaians give the CPP the opportunity in the December 7 election, the issue of air pollution will be minimized in the country, especially the indiscriminate burning of waste.

“Under our government, we aim to minimize the burning of waste, especially what is happening in Accra, where people burn waste, including plastic, simply to make a small profit. I think we need to enforce the law to ensure that this stops and guarantee that we have clean air,” he said.

Mr. Issah said this during Joy News’ National Dialogue on Clean Air and Election 2024, held in Accra on Tuesday, November 26.

He further noted that in tackling air pollution, the CPP aims to ensure that “everyone is entitled to good air, and every Ghanaian must enjoy quality air.”

The Secretary also highlighted that under CPP leadership, three approaches will be used to ensure a clean and healthy environment for Ghanaians: the use of clean energy, the reduction of emissions from vehicles by eliminating salvage cars, and alternatives in the agricultural sector, where the use of chemicals will be minimized.

The dialogue is an effort to raise awareness about the importance of clean air and actionable steps to achieve it, as well as to encourage political parties to prioritize clean air in their manifestos.

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This, according to stakeholders, will help businesses access more funding to implement various policies in line with the sustainable development goals.

Speaking to JoyBusiness at the Ghana Stock Exchange “Ring the Bell for Climate Change,” Executive Director for the UN Global Compact Network, Kweku Lacroix, urged investors in the financial sector to pay attention to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) initiatives.

Ring the Bell for Climate Change is an annual event adopted by the Ghana Stock Exchange to create awareness of climate change and the SDGs.

This year’s event assembled chief executives of listed firms and some development partners to share success stories of initiatives implemented on climate change.

According to the United Nations Global Compact Network, Ghana, investors in the financial sector can develop basic frameworks that provide easy access to funding for businesses promoting sustainability.

The Executive Director for the network, Kweku Lacroix, said the financial sector has the capacity to accelerate the agenda.

“Today’s event is a testament to the transformative power of finance and collaboration. The Ghana Stock Exchange, alongside global counterparts, is stepping forward to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time: climate change.”

He observed that the finance sector has a unique and pivotal role to play in shaping the future.

He stated that capital markets hold the power to drive sustainable change.

“But this is more than a financial responsibility—it is a moral obligation,” he said.

The Deputy Managing Director for the Ghana Stock Exchange, Frank Berle, in a keynote speech, underscored the importance of the event in supporting Ghana’s climate change agenda.

“The Ghana Stock Exchange is very much committed to supporting climate-friendly developments, and this is what has inspired us in collaborating with the World Federation of Exchanges once again and joining other global exchanges to organize the 2nd Ring the Bell for Climate event, which is running alongside COP29 this year,” he said.

Some basic students used the occasion to exhibit various products manufactured from recycled waste materials as another way of preserving the environment.

The largest rooftop solar project by LMI Holdings at the Freezones Enclave in Tema was also displayed as the biggest renewable energy project in the country.

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CDKN Ghana was awarded for its impactful work in climate action and its commitment in empowering communities with climate knowledge to build resilience.

The Ghana Philanthropy Awards brings together leaders across various sectors, including education, health, and the environment, to highlight the importance of philanthropy and social responsibility.

This year, CDKN Ghana stood out for its dedication to climate awareness and resilience-building in the country.

CDKN Ghana has been at the heart of climate action efforts, helping young people, farmers and local leaders understand the effects of climate change on their daily lives and the actions they can take to reduce its impacts.

Through hands-on programs like climate literacy exhibitions, workshops, and interactive events, CDKN brings climate knowledge into community conversations, encouraging practical solutions and empowering people to take action.

Receiving the philanthropy award is a testament to CDKN Ghana’s dedication to climate action and sustainable development.

“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition. At CDKN, our mission has always been to empower communities with the knowledge and tools to tackle the climate crisis head-on. This award reaffirms our commitment to supporting climate resilience and sustainable development across Ghana. Together, we can drive the change needed to secure a better future for generations to come,” said Dr. Prince Ansah, Country Lead, CDKN Ghana.

CDKN Ghana’s impactful work is made possible through the generous support of its funders, including the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands. Their unwavering commitment to climate resilience and sustainable development has been instrumental in enabling CDKN to deliver transformative climate education and empowerment programs across Ghana.

As CDKN Ghana looks to the future, the organization remains committed to expanding its climate literacy efforts and deepening its impact.

The Ghana Philanthropy Award not only celebrates what CDKN has accomplished but also inspires ongoing support for sustainable, climate-focused development across Ghana.

“This crisis is affecting every single individual in the world in one way or another,” acknowledged Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change at the opening of COP29.

The 29^th Conference of Parties (COP29) in the climate change negotiations has been dubbed the “Climate Finance COP” as a new climate finance target is sought to help developing countries overcome their vulnerabilities to the climate crisis.

“We must agree a new global climate finance goal,” said Simon. “If at least two thirds of the world’s nations cannot afford to cut emissions quickly, then every nation pays a brutal price”.

Civil society organizations like 350.org are making it clear that fair, equitable finance is the bridge to climate action.

At COP29, they are demanding countries pledge to an ambitious climate finance goal, or New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) of at least $1 trillion, which must be in the form of grants and based on the financial, climate and social needs of the Global South.

Countries are also to agree to put forward climate goals – Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) – in line with fairly tripling renewable energy capacity and phasing out fossil fuels by 2030.

According to Simon Stiell, if nations can’t build resilience into supply chains, the entire global economy will be brought to its knees, emphasizing that “no country is immune”.

“Let’s dispense with any idea that climate finance is charity. An ambitious new climate finance goal is entirely in the self-interest of every nation, including the largest and wealthiest,” he noted.

There is also an expected acceleration of the shift to clean-energy and climate-resilience.

African CSOs posture  

African Civil Society leaders are urging a focus on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) to achieve substantial and equitable financing solutions for climate action.

Under the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), the CSOs highlighted the urgent need for global commitments on adaptation, just transition, critical minerals, mitigation, and transparency in carbon markets.

“We call for the establishment of an ambitious sub-goal for adaptation finance that prioritizes public, grant-based support for developing countries, responding to needs outlined in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), and other national plans,” reads the statement.

Dr. Mithika Mwenda, Executive Director of PACJA, emphasized that COP29’s NCQG negotiations must address Africa’s pressing adaptation needs as well as Loss and Damage.

“If the NCQG fails to consider the adaptation needs of vulnerable populations, COP29 will not meet the threshold to be a genuine Climate Finance COP,” he stated.

The adaptation finance gap for developing nations remains significant – currently 10 to 18 times greater than actual international financial flows, which amount to approximately USD 20 billion per year. This falls well short of the estimated USD 166-366 billion needed annually to meet adaptation demands.

Prof. Seth Osafo, Senior Legal Advisor at the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) said it’s had to talk about the NCQG leaving behind considerations of other dimensions.

“We must reimagine the quality of finance, moving beyond debt-based approaches—currently at 72%—to include concessional loans, grants, and innovative financing mechanisms. Additionally, funding must be accessible, predictable, and structured to prioritize essential sub-goals, including Loss and Damage, while aligning on whether a single-layer or multi-layer approach best serves the mobilization and provision of funds,” Prof Osafo stated.

As the COP29 discussions begin, African Civil Society wants world leaders to prioritize issues that meet the urgent needs of African communities on the frontlines of climate change.

Beef consumption has been identified as a major contributor to climate change. Although it may not seem significant to many, it is an emerging problem that needs to be addressed through individual decision-making.

According to the University of California, Davis, cattle are the leading producers of greenhouse gases in the global agriculture industry.

A single cow can emit nearly 100 kg of methane each year. While methane has a shorter lifespan than carbon dioxide, it is much more damaging in terms of warming the atmosphere.

In Ghana, there is currently no research on the amount of greenhouse gases produced by cattle. However, the Ghana Beef Industry Outlook 2022-2026 reports that in 2021, the country consumed 28,000 metric tons of beef.

The report also indicates that Ghanaian beef production is projected to grow at an annual rate of 1.4%, reaching 32,830 metric tons by 2026.

In 2021, Ghana produced 30,280 metric tons of beef, reflecting a 4.9% increase year-on-year since 1966.

In 2021, Ghana was ranked 109th in global beef production, surpassed by Namibia, which produced the same amount. Brazil, China, and Argentina ranked second, third, and fourth, respectively.

As findings suggest that beef consumption in Ghana is increasing, this implies that raising cattle specifically for meat will also rise, leading to more greenhouse gas emissions.

Globally, about 1.5 billion cattle raised for meat production emit at least 231 billion pounds of methane into the atmosphere each year.

The fight against climate change requires commitment from individuals, organisations, and governments.

However, it is essential to start with personal commitment. Your choice regarding beef consumption is critical for protecting the climate and making the world a better place for all.

The African Future Policies Hub has released a report highlighting the key challenges and opportunities facing African nations in the global financial system and climate finance landscape.

“The assessment shows little to no progress is being made on addressing the continent’s debt concerns, high cost of borrowing, and actual disbursements against financial commitments and pledges−putting into question transparency and accountability frameworks in the financing ecosystem,” said Maria Nkhonjera, Senior Policy Lead (Public Finance), African Future Policies Hub.

The report, titled “Assessing Progress Towards Reforming the Global Financial Architecture: An African Perspective,” outlines the urgent need for reforms to address imbalances in the IMF quota system, increase climate finance flows to Africa, and enhance the effectiveness of multilateral development banks.

“As we head to COP29 where financing decisions will be taken, it is important to also take stock of progress on the reforms that are said to help us generate the trillions of funding needed to finance climate action in developing countries,” noted Faten Aggad at the African Future Policies Hub. “Despite positive developments, there is clearly significant work that is still needed especially reforms requested by African countries based on their realities.”

Here are key findings of the report:

Enhanced African Influence: The African Union’s admission to the G20 and the appointment of a third sub-Saharan African representative to the IMF executive board has strengthened African representation in global financial infrastructure reforms.

Unresolved Quota imbalances: The IMF’s quota system remains heavily skewed in favour of developed economies, with African nations holding a disproportionately small share.

Mixed Progress on Climate Finance: While advancements have been made in loss and damage mechanisms, commitments to adaptation finance and the delivery of climate finance commitments remain insufficient.

Multilateral Development Bank Reforms: MDB’s have initiated comprehensive reforms, but implementation has been uneven. A number of Africa’s priorities are yet to be operationalised, including the re-channeling of SDRs through the African Development Bank.

Capital Efficiency and Country Engagement: Progress in enhancing capital efficiency and transforming country engagement has been limited.

IDA Replenishment: African heads of state have called for a US$120 billion replenishment of the International Development Association, but major donors and World Bank management are only considering a US$105 billion benchmark.

G20 Common Framework for Debt Treatment: The G20 Common Framework remains unreformed, with limited progress in addressing high borrowing costs and lengthy debt resolution.

UN Tax Convention: Significant progress has been made towards establishing a legally binding UN tax convention, which could help address tax avoidance and evasion.

Global Climate Tax Standards and Trade Measures: There has been progress in advancing global climate taxes, but no progress on addressing unilateral climate-related trade measures.

Transparency in Climate Finance: Concerns remain over the transparency of “new and additional” climate finance, hindering effective climate action and resource allocation.

Debt-for-Climate and Nature Swaps: The use of debt-for-climate and nature swaps holds promise but has been limited in Africa.

New Collective Quantified Goal: African negotiators have called for the NCQG to be based on a needs-driven approach to address countries’ significant financial needs for climate adaptation and mitigation.

Official Development Assistance: The UN has set a target for developed countries to allocate 0.7% of their Gross National Income to ODA, but funding levels have been declining.

The report calls for continuous political pressure on global financial leaders and targeted advocacy efforts to drive progress in the reform of the international financial system.

“Reforming the global financial architecture means many things, but from an African perspective, especially responding to the UNFCCC process, it appears clear that progress remains critically insufficient until and unless we see significant new and additional international provision of grant-equivalent finance to developing countries, on the scale of the hundreds of billions required, respectively, to equitably address mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage needs,” stated Iskander Erzini Vernoit, Imal Initiative for Climate and Development.

Upcoming negotiations offer a crucial opportunity for Africa to articulate its position and advocate for a system that truly supports its transformation and development goals.

Source: Kofi Adu Domfeh

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This is because the practice of burning wele, a common method for disposing of animal remains, poses significant environmental and climate concerns.

While it is seen as a means of waste disposal in some regions, the combustion of animal hides releases a variety of harmful substances into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution and climate change.

When burned, cowhides emit greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), as well as other toxic compounds like sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx).

These emissions not only exacerbate global warming but also have negative impacts on human health and local ecosystems.

As the world grapples with the growing urgency to reduce carbon footprints and transition to more sustainable practices, understanding the environmental impact of cowhide burning is crucial.

This article explores the process of burning cowhide, the pollutants it releases, and its broader implications for climate change, highlighting the need for alternative waste management practices in the livestock and leather industries.

Cowhide serves multiple purposes beyond just food, like wele (a delicacy made from boiled cowhide).

The hide is also an important raw material in industrial applications, especially in leather production and various traditional crafts.

The use of cowhide for industrial purposes extends to leather tanneries, the production of drums, furniture, shoes, bags, and other leather goods.

Cowhides in Ghana are usually sourced from local slaughterhouses or cattle markets. After slaughter, the hides are preserved either by drying or salting to prevent decomposition before further processing.

In Ghana, the cowhide processing industry is primarily centered around traditional methods, although some modern practices have been adopted in industrial settings, especially in large tanneries.

The cowhide burning process is still used in certain parts of the country, particularly by small-scale producers, but larger industrial players might opt for chemical dehairing or mechanized processes to improve efficiency.

Traditionally, cowhide is burned using coal and tyres, a process that not only gives wele its distinctive flavour but also lends a slightly smoky taste that many Ghanaians cherish. However, this method is not without its drawbacks.

Burning tyres, in particular, releases harmful pollutants into the air, posing significant health risks to both cooks and consumers.

The practice of burning cowhide using tyres and coal has raised concerns about its environmental impact.

The process releases harmful pollutants such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and particulate matter, all of which contribute to global warming, respiratory issues, and poor air quality.

Additionally, incomplete combustion can produce methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O), both potent greenhouse gases.

The incomplete combustion of tyres and other materials releases fine particulate matter into the air.

These particles can penetrate the lungs and cause serious respiratory issues, such as asthma, bronchitis, and even cardiovascular diseases.

Beyond air pollution, the method also has implications for deforestation. Wood and charcoal, often used as fuel in this process, lead to the loss of forested areas, further contributing to climate change by reducing the Earth’s capacity to absorb CO₂.

Residue from the burning process can also contaminate soil and water sources, posing a threat to local ecosystems.

The ash and residue left behind after burning cowhide, especially when tyres are involved, can contaminate soil.

This contamination reduces soil fertility, affecting agricultural productivity in areas where this practice is common.

In addition, residues and chemicals from burnt tyres can leach into nearby water sources, contaminating rivers, lakes, and groundwater.

This can negatively affect both human populations and local wildlife, as the pollutants are harmful to aquatic ecosystems and can infiltrate drinking water supplies.

The release of large amounts of greenhouse gases during the burning of cowhide, particularly when tyres are used, exacerbates global warming.

This contributes to extreme weather patterns, rising temperatures, and a host of other climate-related issues that impact both local communities and the planet as a whole.

To mitigate the environmental impact of burning cow hides, alternative methods of disposal and waste management must be explored.

One such solution is composting, where cow hides can be broken down into organic matter. This reduces methane and CO2 emissions and can be used as a natural fertilizer in agriculture.

Another option is energy recovery through incineration with controlled combustion. Unlike open burning, incineration in controlled environments can capture some of the harmful emissions and generate energy in the process.

While this still releases CO2, the environmental impact can be significantly reduced through modern filtration technologies.

The leather industry can also explore circular economy practices, such as finding innovative ways to reuse hides or develop bioplastics and other materials from the collagen in animal skins.

By turning waste into value-added products, the industry can reduce the need for burning and its associated environmental harm.

Ultimately, recognizing and addressing the impact of cowhide burning is crucial in our collective journey toward a sustainable future.

It is a reminder that even small-scale practices can have significant environmental repercussions, and by making conscious choices today, we can help pave the way for a healthier planet for generations to come.

Burning cowhide poses significant environmental and climate risks, therefore  adopting sustainable alternatives and promoting awareness can mitigate these impacts.

Speaking at the UN General Assembly in New York, Akufo-Addo highlighted that while Africa contributes minimally to global emissions, it disproportionately bears the brunt of climate-related challenges, including floods and desertification.

He stressed that tackling climate change is not merely an option, it is an urgent necessity requiring collective action.

“Africa cannot continue to bear the burden of a crisis it did not create,” he remarked, calling for “fairness, not charity.”

The President also emphasized the need for climate justice, advocating for a framework that serves everyone rather than just a select few.

“At the heart of today’s crisis is the climate emergency that threatens humanity’s very existence. Africa, despite contributing the least to global emissions, faces the most significant consequences. From floods to desertification, we are already witnessing its devastating effects. Despite promises made, the vulnerable continue to be neglected.

“We are told to adapt and be resilient, but how can one adapt to famine or build resilience when farmers cannot predict the seasons? Africa should not have to pay for a crisis it did not cause. We demand fairness, not charity. Climate justice requires a system that benefits all, not just the privileged few.”

In his remarks, Akufo-Addo pointed out that over 700 million people, or 8.57% of the global population, still live in extreme poverty.

He underscored that the significant divide between the rich and poor should be a critical concern for world leaders.

“As president, the vast gap between the rich and poor should weigh heavily on our conscience. Over 700 million people still endure extreme poverty,” he stated.

Source: Adomonline

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Between June and August, 2 billion people were exposed to more than 30 days of health-threatening temperatures strongly influenced by climate change.

Human-induced heat worsened drought conditions all over the world, including in Russia, China, Italy and Ghana, leading to crop failures, prompting governments to declare emergency measures, and resulting in export bans.

72 countries experienced their hottest summer since at least 1970, significantly driven by climate change. 180 cities in the Northern Hemisphere experienced at least one extreme heatwave from June to August. These heatwaves are, on average, 21 times more likely today because of carbon pollution, mainly caused by burning coal, oil and gas.

“High temperatures that were clearly influenced by climate change jeopardized the health of billions around the world during the past three months,” said Andrew Pershing, vice president for science at Climate Central. “No region, country, or city is safe from the deadly threats posed by burning fossil fuels.”

Using Climate Central’s Climate Shift Index, this new analysis quantifies the impact of climate change on temperatures and estimates the number of people affected by these extreme conditions. It provides detailed data on heat exposure at global, regional, local levels, and in about 1,200 cities.

To estimate the risks of heat to human health, researchers looked at days in which temperatures were significantly hotter than the historical record — the “risky heat” days. Temperatures on these days are hotter than 90% of temperatures observed in a local area over the 1991-2020 period — this represents a minimum mortality threshold at which heat-related health risks climb statistically.

Key Findings:

Over 2 billion people (25% of the global population) experienced 30 or more days of risky heat that were made at least three times more likely by climate change.

More than 4 billion people faced unusual temperatures made at least three times more likely by climate change on August 13, the peak of the global heat.

During this record-breaking season, when 72 countries broke their heat record for the June-August period, few urban areas escaped the impacts of carbon pollution, mainly caused by the burning of fossil fuels.

The average person experienced 17 extra days of “risky heat” around the world because of climate change, representing a potential risk to global health.

Climate Central is a non-advocacy, non-profit science and news organization providing authoritative information to help the public and policymakers make sound decisions about climate and energy.

Already, half of these farmers have their livelihoods hanging in the balance. They planted their crops in vain because the rains failed them, and they had no alternative means to moist their soils to reap good yields on their farms.

The Ghanaian government is already mobilising GH₵8 billion (US$500million) relief package to assist farmers in 8 of the country’s 16 regions grappling with the devastating effects of the ongoing dry spell.

But this is only the latest impact of the weather variation on farmers. In recent times, the country’s cocoa sector has been threatened by unfavourable weather conditions – high temperature and excessive rainfall.

The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) partly attributed the decline in the production of cocoa beans for the 2023/2024 crop season to the adverse effects of El Niño.

COCOBOD CEO, Joseph Boahen Aidoo, explained the climate phenomenon has significantly impacted cocoa supply globally, resulting in substantial losses to producers.

“We all know that we are not in normal times, the presence of El Niño has affected our production not just in Africa but Europe also,” he said.

Acknowledging the climate phenomenon is a good step. But scientists forewarned Ghana, long before getting here.

In 2011, climate scientists at the Colombia-based International Centre for Tropical Agriculture, CIAT, predicted that the expected increasing temperatures will lead to massive declines in cocoa production in Ghana and other cocoa-growing areas in West Africa by 2030.

Their report also revealed that an expected annual temperature rise of more than two degrees Celsius by 2050 will leave the cocoa-producing areas too hot for chocolate.

Warmer conditions mean the heat-sensitive cocoa trees will struggle to get enough water during the growing season, curtailing the development of cocoa pods, containing the prized cocoa bean.

The climate change realities are here

The World Bank Group’s 2022 Country Climate and Development Report posited that Ghana’s economic and human development is vulnerable to climate change and climate-related shocks.

Since 1960, Ghana’s average annual mean temperature has increased by around 1 degree Celsius. Rainfall has also become more erratic.

“Without prompt global and local climate actions, higher temperatures and heat stress will affect crop and labor productivity,” said the Bank.

Dr. Shalom Addo-Danso, a Senior Research Scientist with Ghana’s Forestry Research Institute, has observed the current changes in the weather pattern and other extreme events clearly show the realities of climate change and variability and its impact on the country.

“The available data and observations point to temperature increase in the last few years across all the agroecological zones and irregular but more intense rainfall,” he noted. “The irregular but intense rainfall is oftentimes accompanied by long dry spell durations. Even the average number of ‘hot’ days and nights have increased in recent times. These changes are posing serious risk to many sectors of the economy, especially the cocoa sector. The projections show that the duration of dry spells will likely increase, which may increase drought conditions.”

Ghana has ambitious climate change commitments under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

International climate financing remains critical for Ghana to effectively implement its NDCs, but the government of Ghana must demonstrate commitment to mobilizing internal resources and making budgetary allocations to deal with the pressing climate events that threaten lives and livelihoods.

Time to get serious with adaptation mechanisms

The government of Ghana is worried about the food security implication of the current dry spell hitting farming. This has informed a ban on export of grains like maize, rice and sorghum to avert local shortages.

But farmer-based organisations have raised objections; the government’s decision to ban grain export will have dire income and livelihood consequences. Some of these farmers have contracts with foreign entities to plant grains, which will be impacted by the ban.

They rather would want to be in production than their productivity strangle.

These farmers, mainly smallholder and subsistent, are most vulnerable when they cannot access irrigation facilities.

The Concerned Farmers Association of Ghana, for instance, has questioned the government’s priorities, citing the abandoned Pwulugu Dam Project, which has already consumed $12million in investment.

“We need modern irrigation systems, not reliance on rain-fed agriculture which is outdated,” said the group.

Due to the new realities of the impacts of climate change, adaptation should become integral to the development agenda at all levels of society. But adaptation will depend on different sectors and their vulnerabilities and adaptive capacities.

Dr. Addo-Danso suggests three options for communities to build resilience:

First, there is the need to implement the country’s National Adaptation Plan Framework, which was developed in 2018. The Plan seeks to address climate change adaptation in a more holistic, integrated and coordinated manner. This is important because policies and strategies provide the framework within which actions could be implemented sustainably.

Secondly, given that local communities are more vulnerable to climate change, attention should focus on community-based adaptation strategies – measures that place local communities at the center by empowering them to reduce their vulnerabilities and build their resilience to climate shocks. These include building on local knowledge of weather conditions to raise awareness on climate change, building their capacities on poverty and disaster risks reduction strategies, and addressing gender disparities, which will help communities to plan and cope with the risks and impacts of climate change.

Thirdly, poor communities often depend on land-based activities and natural resources for their livelihoods and survival, so adopting ecosystem-based approaches is critical for climate change adaptation. These approaches harness the benefits of conservation, management and restoration of ecosystems such as forests, grasslands, wetlands and rivers; and using biodiversity and the services provided by ecosystems to reduce the vulnerabilities of communities and build their resilience to climate risks.

Reducing exposure of farmers to climate risks

The current impact of the dry spell on food security has been described as a symptom of a long neglect of erecting irrigation systems across the country.

While climate change cannot be solved by any single country, local actions can help manage physical and transition risks as well as bring large opportunities, says the World Bank.

To many farmers in Ghana, poor irrigation continues to be the bane of productivity, with no sustainable efforts by successive governments to deal with the situation.

Jacob Naja, one of the farmers worst affected by the dry spell at Akapuka in the Pru East District of the Bono Region, pleads for urgent measures to be adopted in ensuring all-year water supply for agriculture.

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has noted that the establishment of 574 dams under the government’s ‘One Village, One Dam’ policy has been effective in holding rainwater for use by farmers.

However, the sector minister, Bryan Acheampong, has acknowledged the need for farmers to access irrigation facilities, which require pumping water from a big water source into a big canal or dam to hold the water.

What farmers expect is the demonstration of commitment to deliver this essential need, especially small irrigation systems, for all-year-round production.

As the most vulnerable to weather changes and climate variability, farmers would also need to diversify their livelihood investments and reduced their exposure to climate risk.

“One of the best options is for them to adopt climate-smart agriculture practices such as planting different crop varieties and incorporating trees into their cropping systems including nitrogen-fixing species,” said Dr. Shalom.

“Farmers also need access to climate information; they should be able to plant drought-tolerant varieties, adopt rain harvesting techniques and mulching, as well as use treated manure and organic fertilizers. These practices ensure increases in farming system productivity and incomes, and at the same time help them to build resilience to climate change,” he noted.

Kofi Adu Domfeh is a journalist and a Climate Reality Leader. Email: adomfeh@gmail.com

According to Dr Edem Selormey, Director of Research and Knowledge Management at CDD-Ghana, over 60% of Africans believe that climate conditions for agricultural production have worsened over the past decade.

Speaking at the 3rd Stakeholder’s Data for Governance Alliance (D4GA) Convening on Governance, Democracy and Human Rights in Africa, held in Accra from August 26-30, 2024, she stated that this belief “is not just a perception; it reflects the harsh reality millions across our continent face.”

The survey highlights a growing awareness of climate change among African citizens.

Dr. Selormey noted, “On average, 51% of Africans are aware of climate change, and this awareness is as high as 74% in countries like Malawi and Mauritius.”

However, awareness levels vary significantly, with only 22% of the population familiar with climate change in countries like Tunisia.

The impact of climate change extends beyond agriculture.

“Climate change has also become a significant driver of migration across Africa,” Dr. Selormey stated.

“As environmental conditions deteriorate, particularly in regions reliant on agriculture and natural resources, many are forced to leave their homes for better opportunities.”

The economic consequences are severe, with Dr Selormey reporting that “approximately 70% of respondents across Africa reporting a decline in their income due to these challenges.”

Despite these challenges, there’s a strong public mandate for action.

The Afrobarometer survey reveals that “nearly 75% of Africans believe their governments should prioritize policies that protect communities from the impacts of climate change.”

Additionally, “Approximately 70% of African respondents favour government investment in renewable energy sources over fossil fuels.”

Dr. Selormey stated the crucial role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in addressing these challenges.

“The Afrobarometer survey indicates that over 50% of Africans believe that ordinary citizens can make a difference in combating climate change,” she said, highlighting the potential for grassroots movements to drive policy change.

Source: Raymond Acquah

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Adan Bare Duale of Kenya’s Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry says the lack of clarity on the amount of current and future funding, capacity building and technical support required to implement NDCs undermines the transparency of support framework under the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

“As countries are building momentum towards a new set of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the African continent has not received sufficient financial and technical support to effectively implement, track and report on their current NDCs,” Mr. Duale told the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change (AGN) COP29 Preparatory Meeting in Nairobi, Kenya. “We also lack clarity on the amount of current and future funding, capacity building and technical support required to implement our NDCs. This vagueness undermines the transparency of support framework under the Paris Agreement and should be prioritized in the upcoming negotiations”.

The Cabinet Secretary reiterated Africa’s climate-induced socio-economic challenges and outlined the continent’s priorities for COP29 scheduled for Baku, Azerbaijan in November.

“African countries have seen major droughts and floods; storms and cyclones have intensified and become more frequent, while the financial and technical capacity of the continent to adapt to climate change and increasing climate and natural hazards continues to be limited,” he said, adding that by 2050, negative climate impacts could cost African countries up to USD 50 billion annually.

“Our priority, therefore, is to increase the ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development, in a manner that does not threaten food production. A crucial and most urgent objective of this meeting is to prepare our common position paper for COP29. Firstly, finance will lie at the heart of climate diplomacy at COP29 as a critical enabler of climate action. Climate finance is flowing to the continent at an insufficient scale and in unequal directions. Securing a strong favourable finance deal at COP29 is therefore vital,” he stated.

Priorities on Climate Finance and Adaptation

Another priority area is adaptation and loss and damage for Africa as climate impacts worsen. COP29 is deemed a pivotal opportunity to prioritize adaptation and loss and damage and secure the necessary financial and technical assistance to close the adaptation finance gap.

AGN Chair, Ali Mohamed, urged negotiators not to lose focus on Africa’s key priorities of finance and adaptation in the context of the continent’s sustainable development and poverty eradication agenda.

“As we deliberate, the bigger picture for us remains climate finance and adaptation as we strive to achieve our sustainable development objectives as a continent. It is clear that our development challenges, which include high poverty levels, poor access to energy, clean water, food security and primary health care amidst a debt crisis, are already being compounded by climate change. It follows therefore that finance is at the pinnacle of our challenges and must be addressed, even as we strive to meet our climate obligations,” he said.

The African common position for COP29 is envisaged to be presented to the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) and the Committee of African Heads of State on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) next month for consideration and adoption.

The common position includes elements that are considered a priority for Africa and for COP29, climate finance and adaptation rank top on the list.

“Africa’s unified position on climate finance, adaptation, and ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) reflects the continent’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development and resilience. The energy transition journey we embark on today is not just about shifting resources but redefining Africa’s future in a way that prioritizes both people and the planet. UNEP looks forward to working with the Africa Group of Negotiators on Climate to enhance global support for a green inclusive climate resilient future,” said Dr Rose Mwebaza UNEP Africa Regional Director.

The report, ‘‘Rebuilding Confidence and Trust after the $100 billion: Recommendations for the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG)’’, recommends how to plug the ‘‘trust deficit’’ that has historically plagued climate finance negotiations.

“This report comes at a crucial time in the negotiations over the NCQG. Countries must seize the opportunity to learn the lessons of the $100bn before it is too late. Not doing so risks a breakdown of trust in the post-Paris regime and a failure to deliver international finance as required to achieve climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a just response to loss and damage,” said Iskander Erzini Vernoit, director of IMAL and co-author of the report.

This year has been billed as the ‘‘year of finance’’, with efforts ongoing under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to find consensus on the NCQG, the new climate finance goal.

Countries globally, also known as Parties, are required to agree on the climate finance goal at this year’s COP29 in Baku. If agreed on, the new fund will effectively replace the $100 billion per year goal introduced at COP15 in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2015.

The NCQG process has failed to yield a common position so far, triggering fears that COP29 might end without an agreement.

Failure by developed countries to provide adequate finance for adaptation and mitigation and loss and damage under the NCQG could upend the outcome of COP29, and consequently, have serious implications for the UN climate regime that has come under sharp scrutiny in recent years.

To repair trust and rebuild confidence among Parties in the ongoing NCQG debate, therefore, the report recommends the following: A needs-based approach to setting the quantum: ‘Taking into account the needs and priorities of developing countries’; a constituent structure of thematic subgoals: Mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage; the commitment for climate finance to be ‘‘new and additional’’ has been interpreted differently, and so a common definition is needed; Developed nations must clarify ‘the “fair share’’ of climate finance per country, to address laggards; countries should have a common understanding of the balance of finance between concessional loans and grants versus non-concessional loan-based finance instruments.

The authors of the report emphasise that parties must be vigilant to avoid a repeat of the events at COP15 in Copenhagen where the talks collapsed in what is now widely regarded as the ‘‘most acrimonious moment’’ in the history of the UNFCCC.

“Our report explores critical areas where differing interpretations of the $100 billion climate finance commitment have eroded trust in developed countries among developing nations, especially on issues like additionality, fair shares, and concessionality,” said Skounti, Researcher at IMAL and co-author of the report. “We propose a needs-based NCQG must include a core provision goal measured in grant-equivalent terms, with clear subgoals for adaptation, mitigation, and loss and damage, aiming to rebuild confidence and establish a more transparent climate finance framework.”

Climate Finance Needs

Today, the total climate finance needs in developing countries are estimated to be more than $1 trillion in public finance support per year until 2030. This money is required to finance mitigation, adaptation and loss and damage as enshrined under the Paris Agreement.

These developing countries, many of them in Africa, face acute poverty, underdevelopment and mounting public debt, thus limiting their ability to invest in climate action.

At the same time, commitments by wealthy nations to provide $100 billion annually to poor nations have been in many respects unmet, even as the effects of climate change continue to devastate populations and livelihoods in the Global South.

Experts warn that further delays and ambiguities in the negotiations will have far-reaching implications for vulnerable and poor nations that urgently need finance to develop and build the resilience and adaptive capacity of their communities.

The report argues that ambiguities surrounding the $100 billion commitment are significantly to blame for a breakdown in trust in developed countries among developing countries.

Further, the report identifies five areas of the $100bn commitment where interpretations have diverged, thus undermining trust and compromising finance flows: These are: Different interpretations of the commitment that climate finance be ‘new and additional’; Divergence on the fair share of climate finance from individual developed countries; Misunderstandings on achieving a balance in finance between different thematic areas of climate action; Divergence on concessional debts and grants versus non-concessional debt-based finance instruments; The appropriate institutional channels for finance, including multilateral development banks (MDBs).

‘‘In addition to delays, debate over fundamental accounting issues for this finance also contributed to frustrations. Driving scepticism about the developed countries’ commitment to the Paris goals, the $100bn experience has contributed to the unfortunate end of the ‘esprit de Paris’ spirit of collaboration,’’ write authors Said Skounti and Iskander Erzini Vernoit.

If humanity is to overcome climate change, the world must “unlock action at a scale commensurate with the climate crisis”, insist the authors.

In the face of increasing climate-related challenges such as extreme weather events, floods, droughts, rising sea levels, and heatwaves the Kwesiminstim Member of Parliament (MP) has said early warnings are indispensable tools.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Volta Flood and Drought Management (VFDM) Project, Dr Armah stated that, these tools help to minimise the adverse impacts on lives, livelihoods, infrastructure, and ecosystems.

“Early Warning Systems (EWS) for flood and drought prediction play a pivotal role in climate resilience and adaptation strategies, serving as a crucial line of defense against the escalating impacts of climate change.

“These systems provide timely, accurate, and reliable information about impending extreme weather events, allowing communities, governments, and organisations to prepare and respond adequately and effectively. In essence, they transform uncertainty into actionable
intelligence,” he explained.

In this regard, he touted the government has demonstrated commitment in reinforcing early warning systems.

Dr Armah noted that, government has supported the Ghana Meteorological Agency(GMet) through the recruitment and procurement of equipment and enacting the Ghana Hydrological Authority Act, 2022 to protect lives and livelihoods.

“Additionally, government has procured 26 Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), Calibration Equipment, a Message Switching System, and 15 vehicles to enhance the efficiency of GMet’s operations in delivering weather and climate services in Ghana,” he noted.

Dr. Armah urged continued collaboration to enhance global resilience, emphasising that early warning systems were lifelines for communities facing climate change challenges.

The VFDM project was a five-year plan which began in 2019 and has successfully developed the systems for reducing vulnerabilities and increasing community resilience in the Volta Basin riparian countries comprised of Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, and Togo.

It was implemented by the Volta Basin Authority in collaboration with the Global Water Partnership and the World Meteorological Organisation aimed at enhancing flood and drought management and early warning systems in the Volta Basin.

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It seems the answer may be yes. For we might be sitting in a ticking carbon bomb. African soil is degrading ever faster, losing us millions of hectares a year.

And while scientists have known for the longest time that soil ‘breathes out’ pure carbon dioxide, the emerging horror is that our heated, drought-struck soils are now breathing out more, maybe even a lot more.

It’s a carbon source that holds the potential to make our man-made greenhouse gases nearly insignificant by comparison. And the fear is that it could turn Africa into the biggest carbon generator of all. Yet no one knows for sure.

Researchers, in studies that take a decade or more to complete, are finding soil organic carbon (think, plant roots) degrading faster in warmer, post-drought soils – and also finding, in other studies, that it isn’t.

They are counting deeper soil carbon, soil carbon after late rains, next to volcanoes, four years after soils were dried out, and below our forests: in a flurry of carbon measuring to try and map the change.

For, ominously, in all the ‘we-are-looking-at-soil-carbon-now’ noise, the drip, drip raising of
alarms, and even the odd prominent public fight between scientists, it turns out our carbon
calculations have never included soil breathing.

And that on a planet where soil holds more of our planet’s carbon than the atmosphere and all its vegetation put together, and much of it as soil organic carbon that breathes out carbon dioxide.

It is a missing sum that is only made more worrying by the acceleration in climate change. We should not yet be suffering our first row of 50°C temperatures, our hottest years ever, our wettest and driest every new season: it’s all going faster than the charts.

Until you factor in soil. And that’s made soil into the kind of geopolitical focus that presidents meet for summits about.

It has also drawn Dr Cary Fowler into the fray, as the now US Envoy for Food Security, in his second crusade to lead the world away from destruction. Dr Fowler created the Svalbard Seed Vault, to preserve our global diversity. Now, his mission is soil, and he is not waiting for perfect science.

“I am no soil scientist,” he declared, while visiting Nairobi for the African soil summit this year.

“But we are deeply concerned about African soil”.

Yet his solution is as sweet for Africa as his seed vault was for biodiversity – for how do you stop the continent’s soils degrading at speed?

It has taken decades to stop our energy emissions from growing. So where does one even
begin to break a cycle of rising heat spikes and erratic rainfall degrading land, which then
cannot support ground cover to capture carbon whilst breathing out more carbon – thereby
causing further heat and weather disruption.

A possibly prescient starting point was the French call at the 2015 CoP for the globe to commit to adding 4 parts per thousand to its soil organic carbon – to give the world an extra 20 years to fix its greenhouse gas problem.

This has generated a growing drumbeat around ‘regenerative agriculture’.

Yet Africa already has the world’s lowest soil organic carbon, and it’s falling all time.

Moreover, the incentives for African farmers and for Africa to sort out its lands are few.

Even as initiatives have flourished to draw farmers into new approaches that boost soil carbon, the world’s leading carbon credit verifier, Verra, observes forlornly that these often reduce output for farmers for some time – which isn’t a treat in a continent already caught between roaring population growth and falling yields.

So Dr Fowler went back to the drawing board, to find an everybody-wins solution. Working with the FAO, the Rockefeller Foundation, and scientists he sums up, excitedly, as the
best in the world – across every discipline from soil, to agronomy and nutrition – he has driven a programme called VACS that has searched for the plants that solve everything.

And he claims to have found them.

“We don’t see plants the same way now,” he explains.

“We always used to think of the plant and soil as separate, but now we see them as a single system.”

That single-system slant saw his VACS team select 60 crops that could grow in Africa’s degraded soil and erratic climates; that improved the soil as they grew, creating a better future ahead and rehabilitating land; and delivered fantastic nutrition.

For nutrition matters, too, in a continent where micronutrient deficiencies drive childhood and maternal mortalities, brain damage, and a host of lifestyle diseases from diabetes to high blood pressures.

The saviour crops turned out to be indigenous – although not by design. Millet, sorghum, yams, amaranth, Bambara groundnuts, pigeon peas and sweet potato, the list goes on. But growing them works: it lifts yields, arrests land degradation, and solves diabetes too.

Many African farmers comment remark that they were always the crops that served, and we should never have transited. But in their historical form, they didn’t arrive with big, vital tags saying their deep roots took carbon out of the air and into the soil and additionally slowed up every kind of soil degradation.

Nowadays, that matters vastly more, opening a path to saving the world by growing what we used to grow, and thereby solving mass food insecurity, pulling marginal land back into full use, and clawing down our carbon footprint too.

So, thank you, Dr Fowler. I hope you save our soils.

Jenny Luesby is a food systems consultant specialising in climate change, and the publisher of farmers’ information service FarmBizAfrica.com

The burning of marijuana and cocaine, often dismissed as a minor issue, has severe consequences for the environment and contributes significantly to climate change.

In Ghana, Police and security agencies burn marijuana at beaches for several reasons which include the destruction of evidence as it ensures its permanent destruction, preventing re-circulation or misuse.

It also follows the Disposal Protocol which is a standard procedure for disposing of seized drugs, including marijuana, as well as promotes public demonstration by publicly showcasing law enforcement’s efforts to combat drug trafficking and serves as a deterrent to drug traffickers and users.

It is estimated that 10-50 tons of drugs are burned annually in Ghana with regular burning, 2-5 times a week, at multiple locations with each burning session lasting 2-6 hours.

The practice of burning drugs produces harmful pollutants, including Particulate Matter (PM): 2.5-10 μg/m³, Carbon, Monoxide (CO): 10-30 ppm, and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): 10-50 ppb.

It also contributes to Greenhouse Gas Emissions such as CO2: 1.5-3.5 kg/kg drug burned and Methane (CH4): 0.5-1.5 kg/kg drug burned.

Soil and water contamination and the destruction of coastal ecosystems also result from the burning of marijuana and cocaine produces toxic substances like heavy metals, pesticides, and carcinogens as well as habitat destruction of about 10-50% reduction in vegetation cover and marine life impact of about 20-50% reduction in species population.

Toxic substances from drug burning seep into soil and water, harming marine life and ecosystems and damaging vegetation, destroying habitats, and disrupting the delicate balance of coastal environments.

Climate Change Consequences:

Rising Sea Levels: Increased greenhouse gas emissions exacerbate sea-level rise, threatening coastal communities and infrastructure.

Extreme Weather Events: Climate change intensifies storms, erosion, and flooding, devastating Ghana’s coastal regions.

Loss of Biodiversity: Pollution and habitat destruction harm marine life, compromising Ghana’s rich biodiversity.

Solutions:

Ghana must enforce and educate to strengthen laws and raise awareness about the environmental impacts of drug burning.

There should be alternative disposal methods to implement eco-friendly disposal techniques, like incineration or chemical neutralization.

Community engagement and collaboration with local communities to promote sustainable practices and protect Ghana’s beaches and proper research and monitoring need to be conducted to assess the extent of drug burning’s environmental impact and inform effective mitigation strategies.

The burning of marijuana and cocaine at Ghana’s beaches especially carried out by the Police and other security agencies poses a significant threat to the environment and contributes to climate change.

Immediate action is necessary to address this issue, protect Ghana’s natural beauty, and ensure a sustainable future.

Drug burning, including marijuana and cocaine, has severe environmental consequences and contributes to climate change.

The writer, Shadrach Kofi Assan, is the lead producer for Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem.

Source: Shadrach Assan

Bangladesh and Haiti, located in Asia and North America respectively, are two other countries set to benefit from the US$900K grant provided by the Swedish government.

The accelerated support granted to World Meteorological Organization (WMO) will help close the Multi-hazard Early Warning System gaps in the five focus countries.

EW4All initiative emphasizes pillars of comprehensive Early Warning Systems

Ensuring the provision of Early Warnings for All (EW4All) necessitates increased and harmonized investments and efforts across the four fundamental components of comprehensive, people-centric Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS).

These components include disaster risk understanding, detection, observation, monitoring, analysis, and forecasting; dissemination and communication of warnings; and preparedness and response capacities.

Only half of the world (52 percent) is covered by an early warning system. The second pillar of EW4All aims to address crucial deficiencies in the MHEWS value chain, concentrating on providing greater access to high-quality observation data for evaluating and monitoring key hazards.

It also focuses on improving data exchange and accessibility for forecasting and warning systems, along with enhancing forecasting capabilities for all primary hydrometeorological hazards.

Additionally, it seeks to implement impact-based forecasts and warnings for priority hazards, and bolster relevant policy frameworks, institutional mechanisms, and stakeholder engagement processes to support MHEWS.

WMO to conduct comprehensive review of pillar 2 for National Roadmap Development

Throughout the project duration, WMO commits to conducting a comprehensive review and documentation of Pillar 2, specifically targeting detection, observation, monitoring, analysis, and forecasting systems. This assessment will encompass identifying gaps, priorities, and requirements, all aimed at contributing to the development of the national roadmap.

The WMO will offer technical advice and enhance national capabilities to implement Pillar 2 of the national roadmap concerning observation, monitoring, analysis, and forecasting, as outlined in the national roadmap.

Collaborating closely with the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services of each target country, WMO will ensure that assessments are conducted, roadmaps are finalized, and actions are taken in priority areas.

Additionally, collaboration with relevant stakeholders, initiatives, and financial entities will be sought to prevent redundancy and ensure efficient resource utilization. The project is scheduled to conclude by December 2024.

According to him, schools in South Sudan had to be shut down earlier this year due to extreme heat waves.

Speaking on Green Ghana Day at the Burma Camp on June 7, he said “There are fears that the home of Africa may become inhabitable in the coming years due to the severe weather conditions. The impact of the other crisis is equally alarming.”

This follows assertion by the President of the World Health Organisation (WHO) that air pollution is responsible for 6.7 million deaths annually, with nine out of ten people worldwide breathing air containing pollutants above recommended levels.

He stated that, the loss of biodiversity poses a significant threat to the planet.

Touching on this, President Akufo-Addo stated that the decline and extinction of animals, plants, and ecosystems can lead to disasters, diseases, and death.

“However, science tells us that forests play a critical role in sustaining life on earth and addressing these crisis. Here in Ghana, for example, activities related to agriculture, forest and land use contribute some 50 per cent of our national greenhouse gas emissions.”

“Therefore, preserving our forests and adopting sustainable agriculture and land use practices, have a high potential to combat climate change. 80 per cent of terrestrial biodiversity, forest, plays a vital role in conserving biodiversity and combating pollution.”

The president added that forests are natural resources for socio-economic development, particularly in developing countries, where they provide livelihoods for the majority of the population.

“Regrettably, the world forest continues to be under severe threat with the loss of the tropical primary forests in 2023 alone totaling 3.7 million hectares. This has serious implications for food security, sustainable communities and national development.

“We must work together to change this narrative. We Africans are amongst the least contributors to the climate crisis, our continent of Africa suffers the most from its adverse consequences,” he said.

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They say rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns are shifting disease patterns, intensifying the spread of infectious diseases and exacerbating existing medical conditions.

The altering of global climate is raising the heat in West Africa.

Under a high emissions scenario, the number of severely hot days per year is projected to increase to 140 days by 2060.

Many areas in Ghana are experiencing an uptick in climate-related disasters, including floods, storms, and wildfires.

While 45,000 Ghanaians are impacted by floods yearly, 13% of the country’s population is estimated to be affected by drought.

The impacts of climate change extend beyond direct health effects, permeating every facet of emergency medicine.

Heat waves, once rare occurrences, have become more frequent and intense, leading to heat-related illnesses and deaths.

Komfo Anokye Hospital’s emergency medicine department, says the signs are already on the wall in Ghana.

Deputy Chief Nursing Officer of the Emergency Medicine Department of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Georgina Adamptey, speaking to JoyNews’ Clinton Yeboah confirms the unit now receives overwhelming numbers of breathing complications due to the new weather.

“Many people come with respiratory tract infections and difficulty in breathing from dust inhalation. Because of the weather, a lot of patients have infections in the chest. They come with runny noses, and malaria increases due to wet areas. Our cases have been increasing as compared to previous times,” she said.

President of the Emergency Medicine Society of Ghana (EMSOG), Dr Daniel Osei-Kwame touched on the looming health dangers linked to climate change.

“Climate change acts as a catalyst for the spread of infectious diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever, and cholera, as shifting temperatures create favourable conditions for vector proliferation and pathogen transmission. In the face of these emergencies, the resilience of our emergency medical services is put to the test, highlighting the need for preparedness, adaptation, and collaboration,” he said.

Medical experts are being advised to leverage their expertise, knowledge, and influence to mitigate the health impacts of climate change and foster sustainable solutions.

Dr Daniel Osei-Kwame says partnerships with policymakers, researchers, and community stakeholders will help develop evidence-based strategies and policies to safeguard public health.

“We [experts] are frontline responders, equipped with the skills and knowledge to treat patients affected by climate-related emergencies and to act swiftly and decisively, saving lives and alleviating suffering

“As emergency medicine professionals, we cannot afford to ignore the nexus between climate change and health. We must prioritize climate adaptation and disaster preparedness within our healthcare systems, investing in robust infrastructure, training, and capacity building.

“We must engage in interdisciplinary collaboration, forging partnerships with policymakers, researchers, and community stakeholders to develop evidence-based strategies and policies that safeguard public health in the face of climate change,” he said.

But an Environmental Scientist and Country Advisor for Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) Ghana says the impacts of the changing climate present an avenue for the youth to proffer effective solutions to respond to the menace.

Professor Chris Gordon believes it will afford people the opportunity for job creation and employment with potential benefits to the economy.

He disclosed this during a capacity building training programme organized by CDKN Ghana for young climate activists and ecopreneurs in Accra.

He noted that CDKN is committed to showing the youth that there is a future in addressing climate change at the local, national, and global levels.

This strategy is achieved by empowering more young people within the space to be more practical in addressing the menace than following rhetorics.

“This goal is achieved by equipping young individuals with practical skills to tackle climate change issues in their communities, rather than just theoretical knowledge,” said Prof. Gordon.

The 5-week training program brought together participants from various backgrounds to acquire relevant skills and design solutions to address climate change issues in their communities.

Country Manager for CDKN Ghana, Dr. Prince Minkah, explained that the program aimed to provide leadership training, mentorship, and advocacy skills to young climate-conscious individuals, enabling them to become champions for vulnerable groups in their communities.

Participants, including Gabriel Domoninge, an engineering student, and Ernest Mensah, an ecopreneur, expressed enthusiasm for the training, which they believe would enhance their approaches to addressing climate change.

Podcast hosts, Genevive and Diana T appreciated the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals as they gained deeper understanding of climate change relating to lifestyle and health.

A facilitator, Richard Marty of the Alliance for Empowering Rural Communities, praised the experience of mentoring trainees and learning from their innovative solutions.

He urged stakeholders, especially civil society organizations, to create more platforms for empowering young people and marginalized groups to adapt to the climate crisis, emphasizing the importance of resilience building and representation in policy engagement processes.

Speaking at a two-day regional technical workshop in Kumasi, Prof. Dr. Harald Kunstmann, Chairman of Regional Climate and Hydrology at the University of Augsburg said Africa needs to adapt to specific climatic conditions to mitigate the effect of climate change.

The Concerted Regional Modelling and Observation Assessment ( The CONCERT project) brought together stakeholders from different West African countries including Ghana, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, and Niger to look into reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving food security. 

The aim is to adapt strategies to threats, opportunities, and uncertainties to improve parallel food security in the sub-region. 

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the workshop, Prof. Dr. Kunstmann said the workshop has become necessary because of the increasing threat of climate change in the West African sub-region.

“West Africa is threatened by climate change. West African countries face tremendous challenges in flooding, changes in weather conditions, and drought among others. They need to adapt and in parallel with the world community to mitigate and find specific solutions for countries in the region,” he stated.

To successfully achieve implementation of the program, Dr. Jan Bleifernich explained the need for the provision of data services and scientific computation. 

“We are looking at what to do with our land management, which heat and temperatures we should expect, and how we can ensure sustainable food production in the coming years under changing climate conditions and that requires a lot. It requires very complex computer simulations, and observation to see how well our models can produce what we see in the field,” he said. 

The Executive Director of the West African Science Service on climate change and adaptable land use, Prof. Kehinde Ogunjobi also said the CONCERT project seeks to leverage Agricultural and land processes to achieve food security. 

“WASCAL is the one coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating to ensure accountability of all the activities of the CONCERT project. CONCERT is one of the projects that is looking at greenhouse gases and we’re trying to see how we can balance between issues of food security and also meeting the 1.5 to 2.0 degree temperature which we have been talking about in the conference. 

“You are producing rice for example, you are also releasing greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide or methane which affect the climate of our environment but still need to have food security. So the aim is how to leverage on the Agricultural processes, land cover processes and still have our food security,” Prof. Ogunjobi explained.

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Parents, educators, and guardians must equip children with knowledge, skills, and values to address this global challenge.

African parents can educate their children about climate change awareness as the phrase has it “Charity begins at home”.

A child’s values and behaviour are shaped by observing their elders, particularly parents.

When parents demonstrate love, generosity, and a commitment to social responsibility, their children are likely to adopt these traits and develop a sense of empathy and compassion.

They also learn to prioritise social causes and volunteerism, grow up to become responsible and engaged citizens, and make a positive impact in society.

Parents’ actions and values serve as a powerful example, inspiring their children to become active contributors to creating a better world.

African parents should start early and lead by example.

They must begin conversations about climate change at a young age, using simple language and relatable examples, and also demonstrate eco-friendly habits, such as reducing waste, conserving water, and using public transport.

The topic of climate change must be relevant and localized. Parents should try to connect climate change to local experiences, like droughts, floods, or changing seasons, and discuss how climate change affects African cultures, traditions, and livelihoods.

Foster curiosity and critical thinking and encourage questions and exploration of climate-related topics which will promote critical thinking about climate information, sources, and solutions.

Another way to help children is to integrate climate education into daily life by engaging children in outdoor activities, like tree planting, gardening, or environmental clean-ups.

Parents must share African stories, myths, and legends highlighting environmental stewardship by incorporating climate change into school assignments, projects, and discussions as well as leveraging storytelling and Visuals.

To be able to achieve a greater impact on the youth, parents must stay current with climate change research, news, and developments and also inspire children to take small actions, like reducing energy consumption or recycling and helping them focus on solutions, innovations, and success stories in addressing climate change.

African parents can empower their children to become climate-conscious, active citizens, and future leaders in mitigating climate change.

Together, we can cultivate a generation of environmentally aware, responsible, and innovative problem-solvers.

Source: Shadrach Assan

The writer is the lead producer for Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem.

The Environmental Defense Fund, international companies and other countries including Ghana and Costa Rica are requesting more corporate institutions that emit more greenhouse gases to purchase carbon credits despite the minute hitches in the sector.

Incentivizing the carbon market has been identified as one of the constant challenges affecting the voluntary carbon market globally.

The global predicament is stemming from disinterest by companies and lack of effective communication between countries putting out their carbon sinks for purchases and the corporate sector.

Managing Director, Corporate Partnerships at Environmental Defense Fund, Elizabeth Sturcken, believes more contributions from the companies could shore up finances in the market.

She indicated that the corporate sector must contribute actively to the market to shape it for a more high-integrity carbon credits.

“Corporate should not sit aloof and be passive observers to the voluntary market. They should step up and play an active role in shaping the markets and moving them to high-integrity solution, deploying more investment where they matter most. We have answers we have to act on them,” she said.

She spoke at a virtual meeting on the theme: “Financing Forest Protection” organized by Greenhouse Communications – an international green communications organization.

At COP28, the governments of Costa Rica and Ghana signed emission reduction purchase agreements (ERPAs) with Emergent to supply high-integrity JREDD+ credits to buyers of the LEAF Coalition.

The coalition is a partnership of the private sector and donor governments aiming to halt deforestation by 2030 through financing large-scale tropical forest protection.

The carbon market is characterized by the supply and demand sides impacting the market eco-system at all times.

While the supply side of the carbon market is readily available, demand for the carbon credits is on the low.

With the little demand for high-integrity carbon credits, Director of Climate Change at Ghana’s Forestry Commission, Roselyn Fosuah Adjei, emphasized on the Integrity Council for Voluntary Carbon Markets staying abreast of happenings in the supply side of the market.

She believes it would help the council appreciate the integrity of the carbon economy.

“You can’t come up with core carbon principles when you’re not actually in touch with the ground to understand what it takes to able to generate a tonne of carbon. The ICVCM should be able to capture nuances on the ground from the supply side. Being able to do that will be very useful in determining the integrity of these carbon principles,” she said.

She continued: “If the supply side doesn’t create an enabling environment to open up for some of these exchanges, there will be no improvements. We should be able to create space to elevate our ambitions. High integrity is more important to the supply side than the demand side. We’re mostly affected by the climate change”.

But some corporate institutions believe a more structured exchange between the demand and supply sides would enhance operations in the market.

Sustainability Partnerships and Strategy Director of GSK, a UK-based biopharma, Adele Cheli stressed on the essence of standardizing transaction to boost investor confidence.

“Effort to either standardize or facilitate the complex process that is to transact in the market for a corporate is absolutely welcome and would increase confidence. Efforts like LEAF alongside standardizing the quality side (ICVCM) can really make companies act more quickly,” she said.

She added that: “Without nature protection and restoration there’s no chance to stay below the 1.5 degree Celsius. We must protect our existing carbon sinks or invest in nature restoration”.

Recognizing the need to address challenges confronting the market, the Integrity Council for Voluntary Carbon Markets (ICVCM) has emerged as a significant player in the landscape of carbon markets.

Managing Director of Corporate Partnerships at Environmental Defense Fund, Elizabeth Sturcken, assures the ICVCM is working to provide a global standard for the high-quality carbons.

“IVCVM will set up a global threshold standard for high-quality carbon credits that will reduce confusion on the supply side and on the demand VCMI will update claims of code of practice that will provide a roadmap for companies to make responsible claims for carbon credits,” she said.

According to him, the effects of climate change are evident in the country’s shrinking cocoa growing season.

Prof. Antwi-Agyei cited research reports revealing a concerning trend where the growing season, especially in the northern part of Ghana, has shortened significantly.

“Old farmers between the ages of 50 and 60 reminisce about the days when they could plant in February. Now, they have to wait until May before planting. This shift is particularly alarming considering that the northern regions have only one farming season due to their agro-ecological zone,” he said. 

Speaking on BBC’s The Inquiry, he explained that the severe impacts of climate change in Ghana affect not just cocoa but other crops.

Prof. Antwi-Agyei believes the rise in temperatures and rainfall patterns threaten the livelihoods of millions of people, especially small-holder farmers.

“They have to wait until the end of the season to sell their cocoa beans,” Prof. Antwi-Agyei emphasizes.

He added: “The government, recognizing the importance of cocoa to the economy, is under pressure to address these issues.”  

To mitigate the effects of climate change, Prof. Antwi-Agyei says farmers are employing methods like cultivating cocoa varieties that can withstand drought and participating in agroforestry techniques.

“Farmers are adopting strategies such as planting drought-tolerant cocoa varieties and engaging in agroforestry practices. These practices provide much-needed shade for cocoa plants. Some farmers are also diversifying their livelihoods to reduce dependency on cocoa production, which is highly sensitive to climate change,” he mentioned. 

Prof. Antwi-Agyei reiterated that the cocoa industry in Ghana encounters other obstacles such as degraded soil from years of monoculture, an aging population of farmers, reduced interest in agriculture among young people, and illegal mining activities.

He emphasizes the need for concerted efforts from the government and stakeholders to secure the future of cocoa farming in Ghana.

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But soon, the land is heated up, consuming the little moisture in the atmosphere to expose the real element of an unexpected changing weather.

The discomfort of the night’s heat is telling in many homes: children, couples, and everyone’s comforting sleep is tormented.

And when there is no electricity to offer some succor in fanning the hot air, anger is provoked in the land.

This is the reality of today’s hassling weather.

Ama runs a beauty salon in the densely-populated Ayigya suburb of Kumasi. When there is an erratic power supply in what has become known as ‘dumsor‘, the operation of her small salon comes to a halt. Earning enough to pay her four other hands becomes a challenge.

Ama is already thinking of investing in small solar systems as an alternative source of electricity to power her hairdryers. She is hoping to access support for the alternative renewable energy source.

For many small and large-scale businesses, the recent unannounced power outages have been frustrating to their income generation and limiting productivity at the workplace.

But when they return from a day’s unproductive work to a dark hot home at night, their anger peaks.

“I will sleep tired and wake up tired because of this heat. It’s suffocating when there is no light to turn on the fan,” said Ama. 

“Can you believe I’ve not been in the mood for sex for almost three weeks? My husband does not even come close to me,” the mother of two sounded seriously jovial.

She explained how she had to soak towels in water to cool her sweaty children after hand fanning them for several minutes.

The common scenes

Heavy rains and heat waves are among hazards faced by the ever-growing global population.

Parts of Ghana, for instance, have experienced the rains in March, yet heat waves – that cut deep into the skin – abound.

With urbanization and the spread of megacities, communities are exposed and vulnerable. And people get worried about the unbearable heat during the daytime and at night.

In the past couple of months, especially in February, the heat intensity has pushed an increase in the use of umbrellas in the afternoon.

The marketing and purchasing of air-conditioners are rising for homes and offices, as more motorists are getting their ACs on.

The voluntary use of nose masks in densely-populated environments is on the ascendancy, as dust particles increase in the atmosphere.

And there is also an increase in the consumption of water to overcome dehydration and exhaustion.

The heat-induced anger

Electricity supply in most parts of Ghana has been erratic in recent days. This has got consumers angry, especially when the power outages come without notification of a planned schedule for load shedding.

Interestingly, street talk on the impact of the current erratic power supply is more profound at the household level than the commercial impact.

Obviously, the recent public anger towards ‘dumsor’ is induced by the unfairness of the heat to the skin and inner being, especially at night.

In the midst of the power outages, a couple of mothers have attributed the death of their children on admission at the hospital to heat exhaustion.

Indeed, the extremes of the weather are here.

At the recently-held inter-schools athletics competition in the Ashanti region, fire officers had to intervene in rescuing students from heat exhaustion at Baba Yara Stadium as they deployed fire tenders to spray water into the crowd. Temperatures rose 36°C, high above bearable limits, and the students suffered discomfort under the unbearable heat of the scorching sun.

The intimacy between some couples have been strained by the heat waves as their romantic intimacy of cuddling suffers in the hands of a discomforting night sweat under the hot still breeze.

The rising temperatures in parts of the world have been a threat to religious activities, especially in the period of fasting. Some fasting Muslims, for instance, have been advised to increase their intake of water at pre-dawn meals for energy to prevent dehydration.

Already, authorities at the Kintampo Health Research Center are embarking on a study to measure the impact of climate change, particularly heat waves on the health of the local populace.

The move is to assess the risk of illnesses caused as a result of increasing temperatures fueled by climate change.

Humid heatwaves driven by climate change

February this year was the hottest February on record globally and the ninth consecutive month in a row that a hottest month record was broken.

Climate change has an influence on extreme weather events such as heatwaves and excessive rains.

Climate change, caused by burning fossil fuels like oil, gas and coal, and deforestation, has made heatwaves more frequent, longer and hotter around the world.

According to a study by leading climate scientists from the World Weather Attribution group, human-caused climate change made the humid heatwave in southern West Africa during February ten times more likely.

Ghana is among countries in West Africa hit by an unusually intense humid heatwave, and has broken temperature records above 40°C in February 2024. 

The researchers say developing heat action plans will help protect vulnerable people from dangerous heatwaves in West Africa.

The study also found that if humans do not rapidly move away from fossil fuels, causing global warming to rise to 2°C above pre industrial levels, West Africa will experience similar heatwaves about once every two years.

This “global boiling” as termed by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres became profound during the recent African Cup of Nations (AFCON) football tournament as a ‘cooling break’ was introduced to allow players to dehydrate from the humid conditions. 

Long-term climate change is increasing the intensity and frequency of the humid environment. Urban areas experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas due to reduced vegetation and increased heat-absorbing surfaces.

The sixth report of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) underscores the urgency of climate action.

The energy in the heat

The high temperatures come with heat-related illness, especially respiratory and other chronic diseases.

Because they may be extremely fatal for the elderly and other persons with underlying health concerns, heatwaves are often referred to as “silent killers.”

Preterm contractions, general discomfort, and spontaneous abortion in the early stages of pregnancy might possibly result from the heat wave.

If left ignored, dehydration can result in more severe issues including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, skin infections, mental health issues, and even death.

Experts advise the intake of adequate intake of water to remain hydrated and stay safe from headaches, fatigue, muscle cramps, and dizziness.

And when people are unable to sleep well at night, workplace productivity and academic performances are adversely impacted.

But there could be opportunities.

The most reliable source of clean energy in most African nations is solar power. According to Global Energy Monitor statistics, by the end of 2023, solar is estimated to account for 67 per cent of the growth in renewable energy capacity globally, with Africa accounting for a 1.7 percent.

Clean energy advocates believe it is time to turn to solar power by taking advantage of the abundant sunshine.

Perhaps, the anger in the voice of Ghanaians will be better managed if the country takes the lead in adopting or increasing new energy sources that are clean and sustainable.

Small business managers like Ama, the beautician, will be glad to adopt such energy sources.

But this will require major investments in Africa to build resilience to dangerous heat. The UN has estimated that the cost of adaptation for developing countries is between US$215-387 billion per year this decade.

However, rich countries haven’t yet met the financial promises they have made to help developing countries become more resilient to the growing risks of climate change.

In addition, these commitments fall drastically short of the finance required – in 2021, the global community delivered just US$21 billion to help developing countries adapt to climate change.

Executive Secretary, UN Climate Change, Simon Stiell, in acknowledging the latest temperature increases that have been off the charts, spoke about a world where clean energy is abundant and affordable.

He emphasized the need to make climate finance bigger and better to undo the deadlock between developed and developing countries for “a world where every nation is safe, opportunities are shared, and 10 billion people are protected from climate impacts”. 

Kofi Adu Domfeh is a Journalist, Climate Reality Leader and Green Advocate. Email: adomfeh@gmail.com  

It is therefore befitting of the old proverb that says “If you educate a woman, you educate a nation.”

To understand the ripple effect of women who are educated in digital marketing and how they can play vital roles in the fight against climate change I think you’ll find, as I have, that the world, countries, or communities can only reach its full potential in the fight against climate change.

Digital marketing which is now the fastest way to communicate and reach a larger audience, is the best tool to use in creating awareness of climate change.

However, more so rapidly if women in digital marketing can champion the awareness of climate change through digital marketing.

Over the last decade, the world has experienced harsher weather, and has now been confirmed that global warming exceeded 1.5C across the 12 months between February 2023 and January 2024. That followed 2023 being declared the warmest year on record.  

Climate change has been defined as the long-term shift in the Earth’s average temperatures and weather conditions.

But since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.

It is very clear the need to mitigate climate change, handle its consequences, and build a more resilient society is the defining responsibility of our time, and it is now time for women in the digital marketing space to take their shine in championing the agenda.

Women as change agents especially women in the digital marketing field possess specific knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to climate change adaptation and mitigation, but they are largely under-represented in decision-making processes at all levels, however addressing climate change in digital content is not an option anymore; it is imperative.  

As our world grapples with the harsh realities and growing concerns of climate change, all sectors including digital media need to do their part and now is the time for women in the digital marketing space to take the lead in educating and sensitizing to create a broader awareness of the impact of climate change.

Digital marketing tools that women in climate change can rely on for their full potential in creating awareness and education could include Personalization in advertising and campaigning, which can increase engagement, awareness, and action.

Social media, in particular, can be a powerful tool for climate change communication, and images can evoke strong emotions and prompt people to take action.

The international digital space has a vital role in addressing climate change seeing that it’s miles a full-size road for verbal exchange, statistics dissemination, and expertise acquisition.

The internet is present everywhere, permitting people from various backgrounds, cultures, and geographic locations to attach and proportion ideas.

Highlighting real-world examples can inspire others to take action and showcase the effectiveness of collective efforts.

Share success stories and case studies of individuals, organizations, or communities taking positive steps to address climate change. 

Email is a great tool in digital marketing therefore using email to create climate change awareness can be an effective strategy due to its widespread accessibility and ability to reach a large audience. Emails can be used to share educational content.

Sending out informative emails that educate your audience about the science behind climate change, its causes, and its potential impacts including understandable explanations, statistics, and visuals to make the content engaging.

Newsletters can also be a powerful tool for creating climate change awareness because they provide a regular platform to engage with your audience and deliver relevant content.

Sending out regular newsletters on a consistent schedule keeps your audience informed about climate-related issues, whether it’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, consistency helps maintain engagement and reinforces the importance of the need for adaptation or mitigation.

It is said that women are good storytellers, and telling stories using Animations, videos, and images lingers in the minds of people the most.

It is one of the most powerful ways to get a message across and with people spending most of their time on social media, using it for awareness creation on climate change is the way to go.

Fusing postcards and infographics on climate change also makes awareness simpler. Postcards and infographics are easier to share, therefore reaching a larger audience in a short period.

Creating ads with videos, animations, postcards, and infographics with calls to action (CTA) can motivate visitors to interact and engage more deeply with your brand and services.

Each of these digital content forms offers unique ways to address climate change, targeting varied audience preferences. The key is to adapt the presentation of information and the messaging to the specific format, maximizing its strengths, and ensuring the content engages, educates, and prompts action.

Women in digital marketing can play a crucial role in creating awareness of climate change.

The good news is that women and girls are becoming increasingly empowered to contribute to and benefit from, climate action and can leverage their expertise in social media platforms, email campaigns, and partnerships with relevant websites or blogs to amplify the message.

In many societies, women are responsible for household energy, food, water, and care for the young and elderly. Particularly in developing countries, the consequences of climate change can increase the burden on women and girls.

Addressing climate change in digital content is an integral part of green digital marketing. It’s about creating content that informs, educates, and prompts sustainable behavior. But it’s not just about what the content says, but also about how it is delivered. 

This year’s Assembly agenda encompasses negotiations on various resolutions, spanning from nature-based solutions and highly hazardous pesticides to land degradation, drought, and the environmental implications of minerals and metals.

UNEA-6 intends to discuss 19 resolutions, which are a component of a larger effort to stimulate more ambitious multilateral environmental initiatives. These endeavours aim to tackle challenges such as climate change, the decline in species populations, and global pollution that leads to premature death.

The resolutions address a spectrum of issues, including the circular economy, solar radiation modification, fostering effective, inclusive, and sustainable multilateral actions toward climate justice, the prudent management of chemicals and waste, as well as strategies to tackle sand and dust storms.

President of UNEA-6 and Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development for the Kingdom of Morocco, Leila Benali, emphasised that the world is currently experiencing significant upheaval, impacting numerous individuals. Therefore, it is crucial for the world’s response to show that multilateral diplomacy is capable of delivering effective solutions.

“As we meet here in 2024, we must be self-critical and work towards inclusive, networked and effective multilateralism that can make a tangible difference to people’s lives,”she stated.

Madam Benali advocates for the inclusion of voices beyond government representatives, specifically emphasising the importance of involving the youth, indigenous people, and local communities.

She highlights the significance of addressing issues related to gender and human rights, ensuring that no one is marginalised or excluded from the discussion.

“And today, and at this UN Environment Assembly, we must accelerate multilateral action to strengthen the environmental foundation of sustainable development,”she added.

The UN Environment Assembly serves as the paramount decision-making body on environmental matters globally, boasting a membership that encompasses all 193 UN Member States. Meeting biennially, it assumes the responsibility of setting priorities for worldwide environmental policies and formulating international environmental legislation. Subsequent decisions and resolutions adopted by Member States during the Assembly sessions also delineate the operational framework for the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

Executive Director of UNEP, Inger Andersen emphasised the necessity of setting aside political differences and directing attention towards the preservation of our planet—an entity rich with biodiversity.

She underscored the urgency of elevating global perspectives towards a shared objective: paving the way for a sustainable and secure future.

“We do this by agreeing on the resolutions before UNEA-6 to boost multilateral action for today and tomorrow, and secure inter-generational justice and equity,”she said.

Cabinet Secretary for the Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry for the Republic of Kenya Soipan Tuya highlighted that the timing of UNEA-6 coincides with a crucial period where the global community is urged to expedite the execution of the UN 2030 Agenda to maintain progress towards sustainable development.

She lamented that poverty continues to persist as a stark reality for millions in developing regions worldwide, including Africa, pointing out the escalating global economic inequality as a concerning trend.

“It is against this backdrop that the world will be looking to us here in Nairobi this week to renew hope. And hope we must provide,” Madam Andersen added.

More than 7,000 delegates representing 182 UN Member States, including over 170 Ministers, have registered for UNEA-6, convened under the theme of “effective, inclusive, and sustainable multilateral actions to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.”

The attendees this week will encompass Heads of State, government representatives, members of civil society, and private sector stakeholders.

Throughout the event, a series of leadership and multi-stakeholder dialogues, along with over 30 official side events and associated activities, are anticipated to lay the groundwork for bolstered future global and regional coordinated efforts by the United Nations, Member States, and partners, aimed at delivering impactful planetary action.

UNEA-6 will also underscore the significance of collaboration with multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs).

These international agreements address critical environmental issues of global or regional concern and serve as vital instruments of international environmental governance and law.

The sector is, therefore, encouraged to leverage the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to increase investment in climate change adaptation and mitigation initiatives.

Executive Director of the Indigenous Women Empowerment Network Ghana (IWEN Ghana), Celestina Andoh, gave the call during an interaction with journalists at Gbetsile in the Kpong Katamanso Municipality of the Greater Accra region.

She underscored the need for private sector actors to collaborate and design joint environmentally friendly programmes and projects to enable them to access funding from the GCF.

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is the world’s largest dedicated climate fund, and mandate is to foster a paradigm shift towards low-emission, climate-resilient development pathways in developing countries.

As an operating entity of the financial mechanism of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), GCF has become a vital part of the global climate finance architecture.

It has mobilised $ 10 billion during its first replenishment and invested in transformational climate projects worth over $ 40 billion in more than 100 countries.

Ms Andoh said although climate change impacts are devastating, it also provides massive investment opportunities to transform lives and protect the planet.

“The private sector must adapt to changing needs of the environment by leveraging the collective strength to invest in more sustainable projects to change the current course of climate change,” she stated.

She appealed to the government to be more committed towards creating the enabling environment for private sector investment in Ghana’s climate action priorities.

She noted that large-scale investments are required to reduce emissions and adapt to the adverse effects of climate change, hence the need to get private sector actors to leverage efforts to mobilise resources and develop innovative climate services.

This marks a significant step in her relentless campaign against climate change and its attendant effects on women and children.

As the Convener and Chair of the Africa Women and Children Conference (AFRIWOCC), Mrs. Bawumia will host AFRIWOCC’s Pre-COP28 Climate Forum at the Harvard Kennedy School.

She will also address a Climate Change Adaptation Workshop and the West Africa Cluster Meetings, which will delve into the report on the effects of climate change in the Gulf of Guinea.

These meetings, held under the auspices of the prestigious Salata Institute for Climate Sustainability at Harvard University; Stanley Center for Peace and Security; the Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute at Harvard University; and the FBX Center for Health and Human Rights at Harvard University, aim to confront the urgent challenges posed by climate change.

The discussions will critically assess the shared threats of climate change, such as extreme heat, flash flooding, sea level rise, and severe droughts, and their impacts on health, livelihoods, and the environment in West Africa and South Asia (both regions in the Global South).

These conversations are expected to transform into actionable policies by national governments, influencing climate adaptation strategies in these vulnerable regions.

The outcomes from these discussions will contribute to the Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability-funded research, currently spearheaded by faculty research clusters on climate adaptation in West Africa and South Asia.

Participants include James H. Stock, Vice Provost for Climate and Sustainability at Harvard University; Emmanuel Akyeampong, Ellen Gurney Professor of History and Professor of African and African American Studies at Harvard University; Satchit Balsari.

The rest are Assistant Professor in Emergency Medicine at Harvard Medical School; Peter Huybers, Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences, and Environmental Science and Engineering at Harvard University, among other renowned experts in climate studies.

About AFRIWOCC:

Initiated by Hajia Mrs. Samira Bawumia, through the Samira Empowerment and Humanitarian Projects (SEHP),  AFRIWOCC is a biennial high-level conference focused on women and children within the African continent.

The inaugural event in Accra, held on August 2nd and 3rd, 2023, themed “Amplifying the Voices of Women and Children in Climate Action”, brought together global leaders to engage in critical dialogues on climate impacts.

Notable speakers included President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana; Her Excellency Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations; and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organization, setting the tone for the discussions.

Samira Bawumia is also a recognised Global Ambassador of the United Nations Foundation’s Clean Cooking Alliance, and the World Health Organisation’s Health and Energy Platform for Action (HEPA).

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