Climate Change Issues Must Be Localised – Climate, Sustainability Minister
The Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability has announced plans to localize climate change issues to build resilience and sustain livelihoods, particularly for vulnerable populations.
To achieve this, the government will collaborate with relevant stakeholders to promote advocacy, educate the public, and enhance the capacity of agencies dealing with the climate crisis.
Government’s Commitment to Climate Action
Welcoming a four-member delegation from the University of Ghana, led by Professor Gordon A. Awandare, Pro Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academic and Students Affairs, and Prof. Chris Gordon, an environmental scientist, Minister Seidu emphasized the urgent need for public awareness and behavioral change regarding climate change.
“Climate change is a behavioral issue. People do not realize the impact of their actions on the environment, soil, and the air they breathe,” he stated.
He noted that climate change was affecting critical aspects of the economy, yet public discourse on the issue remained limited. The new ministry, he revealed, plans to establish a Climate Change and Sustainability Hub at the sub-regional level. This hub will serve as a think tank, facilitate advocacy, conduct high-impact research, and implement projects to address climate change concerns.
Impact of Climate Shocks and Need for Urgent Action
Citing a World Bank report, Mr. Seidu highlighted that at least one million more people could fall into poverty due to climate shocks if urgent actions were not taken. Furthermore, he warned that household incomes could decrease by up to 40% by 2050, exacerbating economic hardship.
Prof. Chris Gordon reinforced the urgency of climate action, noting that recent studies indicated a rise in both daytime and nighttime temperatures, particularly in informal settlements.
“Spikes in temperature are a grave concern, especially for residents in poorly ventilated and substandard housing,” he observed.
The Human Cost of Heat Stress
Prof. Gordon outlined key findings from research on the impact of climate change, including insufficiently spaced buildings, inappropriate designs, and inadequate materials that leave homes vulnerable to climate pressures.
He stressed that heat stress was a growing problem, reducing productivity among informal sector workers who struggle to work long hours under extreme conditions. Additionally, lack of nighttime cooling affects sleep quality, contributing to mental health issues and stress.
Given these alarming findings, Prof. Gordon urged swift action to enhance climate resilience and safeguard livelihoods, particularly for those in vulnerable communities.
With government initiatives and collaborative efforts, the push to localize climate action aims to foster sustainable solutions that will mitigate climate change effects and improve lives across the country.
