A recent study conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has confirmed that average temperatures, both day and night, have increased over the past four decades, leading to the current warm conditions experienced across Ghana. The findings, part of the National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), highlight the reality of rising temperatures and the ongoing climate crisis.
Dr. Antwi-Boasiako Amoah, the NAPs National Coordinator, presented some of the study's findings to Parliamentarians, emphasizing that meteorological records and recent weather events in the country indicate a trend of increasingly hot days. He also noted that the duration of hot nights has extended, while occurrences of cold days and cold nights have decreased.
The meeting with the Parliamentary Committee on Environment, Finance, Local Government, and Natural Resources aimed to disseminate the climate projections and scenarios developed by NAPs, raising awareness and seeking support for adaptation efforts. NAPs, sponsored by Green Climate Finance, aim to integrate climate change considerations into national decision-making and facilitate effective adaptation strategies.
Dr. Amoah highlighted the implications of temperature surges, irregular rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events on various sectors of development. Despite these challenges, he emphasized the possibility of adaptation through embracing best practices, such as climate-smart agriculture and Integrated Water Resources Management.
He stressed the importance of upstream countries in the Volta Basin adopting similar adaptation measures. Additionally, he proposed strategies such as preventing environmental degradation, strengthening coastal defences, supporting climate-resilient livelihoods, and implementing early warning systems to mitigate the impact of the climate crisis.
Dr. Emmanuel Marfo, Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Environment, acknowledged the widespread manifestation of climate change impacts and pledged support for adaptation and mitigation efforts. He emphasized the need to disseminate the NAPs' results to the public to increase awareness.
Mr. Kofi Don-Agor, President of Climate Communications and Local Governance-Africa, expressed readiness to support Parliamentarians in conducting climate change education in their constituencies, emphasizing the importance of public awareness in addressing climate challenges.
