The Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI) has commenced efforts to design a Climate Change Learning Strategy aimed at educating Ghanaians on climate change and enhancing their capacity to adapt to its impacts.
This process began with a national planning workshop held on Wednesday, bringing together stakeholders from academia, civil society, the private sector, youth groups, and educational institutions to gather input for the strategy.
The initiative is being supported by the “One UN Climate Change Learning Partnership,” also known as UN CC: Learn, a collaboration of 34 UN agencies that assist countries in identifying and addressing their unique climate change challenges.
The strategy will play a critical role in Ghana’s national response to climate change by delivering education and training services tailored to the country’s needs.
Mr. Ebenezer Appah-Sampong, Acting Deputy Executive Director for Technical Services at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), emphasized that the strategy would raise awareness, transfer knowledge, and equip Ghanaians with the skills needed to build resilience. He noted the importance of behavior change and capacity building to ensure Ghana’s economic, social, and environmental sustainability in the face of climate challenges.
Ghana’s Climate Change Policy, launched in 2014, highlighted capacity building, education, and communication as key pillars, and the EPA’s five-year Environmental Education Strategy also identified similar priorities.
The new Clim. Change Learning Strategy will aim to integrate climate change into the curriculum at all levels of education, as well as into national and local development plans. It will foster collaboration across sectors and stakeholders to drive priority actions that enhance education and training systems nationwide.
Ms. Christine Evans-Klock, UN Resident Coordinator, highlighted Ghana’s vulnerability to climate change, particularly in sectors like agriculture, forestry, and energy. She emphasized the importance of skill development in ensuring Ghana’s climate resilience, which is why the UN is supporting the country’s efforts.
Mr. Mathias Feldmann, Head of Co-operation at the Swiss Embassy in Ghana, noted that Switzerland is providing financial and technical support for the initiative. He explained that the strategy would build resilience by equipping people with the knowledge and skills to address climate change’s impacts at all levels.
Dr. Emmanuel Techie-Obeng, Ghana’s National Focal Point for Clim. Change Education, Training, and Public Awareness, stated that the strategy is expected to be finalized by November 2025. It will be presented and launched at the UN Conference of Parties (COP 30) in December 2025 and subsequently launched in Ghana in January 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Climate Change
- What is climate change?
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and other elements of the Earth’s climate system. It is primarily caused by the increase in greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane, due to human activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. - What are the main causes of climate change?
The main causes include:- Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas) for energy.
- Deforestation, which reduces the number of trees that absorb CO₂.
- Industrial processes and agricultural practices that emit greenhouse gases.
- Land-use changes, such as urbanization.
- What are the effects of climate change?
Climate change leads to:- Rising global temperatures (global warming).
- Melting ice caps and glaciers, causing sea levels to rise.
- More frequent and severe weather events (hurricanes, droughts, floods).
- Disruption of ecosystems and extinction of species.
- Impacts on agriculture, water resources, and human health.
- How does climate change affect daily life?
Climate change can lead to heatwaves, water shortages, flooding, and food insecurity. It can also increase the spread of diseases, disrupt local economies, and cause displacement of communities due to extreme weather events. - What is the difference between climate change and global warming?
Global warming refers specifically to the Earth’s rising surface temperature, while climate change encompasses a broader range of changes, including global warming, changing precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events. - Can Clim. Change be reversed?
While it may not be possible to fully reverse climate change, its impact can be mitigated by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adopting renewable energy sources, restoring forests, and investing in climate adaptation measures. - What are greenhouse gases, and why are they important?
Greenhouse gases (GHGs) like CO₂, methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O) trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, creating a “greenhouse effect.” While this is a natural process that keeps the planet warm enough to sustain life, excessive GHGs from human activities have intensified the effect, causing global warming. - What can individuals do to combat Clim. Change?
Individuals can:- Reduce energy consumption by using energy-efficient appliances and lighting.
- Drive less, carpool, or use public transportation.
- Support renewable energy and reduce fossil fuel reliance.
- Plant trees and support reforestation initiatives.
- Reduce, reuse, and recycle to minimize waste.
- Why is Clim. Change education important?
Education helps raise awareness, foster behavior change, and equip individuals and communities with the skills and knowledge needed to address climate challenges. It also empowers people to advocate for policies and practices that mitigate climate change. - What is the global response to Clim. Change?
The global community is addressing Clim. Change through international agreements like the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. Countries are setting emission reduction targets, transitioning to renewable energy, and implementing adaptation strategies to build resilience against climate impacts.
