New challenge for fight against climate change …As British Council launches ATC, Ghana Research report

“I will run away to the south to look for food”,” It looks as if God has changed his calendar” and “God is punishing us for our deeds”. These were some of the interesting opinions found in the Africa Talks Climate (ATC), Ghana Research Report.

On Wednesday, 14th October 2009, over 200 people including Hon. Sherry Ayittey, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Nick Westcott, British High Commissioner, representatives from the Australian High Commission, USAID, BBC World Service Trust, the Press and school children met at British Council to deliberate on issues of Climate Change and to officially launch the Africa Talks Climate, Ghana Research report. The event was both participatory and interactive where views were sought from all present, especially school children about Climate Change.

In his welcome address, Moses Anibaba, Director, British Council said “I know the findings will question and challenge current thinking and assumptions on climate change. Our hope is that it will assist in reframing the debate and dialogue, and to help raise awareness, shift attitudes and share models of practice.

Above all we hope that the findings and messages that are contained in the report will help make a difference in the lives of people already struggling with the challenges posed by climate change”.

In her address, the Minister said “Climate change is a worldwide concern because, if it continues, there will be significant impact on people, natural resources and economic conditions around the globe. The Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology is poised to lead and facilitate dialogue on spearheading the move to champion a shared knowledge of Climate Change, knowledge that is accessible and well understood by all”.

Addressing the audience, Dr Nick Westcott said “Climate Change is complex, but I want to be absolutely clear on one point: We recognise that it is the UK and other developed countries that have caused this problem. While the world will witness changes to its climate, Developing Countries are most vulnerable and least able to adapt.

We recognise that many of those that have been the hardest hit, are among those who have done the least to cause climate change”. He added that the essence of what the UK wanted from the Copenhagen summit was a fair and comprehensive deal between developed and developing countries and commitments that will keep the global temperature rise to below two degrees.

Sherry Ayittey, however, requested copies of the report to be sent to members of parliament for further discussions. In the words of a member of the audience “the time for talking is over, this is the time for action. These discussions should give birth to effective action plans today!”