Understanding Climate Change- Focus On Ghana

Climate change results in changes like rising sea levels, more extreme weather events, like floods, melting glaciers, shift in ecosystem etc.

In the past, changes in weather were caused by sun’s activity and volcanic eruptions. Today, scientist can proof that green house gases are the result of climate change. Green house refers to several compounds found in the earth atmosphere which would have been released out to space. Even though some of these green house gases occur in nature (i.e Carbon dioxide and methane), however a chunk of them are caused by human activity such as products such as hair sprays, paint fumes, aerosol sprays.

Burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil or gas. When these gases are burned, carbon dioxide is released into atmosphere. Statistics shows that 30 billion tons of carbon dioxide are released to atmosphere due to human activity.

Currently in Ghana, the Akosombo Hydroelectric Dam is on the verge of being shut down. The Bui Dam built by President Kuffour is also under-utilised. The concentrations are on Ghana Gas providing Gas from Atuabo to Aboadze Thermal Plant in Takoradi, the Thermal plants in Prestea, where I live and so on. What is even more dangerous is the recent Power Barge brought into the country to solve the problem of dumsor (irregular power supply). This is worrying, as this particular power barge is going to use millions of tons of crude oil. It is an indictment on the progress Ghana has made concerning curbing climate change as a stakeholder.

My president, John Dramani Mahama presented an address recently in Paris, and my worry is our leaders talk different from their actions. Ghana started solar technology and the problem was that it was expensive. To curb deforestation, the Ministry of Energy recently shared gas cylinders to some citizens and I thought that is the way to go. But the U-turn of going for power barge is uncalled for.

Climate change has direct impact on what we grow and what we eat in Africa. About 70% of the population lives on farming and a third of the income in Africa is generated by agriculture. Over 95% of our crops in Africa are watered by rainfall. By 2020, rain fed agriculture could drop by half. It is not surprising that the growth in Agriculture in 2015 is 0.04% according to Budget Statement read by Minister of Finance, Hon. Seth Tekper. This is a serious problem, especially, as a student of Agriculture and a proponent of climate change.

Climate change is already affecting many fisheries around the world. The warming brought about climate change increases oceans temperatures, which causes some fish to move to cooler waters beyond their normal range. Our fisher men in Dixcove, my home town in Ahanta West are crying for poor catch of fish, the situation in Axim, Half Asini, Sekondi, Elmina, Cape Coast, Accra, and Ho is not different. Climate change also has have huge health impact. It can increase the population of disease-carrying mosquitoes. Malaria still remains the biggest killer in Africa. In Ghana, huge efforts by Ghana Health Service, which has ensured delivery of free-mosquito net to all households has been a great relief. However, I do not think students of Prestea Senior High School, where I teach can send mosquito nets to preps. Neither can students of our Universities go to “mining” ( a whole night of learning for exams) with mosquito net. So the problem of malaria is still around.

Climate change also increases the cases of deadly diseases such as yellow fever and dengue fever. In addition, poor air quality of air leads to breathing problems and worsens respiratory conditions. Climate change also leads to flooding, migration, drought and other competition for resources like fresh water can ignite conflict. It is not surprising that the City of Accra recently experienced flooding which claimed the lives of more than 150 people and destroyed billions of cedis worth properties.

The solutions to these problems embarking on renewable sources of energy, such as solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy. Ghana must repair the Akosombo Dam and make maximum use of Bui Dam. Other dams should also be constructed in the country. Artificial dams can also be constructed for hydroelectric power.

Kenya is the first African country to begin drilling for geothermal power. In South Africa, wind farms are beginning to produce energy. This is a good beginning.

If want to be a member of Young African Leaders Initiative, and earn online certificates on climate change and other course like strengthening public sector service, servant leadership, concept of business expansion and so on, send my whatsapp message 0246872216 or contact me via email.

FRANCIS MIKE ESHUN MEMBER, YOUNG AFRICAN LEADERS INITIATIVE( YALI, USA) BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, UCC, DIP IN ED, UEW INTEGRATED SCIENCE TUTOR, PRESTEA SENIOR HIGH TECH SCHOOL EMAIL: [email protected] MOBILE: 0203961833