CHANGE IN CLIMATE: A SHARED ENEMY

     

Picture By: Stilson Robert

     People in positions of authority need to actively take action to counteract the far-reaching effects of climate change. They must set standards and precedents to fight this common enemy that threatens the existence of all living beings on earth.

   Ultimately, the concept of ‘Ghanaianism’ is not about prioritizing personal interests, but rather about working together to build a society that provides equal opportunities for all. Unfortunately, humans are the cause of our destruction. While we play a major role in keeping our environment clean and healthy, we also harm it by releasing harmful emissions into the atmosphere, which leads to the depletion of the ozone layer.

   It is disheartening that despite our efforts to mark and celebrate ‘World Environmental Day’, we have yet to achieve any significant progress in protecting our environment. We have heard countless speeches from world leaders on their quest to safeguard the environment, but what is the way forward for African leaders whose countries are being exploited for their minerals, and whose environment continues to be threatened by illegal activities?

   The new world that we are creating by raising the temperature is already causing a lot of problems. Our environment is not safe, and our society is not worth living in. Our water bodies are being destroyed by our actions, and the natural path of our rivers and other water bodies is being blocked due to the selfish interests of humans. As a result, we are carried away by water whenever it rains, and property and lives are lost through floods. It is high time that we take action to protect our environment and secure a better future for ourselves and future generations.

   Floods have caused the loss of both property and lives, yet no significant action has been taken to address this issue, even after 51 years of celebrating World Environmental Day. Our leaders must deliberate on policies and implement them to combat climate issues, which pose a threat to our environment. It is unclear whether other countries across the world are facing similar challenges in addressing the effects of climate change on the environment.

The environment encompasses living and non-living things, and we continue to enjoy the benefits of nature without considering the environment’s survival. It is our collective responsibility to ensure the credibility and accountability of net-zero emissions to develop stronger and clearer standards for net-zero emissions. Therefore, I urge all non-governmental organizations, businesses, investors, cities, and regions to speed up their implementation pace.

   The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General has called on world leaders to have zero tolerance for net-zero greenwashing, which is a step in the right direction. Ghana must adhere to this directive for the safety of our immediate surroundings. The UN has outlined four policies, including environmental integrity, credibility, accountability, and the role of governments, to quicken the world’s pace of march towards mitigating the effects of climate change. Therefore, the government of Ghana, stakeholders, and the entire world must pay serious attention and implement them appropriately without failure or hesitation.

Since the adoption of the Paris Agreement in 20215, the world has seen an increasing number of net-zero commitments by non-state actors, particularly from the private and financial sector, as well from local governments and regions which is a positive development.

    The increase in net-zero commitments has led to the creation of various criteria and benchmarks with varying levels of robustness. This has resulted in misleading narratives that confuse consumers, investors, and regulators, leading to a culture of climate misinformation.

   Despite the problems facing our planet, there is still hope. Humans are the only ones who can appreciate the beauty of the environment, and it is our responsibility to ensure that we protect it. We must take the time to experience the breathtaking beauty of nature and then work together to fight for its future. Together, we can create a new future that is sustainable and secure. Today, we have the opportunity to safeguard our environment through unity, diligence, and dedication.

Written By: Koranteng Alice.