The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, has organised the inaugural climate change procession in Accra.
The procession is part of the 2024 Climate Change and Green Economy Week, taking place from October 14 to 18, 2024.
The theme for this year’s event is “Greening Education: Changing Our Mindset, Changing Our Lifestyle.”
Dr. John Kingsley Kurugu, Executive Director of the EPA, said that the celebration aims to raise awareness and enhance understanding of climate change and the green economy among Ghanaians.
He said that climate change posed a significant threat to livelihoods and the economy, leading to issues such as destructive floods, drying rivers, food crises, climate-induced diseases, and bushfires.
These challenges are felt by everyone through rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns.
Dr. Kurugu noted that the event also aimed to highlight Ghana’s vulnerability to the impacts of climate change to the global community and to enhance public understanding of these issues.
“It is a full week of climate related events meant for green education, green lifestyle, and green mindset for Ghanaians to protect their environment and protect their future,” he said.
Dr. Emmanuel Obeng, Director of the Climate Change Unit at the EPA, mentioned that additional activities for the celebration include media engagements and an opening ceremony at the National Theatre on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.
He said the event would enhance understanding of climate change issues and encourage Ghanaians to adopt environmentally friendly behaviors and practices to improve the overall health of the environment.
“The theme for the celebration means that we must start thinking green, be responsible, do things that would bring life into our water, trees and soil, because these three things are the things that we depend on to give us life.
“So, if we keep on destroying them, we will also terminate our life, but if we keep on improving them, our lives will be enhanced, and we would be able to live sustainably on earth,” he said.
GNA