The Executive Coordinator of Strategic Youth Network for Development, Chibeze Ezekiel has charged developed countries to be committed in emission reduction as the world is “almost at the tipping point”.
Ahead of the global climate change event at the Conference of Parties 26, the environmentalist says “enough of the promises and pledges. We want to see serious actions’.
He explained that even though Ghana a developing country seeks to industrialize, it has taken significant steps to reduce greenhouse emissions by relying on its oil and gas as well as improving the renewable energy sector.
“Ghana wants to industrialize and grow our economy, but all indications show that we are committed to emission reduction. One key area is the energy sector. Over the years we have been relying on crude oil to power our thermal plant but since the discovery of oil and gas, we now use gas to power our thermal plants. Even though gas emits, it is less compared to crude oil. Also, we’re looking at how to improve and utilize renewable energy in Ghana”, he said.
“If you look at the trend, at least as a country, we are making an impact, we cannot say 100 percent renewable energy now, but we are transiting so as a country we are showing such commitment, so we want to see that same commitment from global north at this year’s COP,” he added.
The latest Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change confirmed that climate change is a human-induced change and an increase in global temperature has a dire impact on life on earth.
Speaking at a zero emissions training workshop organized by Strategic Youth Network for Development, he called on CSOs in Ghana to actively engage the African Development Bank [AfDB] and government in developing environmentally-friendly projects.
He encouraged CSOs to be acquainted with the frameworks so as to be effective in their engagement. The workshop attended by young environmentalists helped participants to develop project ideas in reducing carbon emissions in Ghana.
Also, the Communications Team Lead for SYND, Gifty Agbenyefia and a team member, Enoch Anyane shared their campaigning tips to assist participants effectively engage stakeholders on climate change and renewable energy agenda.