Timber wood
Ghana is actively addressing the global climate crisis through the implementation of 34 mitigation actions across key sectors such as energy, transport, forestry, waste, and industry.
According to Madam Audrey Quarcoo, the Director of Corporate Affairs at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), these actions are projected to result in a significant reduction of 64 million tonnes in emissions by the year 2030.
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Currently emitting approximately 60 million tonnes (1.9 per capita), Ghana surpasses the global average of 4.6 per capita. Without intervention, the country could face a projection of 100 million tonnes by 2030 under the “do nothing scenario.”
Madam Quarcoo shared these insights at the National Pre-COP meeting for Ghana, a crucial event leading up to COP 28 in Dubai.
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The meeting brought together experts, policymakers, negotiators, and representatives to contribute their insights and shape Ghana’s stance on the global stage.
“Additionally, the country aspires to create over one million green jobs by 2030 and prevent 2,900 premature deaths through improved air quality,” she added.
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The commitment to addressing climate change has been evident in various initiatives, such as the development of the Article 6 framework on the carbon market, the ongoing National Adaptation Planning Readiness Project, and the Sustainable Cocoa-Forest Programme.
However, the recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emphasizes the inadequacy of current global mitigation pledges.
“These pledges projected a 45 per cent reduction necessary to limit the rise in Earth’s temperature to below1.5 degree goal”.
Madam Quarcoo highlighted that despite Africa contributing only 3.6% to global emissions, the continent remains susceptible to severe impacts of climate change.
Mr Kwaku Afriyie, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, noted in his address that several crucial measures were implemented before the PRECOP meeting.
These measures included the establishment of a Central Planning Committee chaired by MESTI to plan and coordinate Ghana’s preparations for COP, participation during COP, and reporting after COP.
Additionally, two high-level Inter-Ministerial meetings on COP28 among Sector Ministers were conducted to deliberate and offer guidance to the planning Committee.