The Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Ghana, Diana Acconcia, has urged the Ghana to adopt innovative and cleaner sources of energy to power its industries.
She said developing countries like Ghana should not repeat the mistakes of advanced economies which relied on the use of coal, which is now considered a ‘dirty energy’ and affects the environment.
She noted that the industrial revolution of the past used coal energy, however, with the
availability of several green technologies it is appropriate to collaborate with developing countries to adopt these technologies, in their path to develop.
The Head of the EU Delegation indicated that the issue of climate change is a global concern citing that “one of the characteristics of the recent warming is that it is hitting the earth in its entirety” with different phenomena.
This she said, reinforces the need for the world to rally together do more to tackle climate change, and stressed that the “European Union is very committed.”
She observed that countries like Ghana, which is signed on to the Paris Agreement, has a
commitment to reduce greenhouse emissions.
While commending the country’s new plastic reduction strategy and the agreement with the
World bank to reduce deforestation and try to work towards more sustainable agriculture like cocoa, she insisted that all nations of the world have a role to play in tackling climate change issues.
Diana Acconcia said there has to be more education to ensure that the people adopt “greener habits” especially as a lot of people in Africa still cook with coal which is dirty, dangerous and contributes to climate change, both because they cut trees to burn and also because they create a lot of emissions due to the burning of the wood and coal.
The EU Ambassador, who was speaking in an interview at the backdrop of a workshop for the youth in Kumasi to mark 2019 Climate Diplomacy Week, also commended the work of the Second Lady of Ghana, Mrs. Samira Bawumia, who has embarked on a programme to promote clean cooking.
She also said the choice of Kumasi to celebrate the European Union Climate Change Week
Ghana 2019 was among others informed by the efforts of the city authorities to regreen the
Metropolis, which is in line with the agenda of the EU.
She said in the last months young people all over the world are taking the streets to make their voices heard. “They promote urgent climate action and bring confront us with our responsibility towards future generations.”
“These strikes for the future resonated from Stockholm to Brussels, but also here in Ghana. The EU acknowledges its claim and calls for action.”
She said “we have the duty to leave behind a healthier planet, more stable, fairer societies and more prosperous and modern economies for future generations. Climate change is a direct and existential threat. It spares no country and requires a collective response.”
The EU, she said has been at the forefront of international efforts to fight climate change. “Under the Paris Agreement, the EU has committed to a cut of at least 40% in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990.”
Europe now has in place the world's most ambitious and advanced climate and energy framework and has agreed on all the legislation to meet 2030 targets, with higher targets for renewables and energy efficiency.
The Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Mr. Osei Assibey Antwi,
acknowledged the efforts being made by the Assembly andd sister MMDAs in the Region, with the support of the Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah, to regreen the Ashanti Region.
He said the partnership and knowledge sharing being offered by the EU Delegation to restore the forest cover is good.
He particularly said that the choice of the city for Climate Diplomacy Week 2019 comes to
strengthen the campaign to grow more trees.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Isaac Bediako Justice
