GRITG urges govt to combat climate change threats … to promote health, economy
The Green Revolution Innovative Thinkers Ghana (GRITG) has called on the government to take urgent action to combat threats posed by climate change to promote health of the citizenry and the economy.
The GRITG, a non-profit organisation, cited the devastating wildfires and rising sea level as causes of climate change.
Speaking at the official launch of GRITG in Accra on Friday, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the non-profit organisation, Mr Emmanuel Efui Tamakloe, lamented that unpredictable weather patterns also threatened livelihoods due to human activities.
He explained that this resulted in the release of catastrophic level of greenhouse gases, ravaging ecosystem that posed threat to human existence.
Mr Tamakloe mentioned climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable land use practices, and renewable energy solutions as key commitments of GRITG in ensuring environmental sustainability.
He further stated that there was a need for an annual investment of USD 1.9 trillion in renewable energy, electrification of 60 per cent of global transportation, and the protection and restoration of one trillion trees for the world to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
The Board Chairman of GRITG, Dr Bernice T-Dahn, disclosed that the organisation would in the next five years, envisioned to plant 16 million trees, establish 16 community gardens in the 16 regional capitals of the country, to produce more seedlings and provide environmental education to senior high school students.
Dr T-Dahn noted that overcoming climate change was a collective responsibility and, therefore, called on government, businesses and individuals to join in the fight in order to ensure a sustainable environment.
Dr Seth Kwame Gakpo, who chaired the function, called for efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change through education, advocacy and community-driven initiatives in order to ensure a sustainable future for all.
Moreover, Dr Gakpo, commended GRITG for coming up with such initiative to protect the environment and urged the general public to unite in the fight against climate change.
He further reiterated the collaboration and partnership from various organisations, saying, “We are looking forward to having government businesses, individuals as our sponsors and partners in combating climate change.”
BY CYNTHIA ASAMPANA
