Commentary

Effect of Climate change on economies; possible remedies

By: Dr. Kofi Amponsah-Bediako, A Development Communication Analyst

Evidence available shows that climatic changes have occurred in the world and this has adversely affected all economies.

The effects of climate change has affected agriculture, especially in developing countries and Africa where farmers mostly depend on rain-fed agriculture. This has created serious problems for many agriculture-dependent economies in the world.

In Ghana and many countries in Africa for example, the rainfall pattern has changed and as a result many farmers are unable to produce high levels of food crops for internal consumption and also for export. Flooding has occurred in various parts of Ghana sometimes resulting in the destruction of communities and even the death of people in and around such communities.

Similar problems are encountered in many other African countries where persistent drought has become the order of the day. When the rains set in, they are so massive and persistent that they end up destroying food crops and communities. The end result of all this is poor agricultural output.

In the case of countries in the northern hemisphere of the globe, the pattern of climate change and its effects has also been disastrous. For example, the period for snow is often extended far beyond reasonable limits or periods and excessive rainfall occurs to destroy communities, towns and cities.

Thus, in both developed and developing countries, the effect of climate change has been massive and disastrous.

The causes of climate change are numerous but it is mainly the developed countries that contribute massively to the problem due to their extensive industrial activities. These industrial activities coming from China, US and other developed countries have heavily polluted the atmosphere to the extent that they have contributed massively to the changing patterns in climate.

Developing countries including those in Africa also contribute to problems related to climate change. However, their contribution is carried out on a very small scale.

Whatever it is, addressing climate change in the world rests on the collective responsibility of countries. The pledge from the developed countries to contribute huge financial resources towards addressing the menace of climate change has not been honoured over the years and this has created serious problems regarding measures to be taken to address the problem.

Scientific evidence available shows that the effect of climate change is real and that if nothing is done to address the menace, life on earth will be highly jeopardised. It is in light of this that the first three weeks in November this year was used by the international community to organise the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties on the global climate change which is referred to as COP27 which was held in Egypt.

The just-ended COP27 in Egypt provided an opportunity for all stakeholders to rise to the occasion and tackle effectively the global challenge of climate change.

During the Conference, various ideas were discussed to find solutions to the problem. The objective of the event was to present and discuss the methodology to develop the Circularity Gap Report for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), which will establish a baseline on circular economy for the Latin America and the Caribbean region.

During the Conference in Egypt, President Akufo-Addo made it clear that it was time for the developed countries to honour their pledge of helping the rest of the world with financial support to address the menace. Apart from addressing the interest of the Latin American countries, other issues were discussed on climate change to ensure that all stakeholders in various parts of the world have had their desires and interests satisfied.

Climate change affects all countries so every country is expected to contribute their quota so that this menace can be addressed effectively in the interest of all. The rich countries must therefore honour their pledge so that the world can be made a better place for all as far as the issue of climate change is concerned.

The recent Conference on Climate Change also known as COP27 had a side event which discussed issues aimed at making life better for countries with regard to addressing climate change problems. The COP27 side event aimed at demonstrating how countries have integrated, enhanced, or are implementing peatland-related climate commitments.

The event in Egypt provided a unique opportunity to launch the Green Jobs for Youth Pact and enhance collaboration between governments, youth, employers’ and workers’ organisations, and educators working together to promote a just transition by strengthening capacities and skills, for youth, needed to deliver an economic and social transformation.

It is expected that all the decisions taken during COP27 in Egypt will be effectively implemented by all stakeholders so that the adverse effect of climate change can be brought under control. This is how the world is expected to address the menace for the common interest of all stakeholders including rich and poor countries.