afrol News, 13 August - Ghana would need over US $1.4 billion to combat climate change if bad environmental practices persists, a senior official of the West African country's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said.

William Abaidoo, Public Relations Officer of the agency said climate change has been fast becoming a global problem, which devastates the planet earth.

"Scientists are already seeing signs of changing occurring more quickly than they expected; these signs range from high temperatures, low rainfall, drought and diseases leading to worsening economic conditions," Mr. Abaidoo told a day's seminar on Youth and Climate Change organised by Free World Foundation, a non-governmental organisation.


According to experts, climate change is mostly caused by the mass injection of greenhouse gases into earth's atmosphere through human activities. The gases could sustain in the atmosphere for several thousands of years before their effects reach the environment.

Mr. Abaidoo said about 3.3% of coastal populations stand the risk of erosion resulting in flooding and loss of infrastructure which in turn affects economic activities. He said poor people are "highly vulnerable to environmental disasters."

He recongnised the role youths in the fight against climate change, and advised them to development interest on the issue.

The Executive Director of the foundation said based on a 2006 study, Ghana would pay US $7.5 trillion by 2050 if it fails to address climate change.

"The best local example that comes to mind is the recent power crisis our dear nation experienced,"
said Rashid Anyetei Odoi.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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