Ghana must urgently protect its natural ecosystems to build resilience against climate change. Professor Edward Wiafe Debrah of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) made this call. He stated that Ghana's future depends on safeguarding its forests, rivers, wetlands, and biodiversity.
Environmental degradation is already impacting livelihoods and weakening economic systems. Climate change is causing erratic rainfall and reducing agricultural productivity. Many communities face prolonged dry spells and rising temperatures. Professor Debrah highlighted recurring flooding in Accra as a visible consequence. Poor urban planning and destruction of wetlands worsen these floods.
The professor also pointed to illegal mining, known as galamsey, as a major environmental threat. Galamsey destroys forests, degrades farmlands, and pollutes rivers. This pollution increases water treatment costs and damages ecosystems. Such degradation threatens future generations with less productive landscapes. Forest loss driven by agriculture, logging, and mining also reduces Ghana's capacity to absorb carbon dioxide.
Professor Debrah emphasized that nature offers effective and cost-efficient solutions. These include forest restoration and wetland conservation. Agroforestry and mangrove rehabilitation are also vital. Urban greening can reduce heat stress and improve air quality. "Nature has already developed solutions over millions of years," he said. "Our task is to learn from these systems and integrate them into development planning." He spoke on World Environment Day 2026. Global theme was "Inspired by Nature: For Climate. For Our Future.".
Environmental sustainability requires action from all citizens. Professor Debrah urged people to avoid littering and reduce plastic use. Supporting recycling and planting trees are important steps. Conserving water and energy also helps. Protecting wetlands and streams is crucial. Participating in community clean-ups makes a difference. Embracing sustainable consumption practices is key. "Small individual actions, when multiplied, can create significant positive change," he stated. Climate change disrupts rainfall patterns significantly. This affects water availability across the nation. Public health challenges also increase due to pollution. The economic impact of climate-related disasters is substantial. Protecting biodiversity is essential for ecosystem resilience. It also supports livelihoods across many sectors.