Dr. Nana Antwi-Boasiako Amoah, Chair of the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) on Climate Change, urged African countries to embed climate education within their national climate policies. This call highlights a critical need for an informed populace to effectively tackle climate challenges. He made these statements on June 16, 2026, during the UN climate meetings (SB64) in Bonn.
Dr. Amoah warned that current investments in climate adaptation, finance, and early warning systems will yield limited results without proper widespread knowledge and skills. He stated that climate education should move from being a minor consideration to a central component of Africa's climate infrastructure. He spoke at a side event focused on Education for Sustainable Development and Climate Action.
This initiative aligns with Ghana's broader economic and environmental goals. Ghana, like many African nations, faces significant climate impacts despite contributing minimally to global emissions. Data from the Ghana Statistical Service consistently shows climate-related disruptions affecting agriculture, water resources, and public health. Previous analyses have highlighted the need for resilient infrastructure and community-level adaptation strategies.
“The future of climate action in Africa will not be shaped only in negotiating rooms. It will also be shaped in classrooms, farms, local councils, universities, community centres and homes,” Dr. Amoah stated. He argued that education forms the bedrock for communities to respond effectively to climate risks. He also believes it helps to build resilience across all sectors.
Education, according to Dr. Amoah, acts as a pivotal climate solution. Climate literacy can enable farmers to make better planting decisions, crucial for Ghana’s agricultural sector. It can also support local authorities in planning for extreme weather events such as floods and heatwaves. Furthermore, it empowers young people to develop green businesses and participate meaningfully in climate policy decisions.
Dr. Amoah noted that climate change itself disrupts education. Floods, droughts, and extreme heat increasingly affect schools. These events reduce learning opportunities for children across Africa. This creates a cycle where both education and climate action suffer.
He advocated for robust implementation of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.7. This goal promotes education for sustainable development. For Africa, this target should also be considered a climate action priority. It underlines the interconnectedness of education and environmental sustainability.
The AGN Chair pointed to Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) under the UN climate framework. ACE provides a practical pathway for advancing education, training, public awareness, and public participation in climate responses. This framework offers tangible steps for nations to follow.
To strengthen implementation, Dr. Amoah proposed four key priorities. These include integrating climate education into national climate and education plans. They also involve investing in teacher training and learning materials. Another priority is financing climate-resilient education systems. Finally, placing young people at the centre of climate action is crucial.
He also called for monitoring systems. These systems would track the integration of climate education into policies and curricula. They would also monitor teacher training initiatives. Special attention would be given to vulnerable groups, including girls, rural learners, and displaced children. This ensures no one is left behind in climate education efforts.
The AGN reaffirmed its commitment. Nana Dr. Amoah stated the Group would continue to push for support. This support enables African countries to strengthen institutions and empower youth. It also helps implement the Paris Agreement fairly and practically. Decision-makers and market participants will be watching for concrete steps by African governments to adopt these recommendations, which could influence future climate finance inflows and the resilience of various economic sectors to climate shocks.