Dr. Nana Antwi-Boasiako Amoah, Chair of the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) on climate change, has called for integrating climate education into national climate policies across Africa. This integration is essential to make climate investments, adaptation efforts, and early warning systems more effective. He delivered this message at a side event on Education for Sustainable Development and Climate Action during the UN climate meetings (SB64) in Bonn.
Dr. Amoah emphasized that climate education must become a central part of Africa’s climate infrastructure. He stated that climate finance, technology transfer, and adaptation plans become more successful when people understand, trust, and actively participate in their implementation. Climate change already impacts daily life in Africa, affecting food systems, water resources, public health, and employment.
This initiative fits into Ghana’s broader economic and political story, which often emphasizes sustainable development and environmental protection. Ghana, like many African nations, faces significant climate change challenges despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions. The country has been pushing for climate justice and predictable climate finance to protect its vulnerable economic sectors.
Dr. Nana Antwi-Boasiako Amoah stated, “Investments in adaptation, climate finance, and early warning systems would deliver limited results if people were not equipped with the knowledge and skills to act.” He stressed that education provides a strong foundation for communities to respond effectively to climate risks and build resilience. Climate literacy can help farmers make better planting decisions and support local authorities in planning for floods.
Moving forward, decision-makers will likely respond by exploring ways to incorporate climate education into national curricula and policy frameworks. This could include increased funding for teacher training and the development of climate-resilient education systems. Financial markets may also show interest in educational initiatives that support green economies and sustainable development.
Dr. Amoah warned that climate change itself is disrupting education, with floods and extreme heat affecting schools and reducing learning opportunities. He urged stronger implementation of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.7. This goal promotes education for sustainable development, and for Africa, it should be a key climate action priority.
The AGN Chair highlighted Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) under the UN climate framework as a practical path. ACE supports education, training, public awareness, and participation in climate responses. To strengthen this, he proposed four key priorities for African nations.
These priorities include integrating climate education into national climate and education plans. Additionally, governments should invest in teacher training and develop effective learning materials. Financing climate-resilient education systems is also crucial. Finally, placing young people at the center of climate action will ensure long-term success.
Dr. Amoah also called for robust monitoring systems to track climate education integration into policies and curricula. This monitoring should ensure that vulnerable groups, such as girls, rural learners, and displaced children, are not overlooked. The AGN remains committed to supporting African countries in strengthening their institutions and empowering youth to implement the Paris Agreement fairly.
He concluded, “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.” This underscores the critical role of grassroots education and community engagement in achieving climate resilience and sustainable development across Africa.