The Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency and former Head of the Physics Department at the University of Ghana, Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, has emphasized the vital role of politics in tackling climate change.
Delivering her inaugural lecture on March 27, 2025, at the Great Hall of the University of Ghana, Professor Browne Klutse spoke on the theme “Physics, Policy, and Politics of Climate Change: The Foundation for Human Survival.”
Professor Browne Klutse underscored the profound impact of political decisions on climate change, citing the United States’ withdrawal from the International Climate Action and Development Assistance (ICAPDA) as a significant setback.
According to her, such actions could jeopardize future climate initiatives and hinder progress in combating environmental challenges.
“The politics of climate change has played a crucial role in determining the ambition and implementation of climate policies worldwide. A striking example is the United States’ withdrawal from the ICAPDA, which illustrates a critical transition in progress. Emerging projects have stalled due to the withdrawal of funding sources like USAID, and this political maneuvering is affecting many vital activities. One thing is certain: the impact of climate change is real,” she stated.
She further highlighted the looming threat of climate change in Ghana’s northern regions, drawing from extensive research conducted by her team.
Their findings forecast significant consequences for farming practices, water resources, and food security in the near future.
“In a study published as Schoolchain Intel 2021, we analyzed projected temperature increases and their likely implications for smallholder farming systems across northern Ghana. The research provides critical insights into how climate change will affect crop yields, water availability, and food security in these regions,” she revealed.
Professor Browne Klutse urged individuals to actively participate in politics at various levels, emphasizing its significance in understanding societal dynamics and human behavior.
“I believe everyone should engage in some form of politics to better understand human behavior. Whether in partisan politics, university governance, or climate policy, politics is fundamentally about human management,” she remarked.
Her lecture reinforced the interconnectedness of science, policy, and politics in the fight against climate change, calling for informed political engagement to drive sustainable solutions.
The event was attended by several distinguished individuals, including the Vice President of Ghana, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, as well as Ministers of State and Members of Parliament.
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Story by:Wilhemina Naa Momo Nii-Moi | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by: Cindy Selasi Humade
