Empowering Ghana’s Youth: Pioneering the Future of Climate Adaptation

Ghana’s youth are playing a crucial role in shaping climate adaptation efforts. Following a successful forum in Uganda, they are stepping up to create a resilient future through local action and innovation.

The African Youth Adaptation Forum, organized by the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA), is spotlighting youth-led solutions across Africa. In Ghana, young leaders are spearheading initiatives that address the immediate effects of climate change such as rising temperatures and erratic rainfall, which are disrupting lives and livelihoods.

During the Ghana Youth Adaptation Forum, organized by GCA, the Ghana Youth Environmental Movement (GYEM), and the University of Ghana, young activists showcased their innovative projects. These ranged from effective water management to agroecology and climate education. These initiatives highlight the depth of youth involvement in adapting to climate challenges and offer a platform for sharing strategies.

Participants also collaborated to draft the Ghana Youth Adaptation Forum Communiqué. This document emphasized the importance of youth engagement in resilience efforts and called for enhanced support in areas like financing and mentorship. It noted a need for greater collaboration between generations to ensure that policies reflect youth-driven ideas.

Insights from Blaise Bethel and Glory Emmanuella Appiah from GYEM shed light on the impact of this forum. They aim to empower young people to tackle environmental issues effectively. Glory highlighted the significance of grounding advocacy in traditional African knowledge. It’s about creating solutions that resonate with local communities. After the Akosombo Dam spillage in 2023, GYEM members mobilized swiftly, providing relief and training to prepare local youth for future challenges.

Despite limited funding, GYEM turned challenges into opportunities. They transformed their agroforestry project into a thriving social enterprise. Proceeds from their farm support the community while also driving their mission forward. Glory expressed that the forum gave young people—many from underserved areas—a chance to influence climate discussions, restoring their belief in a brighter future. She noted, “They were not just participants; they were decision-makers.”

This youth movement is not isolated. Recent data shows a growing trend of youth activism on climate issues globally. A 2022 survey by the UN revealed that about 60% of young people believe they can meaningfully engage in climate action, reflecting a significant shift in attitudes toward activism and involvement. Platforms like this forum are essential for helping young people feel empowered and recognized.

Moving forward, insights from the Ghana forum will contribute to climate discussions internationally, including at the upcoming UNFCCC SB62. This ensures that youth-led solutions remain central in the global adaptation agenda. With platforms promoting youth involvement, Ghanaian youth will continue to shape their future, helping to drive significant climate action.

As GCA reiterates, youth will pave the way for long-lasting change. The commitment to amplifying their voices promises a brighter, sustainable future for all.

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Youth Leadership,Youth Adaptation Forums