Rationale for the visit to WASS
The world is facing an unprecedented climate crisis, and it is imperative that we take urgent action to address this global challenge. One of the most crucial steps in combating climate change is educating and empowering the youth, who will inherit the consequences of our actions today. It is essential that young minds especially those at the Senior High School level are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the complexities of this issue and to become active participants in finding and implementing sustainable solutions.
A group picture with leaders from C3SS, Teachers and Prefects from WASS
The role of Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability
The University of Ghana Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Studies(C3SS), 2023/2024 batch of National Service Personnel and members of University of Ghana Climate Change and Sustainability Students Association(UGCCSSA) recognized the importance of the Climate Change awareness are tasked with developing a project aimed at raising awareness about Climate Change in High School.
On Thursday, the 6th of June 2024, a team of National Service Personnels from the University of Ghana Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Studies and members of the Students Association embarked on an outreach visit to the West Africa Secondary School(WASS), Ghana to educate students about climate change; its causes, impacts, and sustainable solutions. The was presentation was led and delivered by Barrister Mfah Amadu to over 200 Geography final year students at West African Senior High School. He covered key topics that provided a comprehensive understanding of climate change, its causes, and far-reaching impacts.
Presentation: The Causes of Climate Change, Impacts and Solutions
He explained the greenhouse effect, a natural process that traps some of the sun's heat in the Earth's atmosphere, making the planet habitable. However, he emphasized that human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, have significantly increased the concentration of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, leading to an enhanced greenhouse effect. He then delved into the consequences of this phenomenon, highlighting the alarming rise in global temperatures using Greater Accra as an illustrated example. Using scientific data and visual aids, he illustrated how this warming trend is causing glaciers to melt at an unprecedented rate in other parts of the world, contributing to sea level rise that threatens coastal communities and ecosystems worldwide. He also discussed the effects of climate change on weather patterns, explaining how higher temperatures are increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, and intense storms. He underscored the devastating impacts these events can have on agriculture, food security, water resources, and human health.
Project Leader from C3SS Presenting on Climate Change and Sustainability
Career path and Enlightenment for Students
Students were then given the opportunity to ask questions, with many expressing concerns about future career prospects in the face of climate change. The other representatives from Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Studies provided guidance on green jobs and academic paths focused on sustainability.
Students From WASS seated at the Assembly Hall and C3SS engages them
After the question and answer session, the group moved outdoors where students came together to plant tree seedlings on the school grounds(in front of the Headmistress’s bungalow). This hands-on activity drove home the importance of reforestation and ecological restoration and also to mark the Green Ghana Day celebration on the 7th June, 2024. Throughout the visit, photographs and videos were taken to document the activities and experiences. Some students were engaged in brief interview sessions to gather their perspectives on the day's lessons.
Teachers and Leaders from C3SS planting tree in front of the Headteaher’s bungalow
Significance of the Visit
The visit successfully raised awareness about the climate crisis while instilling hope that sustainable solutions exist through education, citizen action, and a transition to eco-friendly practices across all sectors. The Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Studies hopes to continue such this outreach into Senior High Schools efforts to empower youth and communities to take positive steps towards safeguarding the environment.
The Representatives from Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Studies and members from the Students Association who visited West Africa Secondary School (WASS) were:
Barrister Mfah Amadu
Mavis Teye
Godslove Ahortor
Tehillah Nii Dromo Addy
Naroog Thelma Bamanteeh
Zelda Charlene Fafa Gadegbeku
Nana Afia Serwaa Tabiri-Ghansah
Abdallah Aminu