In recent times, the issue of climate change has become not only topical but a major security and existentialist issue for many developing nations and the world in general. There have been many references to global warming, a phenomenon which has been defined as the long-term warming of the planet’s overall temperature.[1] This phenomenon is leading to changes in global temperatures and weather patterns. The key issues that are fostering these changes are largely occasioned by human activities, that emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This has led to climate change being singled out in some instances as a major challenge currently facing the world. The activities causing most emissions are key drivers of global socio-economic development. High-income countries are responsible for a large percentage of these emissions, largely from energy production and consumption, agriculture and other industrial and development processes.

the melting of the polar ice and wildfires in many countries across the globe.
Global Warming and Climate Change have become real issues with everyday cosequences, leading to
the melting of the polar ice and wildfires in many countries across the globe.
What is climate change and how does it occur?
The United Nations[2] defines climate change as long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns and places the reason for this on human activities and with the burden on activities such as burning of fossil fuels, coal as well as oil and gas. Scientists have explained that these activities engender the release of dangerous gases that act like a blanket wrapped around the earth and trap the heat from the sun. Without an opportunity to escape this heat then raises the general temperatures of the earth leading to warming and changes in weather patterns with devastating effects.
In furtherance of the above definition, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change defines climate change as a change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods.[3] This definition also places the responsibility for climate change squarely on human activity over time which has significant impacts on the climate.
The emission of these gases (largely methane and carbon dioxide) negatively affect the ozone layer which is meant to provide a shield from the direct rays of the sun. when these gases remain in the atmosphere for a long time, they damage the ozone layer, allowing the sun to directly affect the earth, leading to a warming of the earth’s surface. The consequences include extreme weather patterns and changes in the climate to the detriment of the earth’s inhabitants.
How did we get here?
Knowledge of the increasing temperatures on earth have been observed for a long time. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)of the United States has been collecting data about changes in climate conditions for a long time. This institution has been measuring the changes in global temperatures for years. The graph below is evidence garnered by a number of institutions over years showing consistent increases in global temperature[4].

As indicated earlier, the biggest challenge to the environment is the emission of carbon dioxide, methane and other gases into the atmosphere. These gases are largely emitted into the atmosphere from the developed world, largely due to industrialization.
A study by the Centre for Global Development intimates that the developed world is responsible for about 79% of the causes for climate change.[5]

A New York Times article puts the responsibility more succinctly when it stated in an article that rich countries, including the United States, Canada, Japan and much of western Europe, account for just 12 percent of the global population today but are responsible for 50 percent of all the planet-warming greenhouse gases released from fossil fuels and industry over the past 170 years[6].
This is understandable in the light of the rapid industrialization in these countries using up significant quantities of the earth’s resources in their development and thereby churning huge quantities of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Climate Trade dot com, in an article has outlined the biggest polluters in 2019 to include the following;
- China, with more than 10,065 million tons of CO2 released.
- United States, with 5,416 million tons of CO2
- India, with 2,654 million tons of CO2
- Russia, with 1,711 million tons of CO2
- Japan, 1,162 million tons of CO2
- Germany, 759 million tons of CO2
- Iran, 720 million tons of CO2
- South Korea, 659 million tons of CO2
- Saudi Arabia, 621 million tons of CO2
- Indonesia, 615 million tons of CO2
The accompanying statement to this statistic makes interesting reading. It states that
Not all countries face the same level of responsibility regarding the climate crisis. The biggest polluters need to take action to reduce their carbon emissions, but also to offset their carbon footprint by supporting environmental projects around the world.[7]
This is essentially how we got to where we are today. The rapid industrialization of some key countries have put the rest of the world and future development in danger.
What has been done about the Challenges of Climate Change?
With the discovery of the devastating impacts of climate change has come efforts to mitigate the impacts and slow down the process of global warning. The United Nations in particular has made efforts to spearhead global action against climate change. The international conventions aimed at garnering collective action. The Kyoto Protocol, agreed in Japan was essentially aimed at reduction of carbon emissions and greenhouse gas emissions gases in the atmosphere. The protocol, adopted in 1997 after the required number of countries ratified it, sought to get industrialized nations to reduce the amount of emissions into the atmosphere. This was replaced by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1992.
The UNFCCC is the main international treaty agreed for fighting climate change. While its key objective is to prevent dangerous man-made interference with the climate, challenges remain in using it as an effective instrument.
Implications of global action to mitigate climate change.
Global action against climate change is an imperative that cannot be overemphasized. However, implementation must be fair, balanced and realistic. In 2021, Nadja Popovich and Brad Plumer, writing for the New York Times had intimated that one of the biggest fights at the UN climate summit would centre on whether and how the world’s wealthiest nations which are disproportionately responsible for global warming to date should compensate poorer nations for the damages caused by rising temperatures[8].
The sentiment expressed by the Nadja and brad are reflective of the thoughts of many climate activities around the world. The issue of emissions control and subsequent strategies to achieve that have become highly political with bigger nations trying to bully smaller ones to cut emissions or trade carbon credits in exchange for aid.
Countries have been tasked to develop what is called the Nationally Determined Contributions to climate change under the Paris Agreement. These documents essentially outline key activities to be undertaken to reduce the incidence of climate change or efforts to mitigate same, relative to the ecology and vulnerable societies. The critical issue for assessment is whether these activities undermine the development efforts of nations or not.
Climate Change and Development- The Challenge
Climate change and the efforts to mitigate its impacts have serious consequences for national development of nations across the world, particularly in developing nations and Africa. Many times, the discussions at these international conferences do not take cognizance of the localized situations of the various countries that sign them.
Indeed, it is a matter of grave concern, that for some of these negotiations there are limits that are placed on the emission levels of developing nations. The recent insistence for African countries in particular to include climate smart investments in their development projects prior to approval for loans and development grants gives cause for concern.
While African countries equally bare the brunt of global warming and climate change, they are disproportionately required to cut emissions in a manner that undermines their desire for development. The advanced countries that have been primarily responsible have the technology for green development meant to cut emissions. However in order to ensure that their markets are not unduly disrupted, they have cleverly instituted carbon trading to maintain their emissions at levels that allows them time to redevelop. African countries on the other hand do not have these technologies and yet have to cut back, undermining their desire to develop.
The Politics of Climate Change
The politics of climate change refers to the various perspectives and approaches to addressing the global challenge of climate change, driven mainly by the emissions of greenhouse gases due to human economic activity.[9] It involves navigating the complexities of international negotiations, balancing economic growth with environmental concerns, and addressing the disproportionate impact of climate change on the continent. It requires a comprehensive approach that integrates climate considerations into development policies and promotes international cooperation to tackle this pressing issue[10].
The politics of climate change and development is complex and multifaceted. African countries, despite contributing the least to climate change, are among the most vulnerable to its negative effects[11]. The relationship between climate change and development in Africa has historically been underemphasized, with climate issues viewed primarily as environmental concerns. However, there is a growing recognition of the need to integrate climate change considerations into development policies and practices[12].
African negotiators often seek international partnerships to advance their climate change agenda, and there has been a shift towards more effective participation in global climate change politics in recent years[13]. The continent faces the challenge of balancing economic growth with environmental preservation, as well as addressing issues such as rising temperatures, water scarcity, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity.
Further to this, the politics of climate change in Africa also intersect with the broader global debate on climate action, economic development, and environmental justice. Understanding the political economy of climate change is essential for addressing the unique challenges faced by African nations and achieving environmental justice.
Additionally, the growth of climate change finance presents opportunities for African countries to invest in renewable energy, clean technology, and adaptation strategies. However African countries do not have the technology to make the transition easily or the resources to purchase them. Technology transfer therefore becomes a better option than carbon trading which in some cases is meant to keep Africa subjugated.
Conclusion
Climate change as has been discussed, calls for urgent action. However due to the issues related to its impact, the approach to mitigation and dealing with it needs to be collaborative. In Ghana the approach to dealing with this will require addressing the interrelated challenges of governance, corruption, conflict, and economic development[14]. By focusing on these factors and promoting international cooperation, Ghana can work towards mitigating the impacts of climate change and ensuring a more resilient and sustainable future for its citizens. It is important however, that Ghana and African countries do not allow themselves to be pushed so hard on climate smart investments without the appropriate technology transfer that is required to make the transition. Ghana should be allowed to pollute awhile to achieve its development goals if it is not adequate compensated or supported to acquire the right transition technology.
The Ghanaian government has adopted several specific climate change policies and initiatives to address the challenges posed by climate change, but the effectiveness of these policies is limited by fragile governance systems[15]. Some of these policies and initiatives include the Renewable Energy Act (2011) which provides a framework for the development and promotion of renewable energy in the country, the National Climate Change Policy (NCCP), the National Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan, Renewable Energy Master Plan, Community-based adaptation projects and the Green Climate Fund membership[16].
These policies and initiatives demonstrate Ghana’s commitment to addressing climate change and building resilience among its citizens and communities. However, challenges such as inadequate funding, governance issues, and the interrelated nature of climate change and conflict remain obstacles to the effective implementation of these policies. Addressing these challenges will require concerted efforts from the government, stakeholders, and international partners to ensure effective policy implementation and sustainable development in the face of climate change.
Ghana’s approach to climate change politics should be based on shared values, regional cooperation and the insistence on technology transfer and refusal to make climate smart investment a condition for granting loans. These issues need to be clearly discussed and a firm stance taken in concert with other countries going forward.

As with most of the Conference of the Parties (COP)to the UNFCCC, the latest version[17] still left many questions unanswered. The issues relative to carbon trading were not fully discussed nor were clear determinations made relative to hard emissions. Instead, parties to the agreement are to improve their nationally determined contributions. This has always been the case at these meetings, providing the polluters with more time and little effort to pay for their emissions.
Going forward, it is important that Ghana and Africa in particular take urgent action to plan effectively for climate change. These include the following;
- Designating clear areas based on rainfall patterns for growing food in a sustainable manner
- Developing strategic plans for migration resulting from climate change. Already, West Africa has seen some influx of citizens moving across the region due to war and instability. This is due to increase due to migration if the current heat patterns remain
- Developing appropriate technology and harnessing solar energy to augment hydro energy systems that are susceptible to weather changes.
- Developing vulnerability and adaptation assessments to ensure the increasing incidence of malaria, cerebrospinal meningitis said to be increasing as a result of hotter temperatures has a remediation plan in place.
- Developing options for the dealing with the effects of climate change on the cocoa industry which is said to be suffering. It has been estimated that if global warming continues at the rate that is occurring, cocoa production in Ghana may not be possible by 2080. Ghana therefore needs to find alternatives or research to develop heat resistant strains, given that cocoa is a critical cash crop.
There is no doubt that climate change will continue to have significant impact on Ghana and other developing economies, especially in Africa. Urgent action is therefore required to develop a more inclusive society that supports development and cohesion for all Ghanaians. There is no doubt that it would involve shifts, from the north to the south and affect cultures and lifestyle patterns. Calls for changes in behaviour, less usage of airconditions and cars etc without transfer of technology are not tenable.
CISA calls for urgent action on the critical impacts of climate change, fairer negotiating terms for black Africa, urgent action on appropriate mitigation techniques suitable to Africa without undermining development and more importantly concerted global effort of all stakeholders.
[1] https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/global-warming/
[2] https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/what-is-climate-change
[3] See article 1 (2) of the UNFCCC which has this definition for climate change
[4] Source: https://climate.nasa.gov/internal_resources/2700/Temperature_graph
[5] https://www.cgdev.org/media/who-caused-climate-change-historically#:~:text=Developed%20Countries%20Are%20Responsible%20for%2079%20Percent%20of%20Historical%20Carbon%20Emissions,-Image
[6] https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/11/12/climate/cop26-emissions-compensation.html
[7] https://climatetrade.com/which-countries-are-the-worlds-biggest-carbon-polluters/
[8] https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/11/12/climate/cop26
[9] Mendelsohn, R., Morrison, W., Schlesinger, M. E., & Andronova, N. G. (2000). Country-specific market impacts of climate change. Climatic change, 45(3-4), 553-569.
[10] Madzivhandila, T.S. (2014). Discourses of climate change and sustainable development in the third world countries: for who’s benefit is it? Journal of Public Administration, 49(1), 92-103
[11] Giddens, A. (2008). The Politics of Climate Change: National Responses to the Challenge of Global Warming. London: Policy Network
[12] Wikipedia contributors. (2023, December 27). Politics of climate change. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 11:53, December 28, 2023, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Politics_of_climate_change&oldid=1191986770
[13] Roger, C. & Belliethathan, S. (2016) Africa in the global climate change negotiations, International Environmental Agreements: Politics, Law and Economics,16(1), 91–108.
[14] Civic Response. (2020). Climate Finance Adaptation Study Report: Ghana. https://careclimatechange.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Ghana-ClimateAdaptation-Finance-Tracking.pdf
[15] IFPRI (2012). Ghana – Strategy Support Program, climate change, agriculture, and food crop production in Ghana. URL: http://ebrary.ifpri.org/utils/getfile/collection/p15738coll2/id/127134/filename/127345.pd
[16] Awuni, S., Adarkwah, F., Ofori, B. D., Purwestri, R. C., Huertas Bernal, D. C., & Hajek, M. (2023). Managing the challenges of climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies in Ghana. Heliyon, 9(5), e15491. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15491
[17] The COP 28 was held in 2023 from 30th November to 12th December in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates