Accra: A new report from the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) reveals a high lack of public awareness on Ghana’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
According to Ghana News Agency, 88 per cent of surveyed households have no knowledge of these crucial climate commitments.
This widespread lack of awareness presents a significant obstacle to effective climate action, even as climate anxiety rises among Ghanaian households. Ghana’s NDCs represent the nation’s official pledges to combat climate change under the landmark Paris Agreement.
The alarming findings were unveiled in ISSER’s ‘Social Development Outlook’, a comprehensive assessment of policy effectiveness across vital sectors including education, health, energy, and governance. The report underscores that this substantial information gap is not limited to the overarching national strategy on climate change.
While some Ghanaians are aware of specific climate initiatives like afforestation and waste management, very few understand their connection to the broader national climate plan. Although urban, educated, and socially engaged households show a marginal increase in awareness, the vast majority of the population remains uninformed about the country’s climate pledges.
The research highlights a complex relationship between limited climate knowledge and increasing climate anxiety. Fifty-five per cent of respondents expressed worry about climate change, with this concern being lowest among educated and middle-aged demographics.
This anxiety is driven by an awareness of climate risks, personal experiences with phenomena like floods and heat, and exposure to climate-related news through various media channels. The study found that while increased climate knowledge can intensify anxiety, it also holds the potential to stimulate proactive adaptation behaviours.
The report strongly advocates for a concerted national effort to enhance public education on climate change throughout Ghana. This includes strategically utilising diverse communication channels, such as traditional media, educational institutions, and community forums.
A key recommendation is to deliver information in local languages to ensure widespread comprehension and accessibility. The study calls for the provision of psychological support services to help citizens cope with the mental health impacts of climate anxiety.