By Benjamin Akoto
Fiapre, (Bono), June 13, GNA- Dr Mary Antwi, Head of the Department of Environmental Management at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), has called on the youth to contribute to the nation’s climate change mitigation and adaptation actions.
That, she added, would well position the nation to build a climate-resilient environment and a sustainable future.
Dr Antwi made the call when she addressed the students of the Kyem Amponsah Senior High School at a forum at Fiapre in the Sunyani West municipality.
The Department organized the forum in line with the implementation of the “Sustaining Our Future” project, an initiative being funded by the Global Greengrants Fund.
It was on theme “The role of youth in waste management and climate resilience” and sought to enlighten the students on the need for them to adopt environmentally friendly practices and reduce plastic use, promote recycling, and advocate policy reforms.
Dr Antwi emphasised the need to harness the energy, creativity and passion of young people in creating climate-resilient communities and to build a better society for all.
She noted that many communities were facing growing environmental threats, from air and water pollution to climate-related disasters, and negatively affecting their health, economic livelihoods, and social equity.
Dr Antwi said: “young people, as change agents of today, must take up the mantle to inspire actions and innovations” and urged stakeholders and community leaders to join forces in reducing plastic pollution.
She also urged the need to invest in resilience and protect vulnerable communities and groups from climate-related risks.
Mr Michael Amoako, the Headmaster of Kyem Amponsah SHS, called for environmental consciousness among the students and urged them to adopt habits that promoted cleanliness and discouraged littering.
“Climate change is a global concern”, he stated, saying the contribution of young people to mitigating climate change impact could not be overemphasized.
He therefore urged the students to take proactive steps in their communities.
GNA
Edited by Dennis Peprah/George-Ramsey Benamba