Climate Change and Variability in Ghana: Stocktaking
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Date
2015
Authors
Asante, F.A.
Amuakwa-Mensah, F.
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Abstract
This paper provides a holistic literature review of climate change and variability
in Ghana by examining the impact and projections of climate change and variability in
various sectors (agricultural, health and energy) and its implication on ecology, land use,
poverty and welfare. The findings suggest that there is a projected high temperature and low
rainfall in the years 2020, 2050 and 2080, and desertification is estimated to be proceeding at a
rate of 20,000 hectares per annum. Sea-surface temperatures will increase in Ghana’s waters
and this will have drastic effects on fishery. There will be a reduction in the suitability of
weather within the current cocoa-growing areas in Ghana by 2050 and an increase
evapotranspiration of the cocoa trees. Furthermore, rice and rooted crops (especially
cassava) production are expected to be low. Hydropower generation is also at risk and there
will be an increase in the incidence rate of measles, diarrheal cases, guinea worm infestation,
malaria, cholera, cerebro-spinal meningitis and other water related diseases due to the current
climate projections and variability. These negative impacts of climate change and variability
worsens the plight of the poor, who are mostly women and children.
Description
Keywords
climate change and variability;, agriculture, energy, greenhouse gases, health, poverty, Ghana
Citation
Asante, Felix & Amuakwa-Mensah, Franklin. (2015). Climate Change and Variability in Ghana: Stocktaking. Climate. 3. 78-99. 10.3390/cli3010078.