‘Let’s combat growing threats posed by climate change’

Story: Isaac AIDOO, Accra

AS Ghana joined the world in celebrating World Standards Day 2024, the Director-General of the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), Prof. Alex Dodoo, delivered a keynote address underscoring the vital role of standards in addressing climate change.

 The event, held on the global theme “Shared Vision for a Better World: Standards for the Changing Climate,” focused on the urgent need to combat the growing threats posed by climate change, especially in developing countries like Ghana.

In his speech, Prof. Dodoo highlighted the alarming environmental challenges Ghana faces due to human activity. He emphasized the role of industries in both driving economic growth and contributing to environmental degradation.

“Ghana is experiencing the severe impacts of air, water, and soil pollution due to unchecked emissions from factories, improper waste management, and rampant plastic waste disposal,” he stated.

Illegal mining, known locally as ‘galamsey,’ was also identified as a significant threat, causing severe pollution of major rivers like the Birim, Pra, and Ankobra, while ravaging forests and ecosystems.

Prof. Dodoo warned that if these environmental challenges remain unchecked, they could exacerbate the effects of climate change and harm future generations. He stressed that extreme weather events such as floods and droughts — already becoming more frequent in Ghana — are clear indicators of the impact of climate change on the country. These events, he said, are threatening food security, infrastructure, and livelihoods.

To combat these challenges, the GSA is leading the charge by setting and enforcing environmental standards that promote sustainability. According to Prof. Dodoo, standards are essential tools for ensuring that industries operate responsibly, protecting the environment while fostering innovation and economic growth.

Key Initiatives by the GSA

Prof. Dodoo outlined several initiatives undertaken by the GSA to mitigate environmental damage and promote sustainable practices:

Environmental Protection Standards

 The GSA has developed a set of comprehensive standards for industries to regulate emissions, improve waste management practices, and enhance resource efficiency. These standards serve as guidelines to ensure industries adopt cleaner production methods, reducing their environmental footprint.

Water and Air Quality Standards

Recognizing the deterioration of air quality in Accra and the pollution of vital water bodies by industrial activities and illegal mining, the GSA has established strict standards to control pollution. The authority is continuously monitoring compliance to ensure that businesses adhere to these environmental benchmarks.

Promoting Renewable Energy Standards

As part of its efforts to transition Ghana into a low-carbon economy, the GSA has introduced standards for renewable energy technologies, particularly solar and wind energy. By promoting the adoption of these standards, the GSA aims to address the country’s growing energy needs while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Sustainable Mining Practices

Given the devastating impact of illegal mining on Ghana’s environment, the GSA is working closely with the Minerals Commission and other regulatory bodies to introduce standards that promote responsible mining. These guidelines focus on environmental restoration and ensure that mined lands are rehabilitated and water sources remain uncontaminated.

Standards for Plastics and Packaging

Plastic waste is one of the largest environmental challenges Ghana faces today. In response, the GSA has introduced standards for biodegradable materials in packaging and stricter regulations on plastic waste management. This is a crucial step toward reducing plastic waste, which is clogging drains, polluting water bodies, and choking the environment.

Call for Collective Action

Prof. Dodoo was keen to stress that the fight against climate change and environmental degradation cannot be fought by the GSA alone. He called for a unified effort, involving government, industries, civil society, and individual citizens.

“Climate change is not a distant threat,” Prof. Dodoo said. “It is a present reality that affects every aspect of our lives—from the air we breathe to the food we eat. The time to act is now.”

The GSA is actively working with local and international partners, including the European Union, UNIDO, and WACOMP Ghana, to raise awareness, build capacity, and drive the adoption of environmentally friendly standards across all sectors.

These partnerships are helping to empower businesses to implement sustainable practices that align with global environmental goals.

SDG 13: Climate Action as the Focus

This year, Ghana has chosen to align its World Standards Day celebrations with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Climate Action, which emphasizes the urgent need to combat climate change and its impacts. By highlighting SDG 13, the GSA is showcasing the critical role that standards play in guiding industries and businesses toward more sustainable, climate-conscious practices.

This focus on SDG 13 is also a testament to Ghana’s dedication to addressing climate-related issues while supporting global efforts to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Prof. Dodoo expressed optimism that through standards, Ghana can build a future where industries thrive in harmony with nature, where natural resources are preserved for future generations, and where the country takes a leading role in global climate mitigation efforts.

 He urged all stakeholders to embrace this “shared vision for a better world” by committing to the adoption and implementation of standards that prioritize environmental responsibility.

Prof. Dodoo reiterated that climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time. He emphasized that standards provide a powerful framework for ensuring sustainable development, and that through cooperation and collaboration, Ghana can protect its environment and build resilience against climate-related threats.

“As we celebrate World Standards Day 2024, let us commit ourselves to this shared vision. Together, we can harness the power of standards to safeguard our planet and secure a sustainable future for generations to come,” Prof. Dodoo concluded.

World Standards Day is observed annually on October 14 by members of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to pay tribute to the experts who develop international standards. This year’s celebration has brought attention to the indispensable role that standards play in fostering global sustainability and addressing the climate crisis.