September 21, 2019 marks the International Day of Peace and this year’s theme is “Climate Action for Peace.” According to the United Nations (UN), the theme draws attention to the importance of combating climate change as a way to protect and promote peace throughout the world.
Climate change causes clear threats to international peace and security. Natural disasters displace three times as many people as conflicts, forcing millions to leave their homes and seek safety elsewhere. A clear example of this is the devastating damage Cyclone Idai wreaked across Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi which left almost three (3) million people affected and over 1,000 people dead across the three Southern Africa countries.
In Ghana, the changing rainfall patterns, flooding, heat, and rising temperatures across the land are endangering human lives. Also, food security and the impact of a lack of proper sanitation on public health are escalating. We can remember the June 3 twin disaster and other flood-related incidents that claimed several lives. This could have been avoided if we took issues of sanitation and climate change seriously. According to the UN, peace can only be achieved if concrete action is taken to combat climate change. Every human and as a matter of fact every citizen of Ghana has a part to play in finding solutions to these climate issues.
The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) encourages citizens of Ghana this International Day of Peace to work towards bettering and preserving our climate – from something as simple as turning off the lights, fixing exhaust leaks, proper disposal of waste, organizing clean-up exercises, public awareness on climate preservation among others.
The change starts with you!!!
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