Families Must Lead to Mitigate Impact of Climate Change
Dakoa Newman, Minister designate for Gender, Children and Social Protection, emphasizes the role of families in combating climate change through sustainable practices during the International Day of Families event in Accra.
The Minister designate for Gender, Children and Social Protection (MOGCSP), Dakoa Newman, highlighted the crucial role of families in combating climate change by adopting sustainable practices such as energy conservation, water preservation, and waste reduction. She emphasized that families are bearing the brunt of climate change, experiencing severe consequences like flooding, displacement, food insecurity, health emergencies, and economic uncertainties.
Speaking at an event in Accra organized by the Department of Social Welfare (DSW) to commemorate this year’s International Day of Families, Ms. Newman stressed, “Climate change poses a significant threat to vulnerable children, especially those in marginalized communities and conflict zones. As we celebrate the International Day of Families, let us recognize the impact of climate change and continue to work hard to safeguard our environment. In doing so, we protect and strengthen our family units and also enhance the quality of life for all.”
Ms. Newman, who is also the Member of Parliament (NPP) for Okaikwei South, referred to a WHO report indicating that an estimated 88 percent of the global disease burden caused by climate change affects children under five years. She noted that children are particularly vulnerable to climate-related health issues, with urban children being more susceptible to poor air quality and overcrowding.
The event underscored the need for families to take proactive measures in safeguarding children from the impacts of climate change. The Deputy Country Representative of UNICEF, Fiachra McAsey, added that climate change exacerbates child protection concerns, including higher risks of displacement, family separation, and psychosocial distress.
Chief Director of MOGCSP, Dr. Afisah Zakariah, warned that the catastrophic consequences of climate change threaten the foundation of families, with women, children, and the elderly being the most vulnerable.
However, families have the capacity to effect positive change. Rev. Dr. Comfort Asare, Director of DSW, urged families to stop disposing of rubbish in gutters and water bodies, highlighting that the destruction of these facilities disproportionately affects children and women.
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