Energy
Over the past 10,000 years, the Earth’s climate has allowed civilizations to blossom, relying on steady conditions to cultivate land. Now, greenhouse gas emissions are causing rapid warming of the planet's climate. Communities and ecosystems worldwide can’t adapt to temperature rise at current rates. Solutions need to be rapidly put in place to overcome this global challenge.
Climate Change Is Already Happening
Extreme weather events are increasing
In some areas, storms are becoming stronger and more frequent and precipitation patterns are changing. The number of high precipitation days are projected to increase in areas already vulnerable to natural disasters like flood and landslides, leading to loss of life and infrastructure. In other areas, climate models project longer and more intense heat waves and dry spells that will reduce soil moisture, increase vegetation stress, and increase the length of the fire season.
Country Level Context
Global temperatures are rising at unprecedented levels. Since 1880, global temperatures have risen by more than 1˚C (1.8˚F), while levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere have increased from 280 parts per million (ppm) to more than 400ppm. Atmospheric and oceanic temperatures have steadily climbed, and the impacts of this warming are clear. Glaciers are receding or disappearing and Arctic sea ice is declining. Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets are melting and sea levels are rising. Scientists have determined that it is extremely likely the increase in greenhouse gas emissions from human activity is the largest driver of this change.
Trends and Patterns
Actions we take now will influence the future climate
Today’s decisions – and indecisions – will shape what the world will look like for decades, even centuries to come. Our ability to limit dangerous climate change and achieve development goals will be determined by whether we can fundamentally change the way we frame problems and make decisions, moving from a myopic and reactive approach to a far-sighted approach that is transformational and guided by a shared vision.
What this means
This table presents key climate change indicators for Ghana, highlighting long-term trends and observed impacts. Over recent decades, Ghana has experienced a gradual increase in average temperatures, with hotter and drier conditions becoming more frequent in the northern regions. Rainfall patterns have become more erratic, with shorter rainy seasons and more intense downpours, contributing to both droughts and floods. These changes are already affecting agriculture, water resources, and public health, particularly in vulnerable communities. The data underscores the urgent need for climate adaptation strategies and sustainable land use planning to build resilience across sectors.
Climate Change Indicators in Ghana
| Indicator | Description | Observed Trend | Projected Trend | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature (°C) | Average annual temperature | ↑ ~1.0°C since 1960 | ↑ 1.5–2.5°C by 2050 | Increased heatwaves, crop stress, health risks |
| Rainfall Patterns | Seasonal and annual rainfall levels | ↑ variability, ↓ in some regions | ↑ unpredictability, possible ↓ in long rainy season | Crop failure, water shortages, conflicts over water |
| Extreme Weather Events | Frequency of floods, droughts, storms | ↑ frequency of floods and droughts | ↑ intensity and frequency | Loss of life, infrastructure damage, displacement |
| Sea Level Rise | Coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion | Coastal areas eroding rapidly | ↑ 30–50 cm by 2100 | Loss of coastal land, saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources |
| Agricultural Productivity | Yields of key crops like maize, cocoa, cassava | ↓ in some regions due to temperature and rainfall shifts | ↓ further with more climate stress | Food insecurity, loss of income for farmers |
| Malaria Risk Zones | Areas suitable for malaria transmission | Expansion to higher elevations | Further expansion into previously low-risk areas | Public health burden, strain on health system |
| Hydropower Generation | Electricity production from dams (e.g., Akosombo Dam) | ↓ during drought years | ↑ uncertainty in water availability | Energy shortages, need for alternative energy sources |
Subnational Estimates
Introduction
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Human health could be affected
Increased extremely hot days may prove fatal to vulnerable populations, and harmful species like mosquitos that transmit diseases such as malaria, dengue, and zika are also changing their habitat ranges, with implications for human health. WHO estimates that heat exposure, malaria, food scarcity and lack of access to clean water and shelter due to climate change may result in up to 250,000 additional deaths per year.
Actions we take now will influence the future climate
Policy and technology will influence future emissions
Today’s decisions – and indecisions – will shape what the world will look like for decades, even centuries to come. Our ability to limit dangerous climate change and achieve development goals will be determined by whether we can fundamentally change the way we frame problems and make decisions, moving from a myopic and reactive approach to a far-sighted approach that is transformational and guided by a shared vision.