Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, a leading climate scientist and Vice Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group, is at the forefront of shaping Ghana’s climate resilience strategies.
Her pioneering research in climate modeling, data analysis, and policy recommendations provides critical insights for decision-makers, researchers, and students alike.
At the launch of her inaugural lecture at the University of Ghana’s Balme Library, which highlighted her extensive body of work, including 69 scholarly publications, books, and interactive digital tools, Prof Klutse emphasised the crucial role of data-driven decision-making in shaping Ghana’s climate policies.
She also introduced the Interactive Climate Atlas, a freely accessible resource designed to help policymakers, researchers, and educators analyze and mitigate climate risks.
“This tool is essential for decision-makers, students, and researchers. It provides access to datasets from both models and observations, enabling better predictions of climate trends and their potential impact,” she stated.
In an interview with JoyNews, Prof Klutse discussed her upcoming lecture slated for Thursday March 27, 2025 at the Balme Library, University of Ghana, titled “The Physics, Policies, and Politics of Climate Change.” she emphasised the intersection between scientific research and policy, noting that political factors often shape how policies are implemented.
“In my research, I have come to understand that while science informs policy, political decisions ultimately dictate its execution. Sometimes, these policies are even influenced by factors like racism,” she remarked.
Having worked extensively on climate policy both in Ghana and internationally, Prof Klutse highlighted the complexities of integrating scientific findings into governmental strategies. “As a physicist, I grasp the science of climate change, but my experience in policy formulation and partisan politics has given me a deeper understanding of how politics influences climate action,” she explained.
She stressed the urgency of addressing key environmental challenges such as water security, deforestation, and land degradation due to climate change.
“We are already witnessing the adverse effects of climate change on our land and water resources. Deforestation is stripping the soil of vital nutrients, and illegal mining is exacerbating the crisis. While some climate impacts are unavoidable, we can and must take decisive action against issues like illegal mining,” she cautioned.
Prof Klutse also called for increased investment in scientific research, stressing that climate studies require long-term financial commitment.
“Producing impactful research demands perseverance, consistency, and funding. Unfortunately, much of my work relies on external donor support. The Government of Ghana must prioritize investment in research—not just in climate science but across all scientific disciplines—to drive national development,” she urged.
As climate change continues to threaten Ghana’s agriculture, water security, and infrastructure, Prof. Klutse’s work serves as a crucial guide for policymakers seeking sustainable solutions. She remains a strong advocate for greater government commitment to scientific research, emphasizing that locally funded studies are essential to effectively tackling Ghana’s climate challenges.
Provost of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Prof. Sandow Mark Yidana, praised Prof. Klutse for her dedication to tackling climate challenges. He also urged academics and the public to engage with her inaugural lecture on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
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