Temperatures would continue to increase

Shama (W/R), March 24, GNA - Temperatures would continue to rise in all agro-ecological zones of the country from 2020 to 2080, Mr. David Perry Osika, Western Regional Meteorologist, has said. He was speaking at the regional celebration of the World Meteorological Day under the theme 93Climate for you" at Shama on Wednesday.

The celebration was preceded by a tree plant exercise undertaken by the Regional Office of GMet in collaboration with the Coastal Resources Centre and Friends of the Nations at the Shama Youth Centre. Mr. Osika said it is expected that rainfall would decrease within the period and that the projections were based on historical climate data of the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) over a 40-year period from 1960 to 2000.

He said the increase in temperature with accompanying decrease in rainfall would have dire consequences on the economy particularly hydro electric power generation, agriculture, water quality, health and industry, among others. "There is also the fear that if current trajectory remains unchanged, cocoa trees as well as maize crops cannot thrive in the future", he said.

Mr. Osika said coastal zones are particularly vulnerable to climate variability and change and key concerns include sea level rise, land loss, changes in maritime storms and flooding. He said the severe erosion along the beaches from Keta to Ekuase in Sekondi is a potential problem and some of the country's major water bodies including the River Pra and River Tano in the Western Region are reported to be drying up at a frightening rate due to changes in climatic conditions and human activities. Mr. Osika advised the public to plant trees, to properly dispose garbage, reduce the use of wood as fuel and to avoid farming along water sheds and river banks. 24 March 11