Dumsor and Climate change

In 1994, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) along with major diesel engine power manufacturers (Caterpillar, Cummins, Detroit, and others), and the California Air Research Board (ARB) collaborated to release a structured plan aimed at reducing the amount of diesel engine emissions. The program was a reaction to a government study on the effect of diesel emissions on overall air quality. The study identified that diesel emission levels of NOx, carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons, and particulate matter were a substantial contributor to poor air quality in the United States – whiles causing climate change. These regulations were also designed to help states become compliant with the Clean Air Act and its requirements on certain levels of pollutants.

The backbone of the development of any country’s economy during this technological age is electricity/energy, and so a reason why any country which is willing or eager to develop has to, not just have it, but do so in abundance.

In Ghana, a majority of our source of electricity comes from hydro-electric dams and thermal plants, with a large number of them being managed by Volta River Authority (VRA) and Ghana Grid Company. Currently, Ghana is undergoing an electricity crisis, popularly known as “dumsor,” which is having a monumentally bad effect on the environment, people, industries, and the economy in general. The sad part is the government seems to be clueless about its causes and solution.

The sale of generators as alternative sources of electricity power supply has increased in recent times in the Ghana. The product has been in high demand over the last few months, as smart store owners and smart businessmen adopt various means of ensuring sustainable supply of electricity to facilitate their businesses.

Let’s focus on the environmental effect of “dumsor”

Air Pollution: Due to the “dumsor,” people mostly turn to the use of power generators to do their business or use in their homes.

The smoke that comes out of generators is harmful, and, therefore, bad for the health of the people who use it or are around that area.

The smoke are carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide. These emission causes climate change.

Effect of climate change

Global climate change will affect people and the environment in many ways. Some of these impacts, like stronger hurricanes and severe heat waves, could be life-threatening. Others, like spreading weeds, will be less serious. And some effects, like longer growing seasons for crops, might even be good. However, as the Earth keeps getting warmer, the negative effects are expected to outweigh the positive ones.

Ghana urgently has to take serious interventions now to mainstream climate concerns in development planning, so that, the effort of climate change on people is significantly reduced for our generation and the generation unborn .

As it’s always been the case, a colourful event was put to commemorate Ghana’s Independence Day, and to reflect on how far we have come, and the possibilities that are ahead of us on 6th March. The event will however be reminded largely not for the usual beauty and outstanding display, but, rather unfortunately, the rainstorm that nearly marred the much important event. Yes, a rainstorm! Why a rainstorm in early March? As far as the geography experts tell us, that heavy rains do not show up until mid-May. What has changed then? You may ask, and the answer is not incredible. The climate is changing, or more precisely, has changed!

If for whatever reason some people ever thought the climate change crusade is a mere populist attempt by a group of people, then now is the time to rethink that position. The rainstorms on 6th March last year and 3rd/4th June, 2015 are clear indications that climate change is real, and we can no longer behave like ostriches, pretending it doesn’t exist. In fact, it reminds us that we need, as a matter of urgency, a bold, a concerted, a deliberate climate change combating, and an adaptation strategy.

The president of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama’s own words, on that 6th March, 2014 “…today’s rainfall also tells us something. We have heard the words climate change mentioned over and over again. It has not been normal for rainstorm like this to happen at this time of the year – early in March. One would have thought that the harmattan weather would still be in control. So what it means, as we have always been told, is that, we must implement climate change adaptability.” The footprint of climate change is all around us. Floods and other effects of climate change seem to worsen each passing year, with its resultant loss of lives and property.

The black night for Ghanaians (3rd/4th June, 2015)

More than 200 people were killed following a fuel station explosion in flood-racked Accra, Ghana. Many of the victims were seeking shelter at the fuel station when the explosion occurred. Spokesman for Ghana's national fire service, Billy Anaglate stated, "The flooding caused diesel and petrol to flow away from the gas station and into a fire from a nearby house which then led to the explosion."

At least, two days of rains have caused chaos in Accra, leaving many suburbs submerged and people stranded. Already sketchy power supplies had been cutoff to some communities as electricity sub-stations were submerged. Now the government is advising the general public to avoid fast-moving rainwater and areas they know have big drains. Stay on higher ground, where necessary, to prevent loss of life,"

In President Mahama’s statement, this time wasn’t focus on climate change: “This loss of lives is catastrophic and almost unprecedented.” He was visibly shaken, as he toured the scene. "A lot of people have lost their lives and I am lost for words,” he added.

"Rescue operations will continue until the weekend, Sunday. On Monday, we will observe three days of national mourning for the victims of the fire disaster and flooding," he said.

He extended his condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones and said, "Precautionary measures" needed to be taken against flooding that hits the city every year.

Climate change Policy

Though Ghana developed the climate change adaptation strategy in 2011, but it doesn’t seem to have reflected in our attitude. 5th of June, few days ago, was World Environment Day, and the important question to ask was, “What gains have we made as a country?” Your guess is as good as mine. The inconvenient truth is that, we don’t have the necessary patriotic will needed to win the climate change battle.

I will conclude by saying: Let’s continue the climate change dialogue; let’s foster non-partisan, non-political strategic initiatives and action plans to fight climate change. We can win the battle! But it needs patriotic will to set the agenda and support actions, by the private sector implementing climate change related-programmes to boost our economy and prevent possible disaster situation.

God bless Ghana

Patrick Osei

COO, Go Green Africa (Please write the full meaning of “COO”). And add your email address, if you want.