2nd Assai Community Lecture Series
The management of Komenda College of Education has held the second edition of their Assai Community lecture series, focusing on the pressing topic of climate change.
Renowned expert Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse was the resource person for the lecture, delivering a thought-provoking presentation on the theme, "Climate Change: A Myth or Reality."
Using data and statistics to support her claims, Professor Klutse emphasized that climate change is undeniably a reality, debunking any notion that it may be a myth.
One of the key points highlighted by Professor Klutse was the significant change in the climate system over the past century.
“From 1860 to 1930, there were negative temperature anomalies. However, from 1980 to the current year, there have been positive temperature anomalies, resulting in a notable shift in the climate system,” she noted.
Drawing attention to the causes of the climate change, Professor Klutse pointed to the imbalances between incoming and outgoing radiation in the atmosphere. She stressed that while climate change is a natural phenomenon, the concern lies in the alarming rate at which it is occurring.
“the climate system is changing, will change, and continue to change, whether human beings live on it or not. However, the reason we are concern is the rate at which it is changing,” she revealed.
Comparing the global response to climate change with that of the COVID-19 pandemic, Professor Klutse highlighted the disparity. She argued that the immediate impact of the pandemic garnered significant attention, while the slow and gradual effects of climate change are often overlooked.
Using the frog fable theory, she cautioned that humanity is akin to a slowly boiling frog, oblivious to the impending danger and destruction posed by climate change.
Ultimately, she asserted that climate change is everybody's responsibility, as each individual contributes to it either knowingly or unknowingly.
“Climate change is everybody’s business as we all contribute to it knowingly or unknowingly
Addressing the audience, Professor Klutse called for collective action to combat global warming.
She encouraged the planting of more trees, as well as the reduction of plastic waste. At a national level, she advocated for alternative sources of power generation, such as renewable energy, and the adoption of electric vehicles and solar-powered planes.
Following the presentation, attendees had the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session, where they sought clarifications from Professor Klutse.
She patiently answered their inquiries and provided further explanations.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Mark Prince K. Eghan, Chairman of the program and Head of Quality Assurance, expressed his appreciation for Professor Klutse's enlightening lecture, describing it as a "fruitful discourse." He urged everyone to take action to protect the environment, considering the alarming data presented during the lecture.
"We all have a role to play. The future is not safe, and it looks scary. Let us all try our best to contribute to the safety of the climate change. If not, the generation after us will be negatively affected." He concluded.
Echoing Mr. Eghan's sentiment, the college's principal, Very Reverend Professor Kwesi Nkum Wilson, expressed his gratitude to Professor Klutse for accepting the invitation and delivering an impactful lecture.
He emphasized the college's dedication to fostering a more sustainable ecosystem and requested that Professor Klutse mentor female science students, envisioning a future with more young professors like her.
“This will be your contribution to the college, “he added. With an urgent call to action, Very Reverend Professor Kwesi Nkum Wilson concluded, "The college will continue its efforts to plant more coconut trees and contribute to a greener environment in the years to come”
Script Credit : Coleman Publication #colemanpublication
Photo Credit:KOMENCO Media