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Climate change movement Ghana Reducing Our Carbon (G-ROC) tomorrow invites young climate campaigners to attend a Youth Climate Forum & Rally, taking place in the Komfueku Community (Western Region) this Saturday 16th August. This Forum is strategic after President Mahama launched Ghana�s National Climate Change Policy and National Environment Policy papers, setting out the Government�s plans to tackle the twin threats of global warming and environmental degradation, two of the biggest threats to Ghana�s sustainable future seems unpredictable with respect to reliable and clean energy provision. Despite promising policies and a call by the President for strong leadership to help in meeting the environmental challenges the country faces, it remains to be seen whether there is the political will to deliver against these promises. One of the chief concerns is the potential huge increase in Ghana�s CO2 emissions resulting from the proposed development of the [name of the project] coal fired power plant. Currently Ghana emits about 24 megatonnes of carbon dioxide a year and developing a coal fired power station will certainly compromise the state of the environment as it spews more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Whilst the country waits to hear news about the plans 350.org local group, G-ROC is taking action to raise awareness about the impacts of burning coal an highlighting the dangers that communities face. Not only is climate change a threatening factor of consideration but also air pollution by coal fire impacts on people�s health and encroaches on a healthy lifestyle. G-ROC is building a grassroots climate movement working with NGOs and affected communities across Ghana, and Saturday�s events demonstrates how momentum is building. Chibeze Ezekiel, G-ROC National Co-Ordinator believes that Renewable/Clean Energies are safer and sustainable sources of energy generation and consumption. �Clean, renewable source of energy does not only guarantee regular energy provision but has inherent job creation opportunities for majority of unemployed or under-employed youth,� says Chibeze. �This weekend�s Youth Climate Forum will call for Government to back clean solar and wind as better options than coal plant�. G-ROC is focusing on three key areas in the fight against climate change in Ghana: 1. Government to abolish its decision to establish coal-plant as it stands to defeat the gains made in reducing our carbon emissions 2. Government to as a matter of urgency create the Renewable Energy Fund as stipulated in the Renewable Act 2011 (ACT 832) 3. Private sector and other allies to support government in investing into renewable energies as a major source of employment for young people. Chibeze Ezekiel G-ROC National Co-Ordinator +233 244 967931 [email protected]