The Climate Awareness and Peace Education (CAPE) Project led by the Ghana Youth Environmental Movement with funding from the Danish Embassy Ghana and supported by the West African Network for Peace has made significant impact thus far in the areas of climate action and peacebuilding. This initiative aims to overcome obstacles to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG 13) Climate Action and Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16) Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions by equipping Ghanaian youth with essential knowledge on climate change, tools for disaster risk reduction and promoting a culture of peace, especially as the country approaches the critical 2024 elections.
Central to the CAPE Project is the creation of awareness and engagement among young Ghanaians regarding climate change and its profound impacts. By educating youth on the links between climate change and pressing issues such as illegal mining (galamsey), agriculture, food prices, and conflict, the project aims to cultivate positive attitudes and behaviours towards environmental stewardship and climate action in the short term. In the medium term, it aspires to empower young individuals to act as catalysts for change within their communities. Moreover, the project is dedicated to promoting peace and security in the lead-up to the 2024 elections, addressing the interconnectedness of climate change and socio-political stability.
Given the growing evidence linking climate change, migration, and conflict, it is vital to address these intersections to prevent tensions from escalating. In Ghana, climate change exacerbates farmer-herder conflicts and fuels tensions related to illegal mining and resource extraction. The CAPE Project through the Climate for Peace (C4P) campaign in the Upper East region of Ghana sought to educate the youth on these issues and help build a foundation for peace.
The Climate4Peace campaign brought together around 500 youth from diverse demographics in the Upper East region to advocate for climate action and peacebuilding. The campaign’s central theme, “Climate Action is Peace Action,” emphasizes that addressing climate change can help mitigate conflicts and promote peace. The campaign took place on April 19th and 20th in Bolgatanga, in the Upper East Region; a region highly vulnerable to climate change.
During the event, participants underwent comprehensive training on the intersections of climate change and peacebuilding. Facilitators, including Fouzia Ayinpogbila Issifu from the National Peace Council and other in-house experts, led sessions that included interactive demonstrations, discussions, and participatory activities. This training highlighted the principles of non-violence, a core value in both climate action (non-violent direct action—NVDA) and peacebuilding (non-violent communication—NVC).
Following the training, the youth campaigners took to the streets of Bolgatanga, carrying placards with messages emphasizing the theme “Climate Action is Peace Action.” This public demonstration aimed to amplify the campaign’s message that taking climate action can help address conflicts and promote peace and security within communities. The event culminated with the submission of a petition to the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council, urging local authorities to prioritize climate action and peacebuilding initiatives.
In the lead-up to the main event, two Twitter Spaces discussions were held to engage a broader audience on the theme “Climate Action is Peace Action.” Esteemed speakers such as Isaac Danso from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), climate change activist Comfort Adongo, Selorm Adzimah from Ecowillow, and Dr. Afia Yakohene from the National Peace Council provided valuable insights and facilitated lively discussions.
The Climate for Peace Campaign showcases the powerful role that youth can play in addressing climate change and fostering peace. By empowering young people with the knowledge and tools to take action, the CAPE Project is building a resilient, informed, and proactive generation committed to sustainable development and harmony. As Ghana prepares for the 2024 elections, the campaign’s efforts in promoting climate awareness and peace education are more crucial than ever.
For more information and updates on the CAPE project, visit the GYEM website and follow GYEM on all social media platforms @gyemgh.
