Jana: To ensure an all-inclusive effort in mitigating the impact of climate change on livelihoods, the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), in collaboration with the German Embassy, has held a forum to create awareness at the local level and garner community support. The 'Climate Talks' forum was on the theme: 'Urban Planning and Public Spaces in Times of Climate Change,' held at Jana, near Tamale in the Northern Region. Participants included representatives from the academia, media practitioners, civil society organisations, and students. Professor Amin Alhassan, the Director-General of GBC, said it formed part of efforts to bring advocacy on climate change to the local level to ensure that all were involved in mitigating its impact. The forum, which would also be held in Wa, Kumasi, Takoradi and Jamestown in Accra, would intensify advocacy on climate resilient agriculture, climate adapted buildings, energy transition, access to clean water, and solar kiosks. He encouraged communities to prioritise cli mate-smart agriculture and infrastructure to safeguard the environment and enhance food productivity. Mr Daniel Krull, the German Ambassador to Ghana, said it was to facilitate the sharing of expertise and knowledge to complement efforts in addressing issues of climate change. 'The fight to mitigate climate change impact is not a quick-fixed solution but one that requires a multifaceted approach involving all key stakeholders at all levels,' he said. Professor Braimah Abass, former Vice-chancellor, Tamale Technical University, in a panel discussion, expressed the need for communities to embrace climate-smart infrastructure to support agricultural productivity, food systems and reduce risks of crop failure and food shortages. Dr Naazia Ibrahim, Senior Lecturer, Department of Communication, University for Development Studies, called for a long-term environmental sustainability initiative to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Naa Sintaro Mahama, an Agribusiness Specialist and Chief of Sakoya in the Mion District of the Northern Region, urged communities to grow economic trees to sustain the environment and improve their socio-economic activities. He called for a strong collaboration with traditional authorities and the law enforcement agencies to ensure that the trees planted were protected and nurtured to grow. Some of the participants called for the development of community renewable energy initiatives, implementation of energy-efficient building codes, creation of green spaces and urban forests among others to address climate change. Source: Ghana News Agency