The Warming Season....

The heat here is obvious. It is the first thing you notice about Ghana, and one of the main reasons why spending time here is so difficult. From the moment you step off the plane, sweat trickles down your skin. Most days, the temperature averages around 38 degrees; however, it often reaches into the mid 40’s. For the past six weeks, we have endured this temperature by drinking copious amounts of water and electrolytes, and standing in front of air conditioning units and fans. Avoiding the mid-day sun becomes part of your daily routine. 

Although the heat is unbearable, knowing that I can come back to a large glass of ice cold water and refrigerated baby wipes keeps me going. However, while we are red-faced and dripping in sweat, the locals seem to be unaffected. They hardly seem to sweat and are always more concerned for us. Contrarily, when asked, they state “the heat is not comfortable for any of us”. They just cope with it. As I get complimented for surviving the heat from the Ghanaians and friends back home, my heart aches for those who live here. I get to go back home to 15 degree weather in just a few days, but this hot climate is their home.

Many of the Ghanaians do not have the luxury of avoiding the heat. Having power to fuel air conditioning or refrigerators is not easy to come by, especially in the communities up North. Moreover, in order to support their family and put food on the table, they must work regardless of the temperature. A few of our yellow-yellow (tricycle) drivers stated their working hours are 5:00AM to 8:00PM.

Working in the blasting sun is not uncommon, with agriculture being one of their main economic contributors. These long hours in the sun are often endured without any water at all. This constant exposure to dangerous heat puts them at risk for dehydration, heat stroke, and infection; all of which can be life-threatening.

The 40 plus degree weather is a new way of life. As the Earth faces the effects of climate change, so do the Ghanaians. The so called “warming season” is getting hotter each year. Current evidence suggests that by 2060, Ghanaians will spend more than a third of the year in dangerously hot temperatures (The Climate Reality Project, 2023). Ghana, being a global South country, is among the lowest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, but is greatly impacted by the rising atmospheric CO2 levels. 

In addition to the heat, climate change is causing a multitude of socioeconomic challenges. They have dry and wet seasons; both getting more and more extreme each year. The dry season brings heat, dehydration, and drought, while the wet season causes heavy rain and flooding. Agricultural concerns are starting to rise, with neither drought nor extreme rainfall supporting proper growth of crops. As a result, their basic human needs of food and water are becoming increasingly compromised.

While global north countries continue to industrialize and emit tons of greenhouse gases, countries such as Ghana are left with disproportionate consequences. With the lack of funding and resources to implement climate-friendly strategies, the socioeconomic impacts are detrimental. We have seen the first-hand manifestations of climate change while in Ghana and they are not pretty. 

As I prepare to travel back to Canada I know my priorities have shifted. I am no longer able to separate myself from what is going on in the rest of the world. Climate change is real, it is here, and it is making life unlivable.

Reference:

Climate Reality Project

Posted by Olivia, 4th year BSN Student