Climate Change and Human Survival: Prof. Browne Klutse delivers UG’s Inaugural Lecture

The University of Ghana has held an inaugural lecture by Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, themed “Physics, Policy, and Politics of Climate Change: The Foundation of Human Survival.”

A distinguished physicist and climate change scientist, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), a position she has held since January 2025. Prior to this role, she was a Senior Research Scientist at the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission.

During her lecture, Prof. Klutse emphasized that climate change remains one of the most pressing challenges of our time, affecting every aspect of human life and the planet’s ecosystems. She highlighted the fundamental role of physics in understanding climate change, as it governs key processes such as atmospheric dynamics, energy transfer, and radiative forcing.

“Change is an inevitable part of life, influencing human survival in various ways. Whether it is climate change, technological advancements, social transformations, or biological evolution, humans have always had to adapt to survive,” she explained.

She elaborated on the physics of climate change, detailing how global warming, extreme weather events, and long-term climate shifts are scientifically explained. She noted that greenhouse gases trap heat, leading to rising global temperatures and that human over-dependence on fossil fuels significantly contributes to global warming.

Prof. Klutse also underscored the political dimensions of climate change, explaining that it is inherently a geopolitical issue. “The politics of climate change determines the level of commitment from governments, industries, and societies, influencing how climate change policies are framed, funded, and enforced through international agreements,” she stated.

Concluding her lecture, Prof. Klutse proposed solutions for effective climate action, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to drive progress in addressing the climate crisis. She acknowledged the contributions of her colleagues, mentors, and institutional support, reinforcing the importance of partnerships in advancing climate research and policy implementation.

“In the face of a rapidly changing climate, bold interventions are needed. This lecture serves as both a call to action and a testament to the power of integrating science, policy, and politics in securing a sustainable future,” she concluded.

By Madjid Diallo ||| GhanaNewsOnline