Accra: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, has launched the first-ever climate change procession in Accra, marking the beginning of the 2024 Climate Change and Green Economy Week. According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. John Kingsley Kurugu, Executive Director of the EPA, highlighted the procession as a key initiative to promote climate awareness and understanding of the green economy among Ghanaian citizens. The event, scheduled from October 14 to 18, 2024, is themed "Greening Education: Changing Our Mindset, Changing Our Lifestyle." Dr. Kurugu emphasized the critical impact of climate change on livelihoods and the economy, citing destructive floods, drying rivers, food crises, climate-induced diseases, and bushfires as major challenges. These issues, he noted, are exacerbated by rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns. The week-long event will feature various activities, including media engagements and an op ening ceremony at the National Theatre on October 16, 2024. Dr. Emmanuel Obeng, Director of the Climate Change Unit at the EPA, stated that the celebration aims to deepen public understanding of climate issues and encourage Ghanaians to adopt environmentally friendly behaviors. He stressed the importance of safeguarding natural resources such as water, trees, and soil, which are vital for sustainable living. "The theme for the celebration means that we must start thinking green, be responsible, do things that would bring life into our water, trees and soil, because these three things are the things that we depend on to give us life," Dr. Obeng explained. He further added that improving these resources would enhance life quality and promote sustainability.