Climate Change Adaptation in Urban Ghana: The Spatial Planning Dimension

Abstract

Global responses to climate change are skewed towards reducing greenhouse gases, despite considerable research emphasizing adaptation. This chapter situates spatial planning in the Ghanaian climate change adaptation discourse by reviewing the centrality of climate adaptation in medium term development plans. Findings indicate that although climate change is manifesting in terms of flood events, unpredictable rainfall patterns and warming temperatures, the broader implications for biodiversity and water resources are lacking in spatial plans. The reasons include inadequate political will and limited engagement of planners in climate discourse. Recommendations to improve the situation are proffered.