Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA); A Useful Tool to Address Climate Change in Ghana

Abstract

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) since its inception in 1994 has been responsible for the implementation of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulation in Ghana. Many EIA have been performed on major projects such as mining, dams, gas projects but much has not been done in the mitigation of Carbon Dioxide (CO 2) emissions which is said to be the main driving force of climate change. This reviewed paper therefore proposes the extension of the EIA regulations to small projects or activities such as deforestation, extensive land clearing, small scale mining and emissions from vehicles that have the potential of influencing climate change. The research was carried out by an extensive review of literature, reports, interaction with opinion leaders, lecturers, colleagues and students. The paper has attempted to explain the use of EIA in addressing the numerous environmental challenges by outlining the effect of climate change, EIA procedure in Ghana, the role of EIA in addressing climate change especially the emission of CO 2 . It was also established that the principle of EIA could be used to regulate pollution abatement, wastes management, conservation of natural resources, proper agricultural practices, development of clean and efficient energy sources. This application of EIA in climate change mitigation will safeguard the environment and improve the standard of living of the people. The paper concludes with some suggested recommendations.