Renewable Energy activist, Chibeze Ezekiel has said that he will not relent in his pursuit to ensure that government puts a decisive end to unsustainable practices and invest more, provide the necessary incentives and enabling environment towards upscaling renewables in attaining the objectives of Ghana’s Renewable Energy Master Plan.
According to him, a fair green economy is achievable, but it requires urgent action.
Speaking at a ceremony to celebrate him for winning the Goldman Environmental prize for the year 2020 in the African Category, Chibeze Ezekiel noted that promoting sustainable practices is essential. But above all governments must put a decisive end to unsustainable practices.
He said that an economy based on nuclear energy, oil and coal, genetic engineering, toxic chemicals or the overexploitation of our forests and seas will never be green.
“We are focusing on renewable energy because of the campaign that we started and because we thought that renewable energy does not emit carbon as compared to coal. We don’t work in isolation. We work with the responsible state agencies to help the cause. Change is difficult. For us, I will say that one of the advantages is that we draw on people’s experiences to effect the needed change. We will continue to create more awareness of these interventions and encourage people to embrace them,” he said.
National Coordinator for 350 Ghana Reducing our Carbon, leading environmental grassroots organization, Portia Adu-Mensah congratulated Mr. Chibeze Ezekiel, who is also a board member of 350 org. on winning the Goldman Environmental Prize for the year 2020 in the African Category.
She noted that, “For years, Africa’s youth have been calling for climate justice that would see a transition from fossil fuels and building climate resilient economies powered by renewables. This is exactly what Chibeze, 350 G-ROC and our CSO partners have been fighting for.
As a climate leader, Chibeze has shone a spotlight on the climate crisis while helping his country, Ghana to think of a socially and environmentally just, zero-carbon future. Chibeze has been a strong voice of the youth and grassroots groups.”
“The recognition of his and other allies’ work shows that collective efforts through community organizing and campaigning can empower ordinary people to demand their rights and overcome social injustices and achieve inspiring wins for thousands of grassroots activists.
Chibeze having been honored by the prize for leading our prestigious movement in the anti-coal campaign journey against plans for the government of Ghana to establish a coal-powered plant in Ekumfi in the Central Region has given the team energy to continue fighting for our next generation,” she added.
The Goldman Environmental Prize “honors grassroots environmental heroes from roughly the world’s six inhabited continental regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Islands & Island Nations, North America, and South & Central America.
The Prize recognizes individuals for sustained and significant efforts to protect and enhance the natural environment, often at great personal risk while inspiring all of us to take action to protect our planet.”
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