Iduapriem (W/R), June 7,-GNA-Although climate change can be brought about by natural factors such as dynamic processes of the earth and variations in sunlight intensity, human activity is the main cause of the rapid changes in the world climate. Deforestation, as a result of bad agricultural practices, timber exploitation, and surface mining coupled with the burning of fossil fuels, among other things have increased the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Reforestation is the main tool to be used to win this battle. Mr. Micheal Sandow Ali, The Municipal Programme Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency said this at Anglogold Ashanti Iduapriem Limited to climax activities towards this year's World Environment Day Celebration organized by the mine.

He said it was therefore not surprising that Ghana adopted the theme; "Plant and Nature a Tree to Green Ghana", adding, forest resources absorb and regulate carbon dioxide and oxygen balance to provide a congenial atmosphere to support all forms of life This year's World Environment Day was under the theme: "Your Planet Needs you- Unite to combat climate change". Mr. Sandow Ali said planting and nurturing trees will enable people to make up for the loss they had caused the planet through the destruction of forest areas over the years and also reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere. Dr. William Bannerman, the Head of Health, Safety and Environment Anglogold Ashanti, West Africa Division said Anglogold Ashanti had showcased its environmental performance and commitment to its business partners by donating trees to public agencies and communities, holding stakeholders forums, conducting environmental competitions among local students and creating general environmental awareness. On the field of climate change, he said the impacts of climate change could be felt around the world and many scientists predicted that there will be adverse effects. Dr. Bannerman said Anglo Gold Ashanti has been ranked third in the Carbon Disclosure Project's Carbon Intensive Sector Leadership Index of the largest 100 companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, South Africa.

In a welcoming address, the Managing Director, Anglogold Ashanti Iduapriem Limited, Mr David Renner said the effects of global warming may be less dramatic in the short term but over the next three to four decades climate change could cause irreparable harm to the habitats upon which human societies depended for survival. He said it was imperative to take broad actions such as improving the understanding of climate change issues related to economic development, poverty alleviation, food security and agriculture, sustainable energy, health promotion, natural resource management and biodiversity, among others.

The Managing Director said Iduapriem's commitment to manage and deal with the most demanding challenge of the 21st century- climate change cannot be underestimated, adding, that the company, which had been ISO 14001 certified since 2003, has been empowering people, especially the host communities to become active agents of sustainable development. As a means of bringing the future generation on board, children's Environmental Clubs have recently been formed to educate and create awareness on environmental issues.

"Strategically, we are thinking of liaising with the Municipal Authorities and chiefs and elders on the establishment of green spaces for human well-being within the mining catchment areas and Tarkwa township, so that green infrastructure such as Parks, green spaces and improvement in water drainages, to reduce the incidence of diseases." Osagyefo Dr. Kwamena Enimel, VI, Paramount chief of the Wassa Fiase Traditional Area, who chaired the function pleaded with the people to change their attitude towards the environment and especially plant trees to stop desertification.

He said, though surface mining destroyed the land, when committed people are engaged they will claim and reverse the ecosystem to its original state for posterity. He regretted that human activities on water bodies affect people who depend on the streams or rivers downstream, adding that the existence of man depended mainly on water and the forest. 07 June 09