Deepening climate action in Ghana: A multilevel climate governance study tour to Chile

Article by Charles Akurugu, published in Modern Ghana on December 22, 2023. See the original article here.

Nestled between the Andes and the Pacific, Chile presents a unique microcosm of climate challenges and solutions. From the arid Atacama Desert to the lush Patagonian rainforests, the country grapples with diverse climate impacts while actively pioneering innovative governance approaches.

Recognizing this fertile ground for learning, a five (5) member delegate from Ghana with other delegates from The Gambia and Liberia recently embarked on a study tour to Chile, exploring the country's multilevel approach to climate governance. This was not just a sightseeing trip; it was a deep dive into the intricate dance between national policies, regional initiatives, and grassroots action that makes Chile a fascinating case study in climate action.

This South-South Learning Intervention, held from November 24th to December 2nd, 2023, was part of the MRV (Measurement, Reporting and Verification) for Climate Action Programme being implemented by Novasphere in Ghana, the Gambia, Liberia and Togo from 2022 to 2026 with the kind support of Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). The MRV for Climate Action programme is supporting these four (4) countries to strengthen and mature multi-level climate governance and institutional arrangements. The programme is also assisting the countries to establish more efficient and effective climate MRV systems to mobilize investments and accelerate priority mitigation actions to achieve their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

The learning tour provided a valuable opportunity to the delegates as they gained insights and knowledge from fellow practitioners in the Global South. The learning intervention was to support the efforts of Ghana, Liberia, and the Gambia to identify and address the challenges to accelerate and align climate actions at different levels of government and sectors. The trip proved to be very exciting with a lot to learn as delegates engaged in various learning sessions, technical site and cultural visits with a lot of breathtaking scenes to behold. With open arms, the delegates were well received with the best of Chilean hospitality.

Multi-layered Climate Governance in Action

The tour explored how Chile's climate policies unfold across different levels. At the national level, participants met with representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Energy, the National Commission on Climate Change, Academia and Civil Society, gaining insights into the country's Framework Law on Climate Change, its ambitious carbon neutrality goals and its innovative ways of ensuring horizontal climate action across sectors.

But the tour went beyond national policy, highlighting the crucial role of regional, local governments and the private sector. Visits to the regions of Valparaiso and Antofagasta showcased how regional governments are tailoring climate adaptation and mitigation strategies to specific environmental challenges. Participants also witnessed how local governments are actively engaged in managing resources and building resilience, from preparing Community Climate Change Action Plans (PACCC) to implementing sustainable waste management practices like recycling and composting. Even some municipalities showcased to delegates their greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory prowess. For example, the Municipality of Peñalolén in the national capital, Santiago which manages a national park for its flora and fauna quantifies the forest’s CO2 removal and this is used by the national government to meet its NDC targets.

Delegates also had the opportunity to observe, at firsthand, proceedings of the meetings of Chile’s Inter-Ministerial Climate Change Team (ETICC) and Regional Committee for Climate Change (CORECC) for the region of Antofagasta. Present to welcome delegates at the ETICC meeting were His Excellency Michael Gort, Canada’s ambassador to Chile and Chile’s Hon. Minister of Environment, Madam Maisa Rojas Corradi.

Leading the way

Chile's growing clean energy sector provided another layer of inspiration. The country is actively leveraging on Public-Private Partnerships to become a leader in renewable energy transition. The over US$ 1 billion private investment in the largest solar concentrator in the Americas - Cerro Dominador Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plant - which delegates had the privilege to visit on Tuesday 28th of November 2023 - is a case in point.

This innovative facility, located in the Atacama Desert – one of the driest places on earth - harnesses the power of the sun to generate clean electricity, showcasing Chile's commitment to renewable energy solutions. Witnessing this technological marvel and learning about Chile's solar energy boom sparked discussions among delegates on replicating such initiatives in the sun-rich regions of West Africa.

Beyond Borders, Shared Lessons

The Chilean experience offered valuable lessons for participants to take back home. They learned the importance of local knowledge, community engagement, multi-stakeholder collaboration, technological innovation and data driven solutions in the fight against the climate crises.

Beyond the specific policy details, the tour offered a deeper understanding of Chile's commitment to climate action. It's a commitment rooted in a sense of collective responsibility and broad-based political support, a recognition that the future of the planet depends on the harmonious interplay of diverse actors.

A Call to Action

The Chilean study tour wasn't just a learning experience; it was a call to action. Participants returned home with a renewed sense of urgency and a concrete set of lessons to apply in their own contexts especially in the implementation of the pilot projects under the MRV for Climate Action Programme.