UHAS Hosts Workshop on Climate Intervention Technologies to Advance Climate Science and Governance

The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) has strengthened its commitment to climate science and sustainability by organizing a two-day workshop on Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) and Solar Radiation Management (SRM). The event, held from June 4 to 5, 2026, at the School of Pharmacy Seminar Room on the UHAS Phase One Campus in Sokode-Lokoe, brought together researchers, academics, policymakers, and students to explore the science, ethics, governance, and justice implications of emerging climate intervention technologies.

In his welcome address, Professor Seth Amponsah, Dean of the School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences (SBBS), highlighted the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange in addressing the global climate crisis. He emphasized that innovative solutions must be carefully examined to ensure they are equitable and beneficial to all communities.

Providing a scientific foundation for the discussions, Prof. Clement Okraku Tettey, Head of the Department of Basic Biomedical Sciences, explained the fundamentals of climate change, distinguishing between weather and climate while outlining the role of greenhouse gases and human-driven global warming. He also discussed the widespread impacts of climate change on ecosystems, public health, food security, and livelihoods, stressing the need for increased climate literacy and evidence-based action.

Prof. Tettey further examined Carbon Dioxide Removal technologies, noting that carbon dioxide contributes significantly to global warming. He introduced participants to various CDR approaches, including Direct Air Capture, Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage, Enhanced Rock Weathering, afforestation, wetland restoration, and ocean-based carbon removal strategies.

On Solar Radiation Management, Dr. Enoch Aninagyei described it as a potential temporary intervention aimed at reflecting a portion of solar radiation to reduce global temperatures. He highlighted methods such as Stratospheric Aerosol Injection, Marine Cloud Brightening, and Surface Albedo Modification, referencing the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption as a natural example of temporary global cooling. However, he cautioned that SRM carries significant uncertainties, including possible disruptions to rainfall patterns, agriculture, and public health, particularly in Africa.

Mr. Israel Tordzro Agudze addressed the governance and policy dimensions, noting the absence of a comprehensive international legal framework for SRM deployment. He warned against unilateral action by powerful nations and emphasized the need for global cooperation, financial support, technology transfer, and capacity building to ensure fairness in climate governance.

Adding an ethical perspective, Dr. Adjoa A. Boakye of UHAS-SBBS stressed the importance of equity, inclusion, and human rights in climate intervention decisions. She raised concerns about potential risks such as biodiversity loss, ocean acidification, and unequal impacts on vulnerable populations, urging participants to consider who benefits and who bears the consequences of such technologies.

The workshop concluded with a governance simulation facilitated by Mr. Ernest Ofori, where participants represented different countries in a role-play exercise. The activity illustrated the complex balance between national interests, scientific innovation, and global cooperation in addressing climate change.

Overall, the workshop deepened participants’ understanding of CDR and SRM while reinforcing the importance of ethical responsibility, inclusive policymaking, and science-driven solutions. It also highlighted the need for African countries to actively participate in shaping the future of global climate intervention strategies.