German Ambassador to Ghana Frederik Landshöft has warned that climate change poses a threat beyond the environment, affecting livelihoods, social cohesion and the security of communities.
Speaking at the Climate Talks 2026, Accra edition on Tuesday, October 27, he said the effects of climate change were increasingly tied to people’s safety, dignity and future opportunities.
The event is organised in partnership with the German Embassy in Accra and have spanned four different regions; Greater Accra, Volta, Ashanti and Northern Regions.
He cited the impact of climate through the experiences of different communities, including families in Keta facing the threat of coastal erosion, farmers in Tamale who depend on access to land and water, refugee families in Zini seeking acceptance, and firefighters in Kumasi who need adequate resources to respond to emergencies.
“Different places, different challenges but one common concern. The security, dignity and future opportunities of people,” he said.
Mr Landshöft stressed that climate change does not automatically lead to conflict, but warned that tensions could become more difficult to manage when resources become scarce, economic opportunities decline and existing vulnerabilities deepen.
“Climate change is a human security issue. It does not automatically lead to conflict, but where resources become scarce, where economic opportunities cease, decrease and vulnerabilities already exist, tensions can become harder to manage,” he stated.
The Ambassador called for responses that recognise the links between climate change, economic livelihoods and community security, arguing that interconnected challenges require coordinated solutions.
He said climate action must therefore consider not only environmental protection but also the safety, dignity and wellbeing of people affected by its consequences.
Mr Landshöft stressed that Germany’s approach to climate cooperation was not to dictate solutions to Ghana but to support dialogue, knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
