Former Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr Henry Kwabena Kokofu, has renewed calls for environmental education to be introduced early in children’s lives, arguing that lasting solutions to climate change and environmental degradation will require a new generation that understands the importance of protecting natural resources.
In his opening statement during the World Environment Day 2026 National and African Climate Dialogue, Dr Kokofu said environmental awareness must extend beyond policymakers and experts to include young people who will inherit the responsibility of safeguarding the planet.
“This is not a time to leave anybody behind. We have got to be on board, and I’ve always advocated for catching them young in this environmental protection and environmental management conversation,” he said.
According to him, World Environment Day provides an opportunity to educate citizens about the challenges associated with managing both the natural and built environment.
He noted that environmental governance has evolved over the years from preservation and conservation to sustainability, which now requires societies to adopt responsible practices in managing renewable and non-renewable resources.
“Now we are in the era of sustainability, and sustaining natural resources both bio and non-bio, that’s renewable and non-renewables. That calls on mankind to adapt and then also to make sure sound management practices are put in place,” he said.
Dr Kokofu stressed that changing attitudes toward the environment is critical if countries are to address the growing threats posed by climate change.
“We cannot, as a people, continue to do what we’re doing every day at the same time and achieve any better results,” he stated.
He explained that environmental protection is directly linked to human survival, pointing to the importance of clean air, healthy soils and protected water bodies.
“Our basic and fundamental survival on this earth depends on what goes around us, what is around us, our river bodies, our soils, the quality of the air,” he said.
The former EPA boss also warned that the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly evident across the world and can no longer be ignored.
“The effects of climate change are so real and open and it’s happening right in front of all of us to the extent that we cannot ignore the catastrophes any longer,” he said.
Dr Kokofu urged citizens at all levels of society to accept the realities of climate change and support efforts aimed at adaptation and mitigation.
He expressed hope that discussions during the dialogue would equip participants with the knowledge needed to help tackle environmental degradation and climate-related challenges in their communities.
The World Environment Day 2026 National and African Climate Dialogue brought together environmental experts, policymakers, communicators and other stakeholders to discuss solutions to climate change and sustainable development across Africa.
