"Many Ghanaians do not understand the science of climate change, although they have noticed changes in the weather and seasons. They tell of rising temperatures, extended periods of drought and increasing variability in seasonal rainfall. Most people, however, do not connect these with global climate change. Changes in climate are not noticed by Ghanaians in isolation from broader environmental changes. People in Ghana are keenly aware of environmental degradation and natural resource depletion. They make little distinction between environmental degradation and climate change. Drought and crop failure are causing frustration and despair. Farmers and pastoralists do not have a sense of how they would cope if the problems became worse. other issues that people are worried about include bush burning, deforestation, flooding, pollution and poor sanitation. opinion leaders are particularly concerned for rural communities and the urban poor. There is a strong tendency for Ghanaians to hold themselves individually and collectively responsible for local changes in the weather. They believe that their own activities, such as cutting down trees and burning the bush, have directly brought about these changes. There is little awareness that climatic problems – now or in the future – are likely to have causes that extend beyond Ghana." (Executive summary)