DIPPER Lab calls for science-culture collaboration to strengthen climate action

The DIPPER Lab at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has called for greater collaboration between scientific research, indigenous knowledge and creative approaches to improve climate communication and help communities respond to climate change.

Dr. Enoch Bessah, Lead for Climate Change and Ecosystem Services Monitoring at the DIPPER Lab, said combining traditional weather forecasting practices with scientific data could help communities make better-informed decisions in the face of changing weather patterns.

He revealed this during a panel discussion on “The Big Picture – Why Creativity Matters in the Climate Decade” at the inaugural Climate x Culture Summit 2026, organised by Culture Joint in partnership with the Office of the Minister of State in charge of Climate Change and Sustainability at the Office of the President.

The summit, held at the Google AI Community Centre in Accra, brought together climate practitioners, researchers, policymakers and creatives to explore how culture, technology and innovation could strengthen climate awareness and promote sustainable development.

Dr. Bessah explained that the “DIPPER Lab’s work on the Smart Indigenous Weather App (SIWA) demonstrates how scientific research can build on existing community knowledge to address practical climate challenges”.

Musician and climate activist Okyeame Kwame revealed creative approaches to climate action must reflect the cultural practices and knowledge systems of individual communities.

He argued that music, poetry, drumming, dance and festivals could be used to communicate environmental messages and preserve indigenous practices that support sustainability.

“Every community has a unique way of dealing with ideas, which is indigenous knowledge,” he said, urging artists and content creators to engage communities and document their traditions.

Founder of Culture Joint, Kenneth Awotwe Darko noted culture was inseparable from development because it shapes how people understand their environment, organise their communities and decide what they value and protect.

He said “climate action in Africa must place African knowledge and imagination at its centre, noting that the climate crisis was also linked to how societies live, consume resources and define progress".

Valerie Kplorm Nutakor, Programme Coordinator at the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN), stressed “the need for deliberate action on climate change”.

Mrs Betty Osei Bonsu Adjei, Director of Operations and Programmes at the Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO), urged “stakeholders in the creative sector to take advantage of funding opportunities available for climate and culture initiatives”.

The summit is expected to move beyond dialogue towards practical outcomes, including the Accra Climate Culture Accord, which will capture commitments from participants and partners, and efforts to develop a Sustainable Event Production Guide for Ghana’s creative and events industries.