Environmental activists are pushing for the establishment of a disaster fund to address the negative effects of climate change in the country.
This will also support the aim of shifting to renewable energy sources in all key sectors to make energy-efficient power sources for our homes where possible.
Robert Turyakira, the Deputy Executive Director of Environment Shield, a civil society organization based in Uganda on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, said there is a need for action to support organizations working to establish a disaster fund to finance risk reduction within communities hit by climate change-causing hunger.
Turyakira added that protecting the lives and livelihoods of communities and individuals who are most vulnerable to disasters or emergencies.
“We are ready to help communities who are hit hardest by these negative impacts of climate to prepare for and respond to these emergencies once they strike, as it has been witnessed in the eastern and northern parts of our country being struck by wars once our disaster fund is established,” Turyakira said.
Hilary Bakamwesiga at Makerere University Institute of Environment and Natural Resources said that there is a need for independent financial support to address human activities that impact negatively the physical environment, including burning fossil fuels, overpopulation, pollution, and deforestation.
He said changes like these have triggered climate change, soil erosion, poor air quality, and undrinkable water.
“The disaster fund will enable all these activities to run well once established to set up friendly projects and businesses to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy, and support sustainable land and water use,” Bakamwesiga said.
In 2017, 41% of Uganda’s total area experienced degradation, and 12% was in a severe state of degradation as soil erosion nailed the most common form of degradation that was found on 85% of degraded land.
In Uganda, average temperatures have increased by 1.3°C since the 1960s. Notably, minimum temperatures have increased 0.5–1.2°C for this period, with maximum temperatures increasing by 0.6–0.9°C. 18 Increased average temperatures have been observed at 0.28°C per decade since 1960.