Oil production to increase carbon emissions - experts
Aug 17, 2015
Experts have expressed concern that the production of oil is going to increase emissions which will cause devastating effects on climate.
By Francis Emorut
Experts have expressed concern that the production of oil is going to increase emissions which will cause devastating effects on climate.
The country's estimated oil reserves stand at 6.5 billion barrels of oil and production is expected to start in 2018.
"Continued emissions of greenhouse gases will cause further warming and changes in all components of the climate system," Shuaib Lwasa, associate professor of Makerere University said.
The climate change expert noted that without additional efforts to reduce greenhouse emissions beyond those in place today, emissions growth is expected to persist driven by growth in global population and economic activities.
He pointed out that effective mitigation will not be achieved if individual agents advance their own interests.
On transport he advised government to get rid of mini-buses (taxis) and use hybrid buses and railway locomotives that use electricity and use of renewal energy to combat greenhouse emissions.
The expert made the remarks during a climate change learning alliance conference in Kampala.
The conference organized by Ministry of Water and Environment in conjunction with Environment Management for Livelihood Improvement Bwaise Facility, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Learning Alliance aimed at raising awareness on climate change.
Lwasa called on government to start developing adaptation plans and policies and to integrate change considerations into broader development plans.
He observed that annual anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions have increased from 2000-2010.
He explained that increase was coming directly from energy supply at 47%, industry 30%, transport 11% and buildings 3%.
He explained that in many regions, changing precipitation or melting snow and ice are altering hydrological systems affecting water resources in terms of quality and quantity.
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