Charcoal burning, increased agriculture depleting forests
Jun 08, 2009
CHARCOAL burning and expansion of land for agriculture are depleting forests, environment state minister Jessica Eriyo has said.
By Gerald Tenywa
CHARCOAL burning and expansion of land for agriculture are depleting forests, environment state minister Jessica Eriyo has said.
Eriyo warned that the rampant felling of trees was causing prolonged droughts in the semi-arid areas that cover about 50% of the country.
She was on Friday speaking at the UN World Environment Day at Nazigo in Kayunga district.
The activities to commemorate the day included tree planting, dance and drama.
“About 10 to 15 lorries of charcoal leave Baale county for Kampala everyday, yet no trees are being planted to counter this high rate at which forests are being depleted,†Eriyo said.
She said experts predict that if the current rate of emission of green-house gases continues, the earth would be about 1 degree centigrade warmer by 2025 and 3 degrees by 2100.
Eriyo cited the negative impact of rapid temperature rise as reduction in biological diversity since habitats would become unsuitable for some species of animals.
Other negative impacts include wide-spread flooding, higher temperatures and prolonged droughts.
In some parts of the country, people are migrating because of water shortages, she said.
The minister said increased awareness of the negative impacts of climate change would help address the problem.
CHARCOAL burning and expansion of land for agriculture are depleting forests, environment state minister Jessica Eriyo has said.
Eriyo warned that the rampant felling of trees was causing prolonged droughts in the semi-arid areas that cover about 50% of the country.
She was on Friday speaking at the UN World Environment Day at Nazigo in Kayunga district.
The activities to commemorate the day included tree planting, dance and drama.
“About 10 to 15 lorries of charcoal leave Baale county for Kampala everyday, yet no trees are being planted to counter this high rate at which forests are being depleted,†Eriyo said.
She said experts predict that if the current rate of emission of green-house gases continues, the earth would be about 1 degree centigrade warmer by 2025 and 3 degrees by 2100.
Eriyo cited the negative impact of rapid temperature rise as reduction in biological diversity since habitats would become unsuitable for some species of animals.
Other negative impacts include wide-spread flooding, higher temperatures and prolonged droughts.
In some parts of the country, people are migrating because of water shortages, she said.
The minister said increased awareness of the negative impacts of climate change would help address the problem.