UN warns on global warming
Jun 04, 2007
AS Uganda celebrates the World Environment Day, two UN agencies have asked the Government to take global warming seriously and promote programmes that reverse climate change.<br>
By Geresom Musamali
AS Uganda celebrates the World Environment Day, two UN agencies have asked the Government to take global warming seriously and promote programmes that reverse climate change.
The day’s national celebrations take place today in Kasese district under the theme ‘Global Warming is Real: Green Your Environment, Plant More Trees.’
According to a statement from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Government should urgently address causes of climatic change.
The caution comes amidst controversies over whether more forests should be converted to commercial farming and industrial activities.
“The impacts of global warming are no longer a farfetched phenomenon. Uganda stands to increasingly feel the impact, especially given that poverty levels in the country are high and over 80% of the population directly derives their livelihood from the natural environment.â€
Theophane Nikyema, the UNDP chief, said forests in Uganda are a very important resource and have a direct link with climate change and global warming.
“Uganda needs to work towards an integrated approach which should involve policies and technologies aimed at reversing global warming and integrating good environmental practices into the country’s socio-economic development efforts.â€
Nikyema noted that Uganda’s comparative advantage in contributing to global efforts to reduce the gas emissions and mitigate global warming lies in protection of the diminishing forests and tree planting.
Stefano Severe, the UNCHR head, said: “Since Uganda generously offers land to refugee communities living in asylum, the issue of environmental degradation of refugee-hosting areas is important for the future of Uganda.â€
AS Uganda celebrates the World Environment Day, two UN agencies have asked the Government to take global warming seriously and promote programmes that reverse climate change.
The day’s national celebrations take place today in Kasese district under the theme ‘Global Warming is Real: Green Your Environment, Plant More Trees.’
According to a statement from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Government should urgently address causes of climatic change.
The caution comes amidst controversies over whether more forests should be converted to commercial farming and industrial activities.
“The impacts of global warming are no longer a farfetched phenomenon. Uganda stands to increasingly feel the impact, especially given that poverty levels in the country are high and over 80% of the population directly derives their livelihood from the natural environment.â€
Theophane Nikyema, the UNDP chief, said forests in Uganda are a very important resource and have a direct link with climate change and global warming.
“Uganda needs to work towards an integrated approach which should involve policies and technologies aimed at reversing global warming and integrating good environmental practices into the country’s socio-economic development efforts.â€
Nikyema noted that Uganda’s comparative advantage in contributing to global efforts to reduce the gas emissions and mitigate global warming lies in protection of the diminishing forests and tree planting.
Stefano Severe, the UNCHR head, said: “Since Uganda generously offers land to refugee communities living in asylum, the issue of environmental degradation of refugee-hosting areas is important for the future of Uganda.â€