MPs want compensation on climate change
Oct 13, 2009
MPS from the Great Lakes region want developed nations to compensate poor countries for the impact of global warming.
By Catherine Bekunda
MPS from the Great Lakes region want developed nations to compensate poor countries for the impact of global warming.
Dan Kidega, a member of the East African Legislative Assembly, noted that much as sub-Saharan Africa contributes less to depleting the ozone layer, it continues to suffer from the effects.
“Let them (rich nations) create a fund to help us in instances such as floods and drought,†he appealed.
Kidega also called for interest-free loans from developed countries and for the waiver of debts, saying most of the fund are spent on addressing climatic change.
Large volumes of carbon-dioxide and other greenhouse gases released by the burning of fossil fuels are believed to be the primary sources of global warming.
This activity has caused an increase in the earth’s temperature, leading to rising sea levels. It has also increased the occurrence of severe storms.
Mumba Musonda, the United Nations Environment Programme adaptation officer, said: “Environmental degradation has a huge financial implication and the poor continue to pay for it.â€
She appealed for a common legislation by neighbouring countries to combat environmental crime.
MPs and environmentalists from nine East African countries are meeting at the Speke Resort Munyonyo to address environment security.
The conference is organised by the AMANI Forum, a parliamentary group on peace. “We want to increase awareness on environmental concerns and their link to conflict,â€AMANI vice-chairperson Ogwel Loote Sammy (Independent), said.
Dr. Wilson Kipkore of the Institute of Security Studies in Kenya explained that environmental crimes such as illegal logging, poaching, and dumping of hazardous wastes and bush fires have cost African countries greatly. “The Sahara desert is moving five kilometres towards the south every year,†he said.
David Ebong, the chairperson of the Uganda parliamentary forum, noted that environmental degradation costs the Government sh233b annually. He called for the sustainable use of the environment.
MPS from the Great Lakes region want developed nations to compensate poor countries for the impact of global warming.
Dan Kidega, a member of the East African Legislative Assembly, noted that much as sub-Saharan Africa contributes less to depleting the ozone layer, it continues to suffer from the effects.
“Let them (rich nations) create a fund to help us in instances such as floods and drought,†he appealed.
Kidega also called for interest-free loans from developed countries and for the waiver of debts, saying most of the fund are spent on addressing climatic change.
Large volumes of carbon-dioxide and other greenhouse gases released by the burning of fossil fuels are believed to be the primary sources of global warming.
This activity has caused an increase in the earth’s temperature, leading to rising sea levels. It has also increased the occurrence of severe storms.
Mumba Musonda, the United Nations Environment Programme adaptation officer, said: “Environmental degradation has a huge financial implication and the poor continue to pay for it.â€
She appealed for a common legislation by neighbouring countries to combat environmental crime.
MPs and environmentalists from nine East African countries are meeting at the Speke Resort Munyonyo to address environment security.
The conference is organised by the AMANI Forum, a parliamentary group on peace. “We want to increase awareness on environmental concerns and their link to conflict,â€AMANI vice-chairperson Ogwel Loote Sammy (Independent), said.
Dr. Wilson Kipkore of the Institute of Security Studies in Kenya explained that environmental crimes such as illegal logging, poaching, and dumping of hazardous wastes and bush fires have cost African countries greatly. “The Sahara desert is moving five kilometres towards the south every year,†he said.
David Ebong, the chairperson of the Uganda parliamentary forum, noted that environmental degradation costs the Government sh233b annually. He called for the sustainable use of the environment.