We can all take action to reduce climate change

By Diana Taremwa Karakire

Climate change is a disastrous reality in the country .Its effects are expected to worsen in the near future.

The heavier rains, longer dry spells are some of the impacts Ugandans are already experiencing .we should therefore expect more of flooding such as the frequent kasese floods , landslides and severe droughts across the country. This calls for urgent action on climate change from every Ugandan.

According to the climate change department, Ministry of water and Enviroment, government is committed to reducing climate change and has developed a National Adaptation Programme of Action(NAPA) and its implementation strategy to address immediate and urgent issues of climate change. Uganda is also among the countries that signed a groundbreaking pledge in Paris  last year also known as the COP21 climate agreement to reduce global warming by less than 2C compared to pre-industrial levels.

However, aside from government intervention, there several things we can individually do to reduce the human causes of climate changes. Let's endevour to be energy efficient by using light-emitting diode-LED lighting bulbs.LEDs emit light in a specific direction, and for this reason they are able to use light and energy more efficiently.

Also, switch off unnecessary lights, Unplug computers, TVs and other electronics when not in use to save more energy. Set computers and other office equipment to power down during periods when you're not using the incase you have a desk Job.

More so, use  clean, renewable power by installing solar systems, wind farms and other sources of clean power. Reduce your waste or garbage by recycling paper, plastic, metal and glass. Garbage buried in landfills produces methane, a greenhouse gas responsible for global warming.

The motor vehicle industry causes greenhouse gas emissions, so walk and cycle whenever you can. You'll save money and get into better shape! If you can't go car-free, try car sharing, and use the smallest, most fuel-efficient vehicle possible.

Get informed about climate change by following the latest news about what's going on with climate change The most powerful way that a person can combat climate change is by becoming climate literate. It also helps one make more informed choices when it comes to their lifestyle. Get involved and educate others about climate change. Spread the word about climate change by educating people.

Uganda is already struggling with pollution from traditional biomass usage, car emissions and future oil extraction and production could make the problem even worse. While we can only hope that our leaders keep to their word to use climate finances and tackle climate change. Let's all pledge today to protect the planet for future generations.

The writer is a climate tracker and clean energy advocate