The Minister of State for Environment, Hon. Beatrice Atim Anywar, stressed the need for stronger actions to tackle climate change during a recent forum. This event took place at the Uganda Water and Environment Week (UWEWK2025) in Kampala, aimed at enhancing the management of the country’s water and environmental resources.
“We need bolder action in combating the climate crisis,” Hon. Anywar said, emphasizing the importance of taking climate agreements seriously and increasing efforts.
Since its launch in 2018, UWEWK has become a vital platform for sharing knowledge and promoting dialogue on water and environmental issues. This year’s theme focused on improving resilience and livelihoods through better management of natural resources.
The discussions at this year’s forum built on the outcomes from COP29, held last year in Azerbaijan. Uganda was particularly involved in negotiations on themes like climate finance, adaptation, and gender issues in climate action. Hon. Anywar pointed out the injustices faced by developing countries, which suffer the most from climate change despite contributing the least to the problem. She highlighted the ongoing worldwide commitment to achieve a $100 billion annual climate finance goal, while stressing the need for even more substantial funding.
“The recent Baku Climate Unit Pact aims to raise at least $1.3 trillion a year for developing countries, but that still falls short of what we need for real change,” she noted.
During the discussions, Hon. Buyika Lawrence Songa, chairperson of the Parliamentary Forum on Climate Change, urged the need to stay focused on achieving COP29 goals. He called for transparent funding mechanisms, avoiding middlemen that can complicate and lessen the impact of climate finance.
Support from international donors also remained a key topic. Ole Dahl Rasmussen, co-chair of the Environment and Climate Change Donor Partner Group, expressed satisfaction with the outcomes from COP29, praising Uganda’s ongoing efforts. “We are committed to increasing our support and ensuring that funding arrives directly in ways that will help Uganda adapt to climate change,” he said.
Margaret Athieno Mwebesa, the Commissioner for Climate Change, praised the collaborations that have emerged and noted the progress made in carbon trading regulations during COP29. “With our rich natural resources, Uganda is well-positioned to benefit and drive forward its climate agenda,” she said.
User reactions on social media have echoed the sentiments of a demand for immediate action. Many have shared their concerns about climate change impacts on local communities and agriculture, highlighting a growing collective awareness.
In fact, recent research indicates that African nations are particularly vulnerable to climate effects, with up to 30% projected decreases in crop yields by 2050 if current trends continue. Engaging in discussions like UWEWK is crucial to rallying support and fostering solutions that everyone can contribute to.
The Uganda Water and Environment Week not only provides a space for dialogue but also works to align with global climate goals, such as the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda. This reinforces the message that climate action is not just a local concern but a global collective responsibility.
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