If there’s a consistent message about addressing climate change, it’s got to be that we all need to take personal responsibility. That said, our political leaders also have an important role.
The organisers of this year’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting are seeking to offset carbon emissions of those attending by commissioning the services of EcoTrust. Pauline Nantongo Kalunda is Executive Director of EcoTrust (Environment Conservation Trust of Uganda).
ECOTRUST’s task is to offset carbon emissions resulting from the travel associated with a major international event of this type. The aim is to achieve this by sequestration using Ugandan native trees.
Below is a short video interview with Pauline. If you can’t see it, click here.
Download a transcript in Word or PDF here.
Pauline makes a few key points which are:
- The link between actions to combat climate change and their effects is still weak
- The change process is complicated and experts are using scientific language which does not encourage action
- There is a need to demystify the language and send messages to ensure people understand how serious the problem is
What do you think? What actions are you taking yourself? Can individual governments legislate for change? Is it something that can be legislated for?
You can download a copy of the EcoTrust’s profile here in PDF format.
Yes, I do agree, Every little action counts. Although we have been disappointed by the leaders in most countries. They have not come out to address the cause and provide mechanisms for disseminating information.
It seems to me that there is no choice but to take personal responsibility. History has shown that uni-lateral decisions are hard to come by where inter-governmental co-operation is concerned.
Climatic change issues indeed need individual actions because it has been noted over the years that issues in the hands of government take long and sometimes fail.
Individual actions are very essential.
There is need for legislation to put carbon issues into the hands of individual private sectors because they have proved to be more trustworthy.
Communities need to understand the importance of planting trees and need support from carbon emitting industries.
Climate change has is a slow but progressive process. Politicians do not normally respond to such phenomena because of their focus on “immediate” issues. What needs to be done now is to have a concerted campaign in what one allude to as “easy-to-understand” language highlighting the danger of ignoring the scientific predictions. Oftentimes, people need to be “shocked” into realising the impacts of something. We need some media specialists who can “shock” the world, especially the decision makers, on what climate change will do to humanity. Little actions at individual level can contribute a lot to slowing the change.
A good idea. Infact we are behind schedule. Probably if we had started much ealier to offset, there would be/ have been less flooding in Eastern and North-Eastern Uganda. Government officials should show the example in the first place because each has a a car and are polluting the environment daily. Thumbs up to ECOTRUST and we shall join the campain!!
I do appreciate all these comments! ECOTRUST has been promoting carbon sequestration since 2003. The communities have already bought the idea. ECOTRUST is working with approximately 120 individual farmers who have planted approximately 300ha for this purpose. Some companies have provided funding to the farmers to assist in the planting of trees. You are all welcome to get in touch with ECOTRUST, on the various ways in which you can make your contribution.
When we first started hearing about the importance of tree planting many years ago, the bad news seemed so far away. Today, it is really upon us and though we have lost a lot of time, its never too late to start. Let all of us use every opportunity to encourage others to plant trees. I mention it to my friends/colleagues every time we meet. As a result, I and two friends have embarked on tree planting on a large scale. I do encourage other people to take this on as a long term investment because of its multiple benefits.
This offers a practical way for one wanting an individual impact that can go a long way for the benefit of many and for posterity!
Well done, ECOTRUST!
Pauline it could not be said in any better way. Many people do not realise that even an individual decision made to try and combat the problem of climatic changecan make a difference. I think we need to first of all make people realise that even as individuals,one can make a positive change towards this very big problem.
Working with grassroot communities to address this global hot issue is no mean task - thumbs up ECOTRUST. Poorer people are at a higher risk of suffering impacts of climate change and it would be wrong and selfish to leave them out of the discussions and interventions. On the other hand, it is our responsibility to ensure that they get a fair deal in the process - the already skewed wealth and comfort distribution should not get worse
Information and debates are needed widely at all levels.
Every little counts - that is very true, but broad-based approaches through policies are long overdue
It is high time our governments came up and developed an institutional policy and legal framework within which interested individuals, partners, donors, can without apprehension devote efforts in offsetting carbon emissions and any other such ‘Payment for Ecosystem Services’ activities. Never-the-less, there has to be a start some how some where ‘NOW’ to fight this predicament through advocacy, practically engaging in tree planting, and reducing the carbon emissions. This is where an individual’s role can never be underestimated. THUMBS UP for ECOTRUST and its Partners for moving beyond to the level of engaging communities!
Climate is changing and has a huge impact on the natural habitat. My MSc project at UCT was ti investigate these effects on a plant species. It is true that where climate has changed, there is a dramatic reduction on recrutment. It is sad that governments of countries in the tropics have never had in mind to start any action while the effects are really appearent.
I appreciate all your positive concerns. I agree that every little action counts. The science is available but less appreciated by majority policy makers. Advocay should help push environmental issues higher in the priority lists of national and international patners. This should start with you and I.
Individual action is the only way to go as you suggest in your Video. However, there is still a problem that may be the main cause for delay to act. That is the political wing. Whereas you are encouraging many to plant trees and related activities that reduce emmissions, the person who is taken as a role model in fighting the peoples rights is busy either destroying or encouraging destruction in the name of economic growth. Before every one comes on board, we need exemplary behaviour from our leaders then the equation will balance. So every individual combating climate change should target the political leaders first. Imagine they are the ones with a hundsome number of vehicles, generators, industries etc and they contribute more to the emmissions. If u are a Ugandan tell your legislator. If your are a foreigner tell the repective political representatives in your areas to make the necessary legislation. Thumbs up to ECOTRUST!!!!
I always wonder however whether someone cannot be held responsible for this pending crisis? One would also say it is no longer time to point fingers but rather to start acting now. Thanks to Ecotrust for showing a good example at the local level but unless the cause is ‘punitively’ addressed, the changing climate will continue to change the face of the earth. Climate change should be high on the CHOGM agenda and we need to see practical steps advised to combart it
Thanks very much for that wonderful work which u have given and dedicated to us as the youth.Climate change should be included on the CHOGM Agenda,its very imperative to say that Uganda has hosted CHOGM 2007 and climate is not on the agenda,ECOTRUST should continue with the good work and long live ECO TRUST.
Thanks very much ECOTRUST. It is the individual responsibility to address climate change. In most cases, it is human activities that have led to climatic changes. Take an example of chemicals which are man made. There is a need for a holistic approach in addressing this problem of chemical management, right away from production, transportation and disposal. We also need political will to adress this scenario of climate change. Any way, as Professor Mbiti puts, change is a fact of life and if you dont want to change, chanage will change you. However, we must therefore look for mitigation measures to cope up with thse changes.
Kaitu, climate change is on the agenda. There will be a workshop “Communications for Climate Security” which will be organised by British Council, Futerra Sustainability (UK), ACODE Uganda and BBC. Please have your views read here and tell a friend. Watch this space as British Council Uganda will be updating you with what has been discussed in this workshop at the Commonwealth People’s Forum at the Hotel Africana
I think the world has to come together to address this very alarming situation. Thanks to ECOTRUST for all your efforts to reach everybody. I agree that most of our politicians tend to ignore such slow but sure life threatening conditions for quick personal gains. Let me urge everybody to continue with the campaign to plant more trees and maintain the existing forests for a better climate for generations to come.
Both strategic and little actions are needed; If governments have failed us, how many of those little things have we done as individuals and organisations we work for? Have we stopped a second to think about the waste paper and rubish we generate in our offices and homes, the water taps we leave running, the charcoal we use in our homes, the energy-inefficient appliances we use, all sorts of woodden items lying unused in our homes and offices, etc, etc? An the last one: have you ever been to an unimportant workshop/meeting, 200km to and fro? Remember you have burned several litres of diesel and a lot of paper and electricty used for nothing!
If only government would take the climate security issue as serious as the taxes, where every little tax earned is valued, then we would be a much safer place. Imagine village women walking long distances to get water- spending 2 hrs, just because government has left the ‘big’ business men and indiscriminate burning of forest land and cutting down of trees to go on unchecked? So the girl child will probably always lag behind because the leaders have failed to address a simple everyone-counts-little-action oriented solution!
Recent human impacts on the atmosphere have been enormous with anthropogenic emissions a prime cause of environmental problems. Emissions of almost all greenhouse gases continue to rise. When we are told that there is climate change there is need to accept it and work on the corrective measures rather then waiting. It’s a military fact that a bullet kills so there is no need to wait for experience in order for one to justify that indeed it kills.
An increase in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters over the past 30 years has put more people at greater risk and misery, with the greatest burden falling on the poorest communities. It dawns to me that much as people do not see slow changes such as climate change, they can see dramatic sudden and catastrophic changes that occur within their memory scan with devastating effects. In order for them to appreciate that there are significant changes. If you talk about the fall in the water levels it doesn’t appear realistic to some people but when there are catastrophic devastating and dramatic events like the recent flash floods in Eastern parts of the country, landslides, Earthquakes and wildfires which occurs with greatest dramatic and devastating magnitude to be remembered that is when one can appreciate that there are changes in the environment. So there is need for a concerted effort to ensure that we use of our planet sustainably if we owe the future generation responsibility to live.
Thanks Ecotrust for the initiative in place. I fully concur with what my fellow intellectuals have said; bravo to all. My perilous issues is that:Global warming is widely spoken but least understood, Why? the answer lies in the comouflaging nature of human beings.How comes that we have practical international Laws, conventions and protocols but just for decorations. And if applicable only to the LDCs of which does not make sense knowing that LDCs contribute less in terms of CFCs and GHGs. Annoyance is (i) Some MDCs up to now they have never ratified the kyoto protocol, why? (ii) Why is it that in terms of carbon trading we are treated unfairly? (iii) For how long shall the LDCs bare the burdens of MDCs (Putting in mind that many MDCs consume resources and produce wastes that are beyond that which their jurisdiction can accomodate?( They have a very high ecological footprint)) (iv) For how long will the current generation jeopardize the ability, needs and aspirations of the future generation? having in mind that we (current generation) have just borrowed these resources from future generation: the answer lies in the international principle of COMMON BUT DIFFERENTIATED DUTIES. Let this topic be featured in the forthcoming conference but also practical measures ought to be put in place. For God and my Country
well i do agree with all those ideas, but i think there is need to use environmentalists, involving the local communities in and also educating the policy makers on such issues. the government should not only look at events like CHOGM as bringing in only positive effects, it should also think about the negative impacts of it. on what i have done, im a meber of many nature based organisation, i alwas participate in their meetings where important ideas on environment are discussed from, im a student of tourism who prefers sustainable tourism.
Environmentalists are to be used but what criteria are they to follow,policy makers have have left the problems affecting the people of Uganda.Unemployment,corruption and other many problems affecting the citizens and the youth of Uganda are still in progress,how will the future generation live if we dont uplift our efforts and we air out these issues which are pertaining the entire society.many people are viewing CHOGM in the confinement of money,but thats some how to this who dont know all about it and so me as an environmentalist at Uganda wildlife society,i remain still in a fix for the zeal and attitudes to wards my fellow youth in Uganda and let me pray so that the coming youth forum be of great importance to the youth of Uganda and the country at large. FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY
Its every body’s reponsibility to ensure that we have a stable climate. Our leaders need to be more strategic and focused and should give execellent direction to evey one inorder to help individuals achieve their responsibilities in various counries. Many people are willing to plant trees but they need advise and direction. Many leaders are weak at doing this and i always say “a herd of sheep led by a lion can defeat a park of lions led by a sheep”. if we are strongly led, we can defeat adverse climatic problems. We need strong leaders. Oil companies, airlines and all industries must be accountable and should promote innovative options to help solve climatic change problems.
Pauline i agree with u only that climatic change is now a global issue of concern particularly in the so called developing countries, little attention has been a case in uganda because of poor networks and failure for our government to effect findings from advocasy coalition aganist evironment degradation.
Please count on my support as regards to this issue, continue to sensetise the public the wirld will join your voice together we can make a difference.
abdul k
researcher
0782875917
Environment is everybody’s concern. Efforts to save it are frustrated by high poverty levels and varrying levels of thinking and appreciation of realities. It needs every effort inline with all activities. It goes further than ad hoc actions but change in orientation. Lets work harder and all the time to save the environment
For sure environmental degradation brought by poverty in most developing countries has been the major cause for global warming. Take an example of Uganda where people have deliberately cleared the forests to carry out substance agriculture,set up small scale industries,for fuel where 80% of ugandans use woodfuel.Although global warming has been caused by the reluctant leader who ingnorantly surrenderthe environment at the expense of development and employement creation considering Mabira give away for sugarcane growing in Uganda.thanx to the Ecotrust.FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY.
i think deeping on such a situation, it is very important for a country like uganda because it is going to open it to the entire world.so we have to embrace the cmmon wealth meeting for the good of uganda as a country.
I think its critical for Ugandans and the world at large to appreciate the impact of collective responsibility. unfortunately, most of the time our thinking is skewed towards thinking that the other person will do it so i dont have to. there’s power when each one of us acknowledges that we have a role to play in our small worlds which might be at work, home or school and once that is grasped and each of us for instance takes garbbage disporsal seriously, we shall make tremedous headway in addressing climate change.
AS YOU HAVE STATED ,ALL ARE WELL AND IHOPE THAT DURING COMMON WELTHY PEOPLES FORUM WILL REVERSE THE TREND OF OMMISSIONS.
ANATHER ISSUE MADAM IS THAT IWOULD LIKE TO ATTEND THAT MEETING OR MY STAFF TO REPRESENT THE ORGANISATION .
In regard to legislation, indeed legislation is not onyl possible but imperative & that is the case for the basic reason that people often respond to law unlike if it is left to their discretion. in a country like Singapore, am told their environmental law is backed by heavy repercussions and that is why it is very clean. enforce-able law is important to promoting the climate change agenda and in my opinion sensitization should be coupled with the iron hand because time is not our ally
Yes, I partly agree that the global warming message is many times packaged in a manner not easily understood by politicians. However, there are many initiatives where deliberate efforts has been undertaken by CSOs and individuals e.g.ECOTrust carbon trade efforts at the grassroots in Bushenyi and the Al Gore documentary, but the major constraint is that many politicians in Africa including Uganda are simply not willing to listen to scientific or technical advise. Populist politics calls for ignoring the technicrats and going with the majority who many times have insufficent knowledge on many issues of development.
> Therefore there is need to encourage active citizenship by way of mobilising local communities into groups and empowering them to know the link between political leadership and sustanable development