KAMPALA – As one of the means of addressing climate crisis which is a big threat to our planet, members of several civil society Organizations (CSOs) in the country have joined efforts with a view of mobilizing citizens and other stakeholders to advocate for climate justice and meaningful change.
Some of the CSO representatives at the press briefing held at PELUM offices in Ntinda Kampala.
The CSOs which included Action Aid, Vijana Corps, PELUM Uganda, COTA and MEMPROW at the launch of Climate Justice activities starting on 29th April to May 17th 2024, these revealed that its unfortunate to find that at various levels of decision making , the people who are directly affected by Climate change are always left behind.
“In addressing climate justice/climate change , we need to echo the voice of citizens affected. The loss and damage Board which was established last year they are meeting as a board this week but they have excluded the voices.” Remarked Xavier Ejoyi , the country Director for Action Aid International Uganda while addressing journalists in Kampala on Tuesday.
Ejoyi also noted that the funding directed towards environmental conservation measures is still low compared to the amount Injected in green gas emission activities. “Over 460 billion dollars from various stakeholders go to fund fossil fuel related investments like Oil, gas, coal etc.”
He also added that funding in industrial agriculture globally costs 56 billion dollars while climate change Action goes for 22 billion dollars.
“In order to address climate justice, we need to be real about it whereby as a country, as a community , we need to put our money where our mouth is. Banks and other financers are putting money in wrong hands , by putting it in industries that are contributing to climate change instead of addressing it.”
Moses Onen, PELUM Advocacy Manager revealed that they have dedicated a full week to discus issues related Climate justice which is hardly talked about as people are focusing on climate change , adoptation and mitigation.
“The Climate Justice week seeks to amplify the voices of the climate vulnerable communities by sharing experiences, perspectives through ensuring that their voices are heard in climate decision making processes.”
He also pointed out that they will hold a series of events like; The Symposium to climate change which will take place in Kampala from May 16th to 17th 2024, launch of the Global Climate Justice Campaign, dissemination of a report on Uganda’s readiness to access loss and damage fund, Exhibitions of locally led sustainable practices, Climate match and tree planting, EAC visit to Agro ecology center in West Nile Nebbi among other activities.
The effects of climate change are felt through increased temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns and heightened food insecurity.
Children, Women and young are among the most affected categories of people when it comes to effects of climate change.
About Fund our future Campaign
It was started last year by Action Aid and partners/allies. It’s a global campaign calling for financers to shift funding from climate destructive activities and false climate solutions and redirect them towards investments in renewable energy and Agro ecological solutions.
The Campaign demands an end to funding of fossil fuel as well as harmful agricultural practice that threaten communities and ecosystems.