Late last year, the major climate summit in Glasgow, UK the 26th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations climate convention (COP26) injected much-needed momentum into the political and business community in the fight to stop climate change.
The year ahead represents an opportunity for scientists of all stripes to offer up expertise and ensure that they have a voice in this monumental effort.
Now, Rev Prof Peter Kanyandago says its high time researchers help in mitigating weather and climate changes which has greatly affected our communities.
Kanyandago a professor of Ethics and Development Studies, a philanthropist and now the director of post graduate school at Ibanda University says that the world has faced a lot of challenges in regard to weather and climate changes which has greatly affected productivity.
Speaking to our reporter in an Interview, Prof Kanyandago stressed that River Nyamwamba in Kasese district which always burst its banks has previously led to loss of lives and property which would have been saved if scientists and researchers had done enough in finding solutions.
He adds that Universities which are the epitome of research and researchers should focus more of challenges affecting their host communities that’s when they will be appreciated and supported adding that river Rwizi which covers most districts of Ankole subregion is almost drying up just because no one has come out with research findings stipulating the lasting solution.
He commended the media for the efforts in advocating for environment protection citing a recent news documentary exposing how Lake Victoria is being polluted by “powerful” individuals.
United nations intervention
Science is already baked into the UN’s formal climate agenda for 2022
In February, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is scheduled to release its assessment of the latest research into how climate warming is affecting people and ecosystems; a month later, the panel is set to provide an analysis of the options for curbing emissions and halting global warming.
Combined with last year’s report on climate science, the governments of the world will have a solid review of the state-of-the-art of research on climate change but the research community’s work stretches far beyond the IPCC.
At the top of governments’ climate agenda is innovation as the existing technologies such as wind and solar power, whose price has plummeted over the past decade, and more-efficient lighting, buildings and vehicles will help to reduce emissions.
But if green energy is to push out fossil fuels and fulfil the rising demand for reliable power in low-income countries, scientists and engineers will be needed to solve a range of problems.
There are signs of renewed support for research and innovation in helping to address climate change. In Glasgow, 22 countries, as well as the European Commission (EC), announced plans to cooperate on innovation focused on greening cities, curbing industrial emissions, promoting CO2 capture and developing renewable fuels, chemicals and materials.
In addition to enabling green innovation, scientists have an important part to play in evaluating climate policies and tracking commitments made by governments and businesses.
