WESTERN PROVINCE

KIBUYE — An official of the Episcopal Church Diocese of Shyra has warned residents against depleting forests to avoid dangers of climate change.

Speaking at a workshop for local leaders on climatic change, in Gitesi sector, Robert Agaba, of Shyra diocese in Kibuye, said depleting forests and practicing poor farming methods posed a great danger to climate.

"The church doesn’t only provide for the soul, the body as well has to be catered for because it’s the briefcase of the soul," said Agaba.

The facilitators of the workshop cited reduced or no rainfall in its due season, fog during the morning, and torrential rains as some of the warning signs of climate change.

"The dangers brought about by climate alteration are far stronger than what we imagine," said Eddie Mbonigaba an environmental specialist.

When chemical gasses from industries form a layer and it hinders sunshine in its due season, not only plants will suffer, people will die of diseases like Asthma. While on the other hand when the sun is so hot, people’s hearts always break down, he explained further.

Farmers were urged to resort to drought resistant crops in order to avoid food shortages.

Participants committed to dig deep water ditches in gardens to store rain water during dry seasons, plant more trees and practice terracing on the hilly areas of Gitesi and other parts of Kibuye.

It should be noted that Gitesi is one of the areas in the Province affected by climate changes; heavy rains and extreme temperatures.

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