Experts warn of climate change effects

There is need for concerted efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change if future water insecurity is to be curbed, experts have warned. The concern was raised by experts in climate change and water resource management during a two-day training of 18 journalists from various media houses in Rubavu District on Tuesday. The training, organised by Global Water Partnership Eastern Africa (GWPEA), aims at equipping media practitioners with relevant skills on climate change adaptation and mitigation to protect water resources. The experts cited man-made activities among the causes of climate change and water insecurity in the world. Patrick Safari, the regional coordinator of GWP, said there is need for concerted efforts to harness water resources on the continent. “There are competing interests on water usage. Every sector wants to use water for their interest. There is need to regulate water usage,” he said. He added that in developing countries, resettlement in high risk zones, poverty and limited access to education, health and financing have greatly contributed to climate change. Dr Eng. Omar Munyaneza, the GWP Rwanda national training coordinator, observed that human activities like poor disposal of waste materials have contributed to the rising of the sea level which has immense effects on coastal communities. He said recent research shows that about 480 million people in Africa will face either water scarcity or strain due to climate change by 2025. Journalists who attended the training were urged to educate the public and hold leaders accountable on climate change and water security issues. Information disseminated on climate change in Rwanda stands at 12 per cent and, of this, only 3 per cent is channeled through the media, according to Eugene Ndekezi, a media lecturer and consultant.

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Experts warn of climate change effects