Dear editor, I would like to inform the public that though most of us do not have other cheaper ways of cooking, using charcoal is promoting the degradation of our environment. Charcoal is a source of fuel for cooking in majority of middle class families. To be honest with the poverty levels in our country not many can afford to use electricity and gas for cooking. Although using charcoal is cheap, it promotes deforestation which results into soil erosions. With our many hills, it will not be long before all the green is lost and we are buried in an arid environment. The carbon monoxide gases emitted into the air during the burning process are deadly to the people living around that area. These gases also destroy the ozone layer which cannot be replaced once lost and this eventually results into global warming. This is evident in the climate and weather changes that are becoming unpredictable in Africa today. Other fuel sources can be employed but this will be possible only if, the responsible organizations will make it cheaper. The process could be slow but it is possible. NYAGATARE
