Let’s stop dependence on oil to save humanity

Op-Ed: In 2017, Uganda embarked on its oil extraction project in Western Uganda in the regions of Bunyoro and Greater Masaka.

This has caused devastating impacts of climate change, with rising temperatures, extreme weather events like prolonged rainfalls and long spells of sunshine, and environmental degradation becoming increasingly common characterized by deforestation on forests like Taala and Wambabya, and on national parks like Murchison falls.

At the heart of this crisis lies our dependence on fossil fuels, particularly oil, which not only accelerates climate change but also poses grave risks to humanity’s future, releases pollutants that lead to early death, heart attacks, respiratory disorders, stroke, asthma, and absenteeism at school and work.

To safeguard our planet and ensure a sustainable future for all, it is imperative that we transition away from oil and embrace cleaner, renewable energy sources like solar, electricity, bio gas, wind energy and geo thermal electricity.

Oil extraction, transportation, and combustion contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, leading to global warming and climate disruptions. Global warming has not only affected these regions but the whole country with change in seasons which has been clear with the dry season which has been starting in month of July now starting as early as April. This has greatly affected activities like agriculture causing a rise in food prices on the market.

Deforestation, oil spills, water contamination, and air pollution are just some of the environmental consequences of our reliance on oil. Oil spills and water contamination have led man to contract water borne diseases like Ebola, typhoid, cholera among others as a result of using contaminated water from the water bodies and sources.

The extraction of oil often leads to habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, and ecological imbalances, further exacerbating the challenges faced by our planet. Murchison falls national park which acts as a habitat for a wide range of wild animals is facing encroachment and animal habitats being destroyed which has resulted into animals escaping and attacking people in the communities around like in Buliisa where elephants attacked the community destroying farmlands of crops and killing people.

The burning of oil releases toxic pollutants into the air, leading to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and other health issues. Communities living around oil refineries or transportation routes are facing increased rates of cancer, asthma, and other respiratory diseases. By continuing to rely on oil, we are jeopardizing the well-being of present and future generations of our country Uganda.

The pursuit of oil has fueled conflicts, political instability, and social inequalities in these regions and the country at large with protests every now and then in order to stop oil extraction activities and these have led to detainment and imprisonment of the youth that engage in these protests for example recently 8 people were detained while protesting against the financing of the EACOP by China

To mitigate the impacts of oil consumption and secure a sustainable future, we must transition to clean, renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower.

These technologies offer a path towards decarbonization, energy independence, and environmental stewardship. Investing in renewable energy not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also creates jobs, fosters innovation, and strengthens communities.

The time has come for us to break free from our dependence on oil and embrace a more sustainable, equitable future. By leaving oil behind and transitioning towards renewable energy solutions, we can protect our planet, safeguard public health, and build resilient societies.

Each one of us has a role to play in this critical transition, whether through supporting clean energy policies, reducing our own carbon footprint, or advocating for a greener, more sustainable Uganda. Together, we can leave oil to save humanity and ensure a brighter tomorrow for generations to come.

The author is Lwanga Jacob, Energy Research Associate.

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