Some countries in the developing world, particularly around the Equator, are already feeling the effects of climactic change. Several East African countries, including Uganda, are reporting higher overall temperatures and increasingly unpredictable rainfall patterns.
In Uganda, some parts of the country are experiencing more frequent drought, while other regions are receiving unusually high rainfall and flooding. This erratic rainfall is likely occurring due to changes in atmospheric circulation patterns, levels of evaporation and the water-holding capacity of the air.
These changes in traditional rainfall patterns and temperatures are having serious consequences for this predominantly-agricultural economy. While the Western world continues to debate the reality of climate change, countries like Uganda are dealing with the very real impacts right now.
However, they are not standing idly by. Uganda has implemented policies to boost its resilience to these threatening modifications to its climate. Their strategy includes policies that encourage reforestation and the preservation of wetlands. While these are not policies that will stop the changes, they will help to mitigate the economic and social consequences that have already begun.
Uganda and its neighbors are also moving further towards renewable energy to fuel their economic development. For these countries there is no contentious debate – climate change is a current reality that must be confronted.