By Olive Atuhaire,
Editor, Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22, to raise awareness about environmental protection. The 2026 theme “Our power, our planet” highlights the urgency of climate action, transition to renewable energy and the need to reduce pollution. Today Earth Day is observed in more than 190 countries, with over one billion people now participating in Earth Day activities annually, making it the largest civic observance in the world. This demonstrates how important the earth is to humanity and underscores the growing recognition that the planet is a shared resource that requires collective responsibility to protect it for both present and future generation.
This special day offers an important opportunity to reflect on the issues that are mostly impacting our planet and the urgent need to protect Earth’s natural resources. One of the biggest challenge the earth is facing is climate change which is increasingly becoming apparent with raising temperature, erratic rainfall patterns, droughts, floods and the loss of biodiversity. These changes are disrupting ecosystems and livelihoods, particularly in vulnerable countries like Uganda.
Across the country, farmers who once relied on predictable rainy seasons now struggle with delayed or insufficient rainfall, while other regions experience devastating floods that destroy crops, homes and infrastructure. The economic burden is also significant. It is estimated that over 50,000 people are affected by climate-related disasters in Uganda every year, costing the country $62 million annually, a figure projected to double by 2030 if urgent action is not taken. Such losses strain national resources and slow down development efforts, especially in sectors that depend heavily on natural conditions.
Globally, we have had several frameworks established, including Paris Agreement, Kyoto protocol, Montreal protocol and Ramsar conversion, alongside Sustainable Development Goals to keep this earth safe. At the national level, Uganda has also established institutions such as National Environmental Management Authority, Ministry of water and Environment, National Forest Authority, Uganda Wildlife Authority supported by laws like the National Environmental Act, Mining Act among others to protect the earth.
However, despite the above efforts, the earth is still under a serious threat due to the continued environmental degradation. Globally, an estimated 15 billion trees in the world are cut down each year with roughly 41 to 42 million trees lost daily. In Uganda, forest remains alarming with about 200,000 hectares of tree cover lost annually. Notably, in 2010, the country had approximately 6.93 million hectares of tree cover, representing about 29% of its land area, a figure that has since declined significantly.
This situation is worsened by heavy reliance on biomass for cooking. According to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), only about 10% to 15% of Ugandan have access to clean cooking technologies while over 85% depend biomass use such as firewood and charcoal This leaves many households with little choice but to burn wood, contributing to wide spread deforestation. The loss of forests in turn degrades ecosystems and harms the natural environment.
Additionally, wetlands and other protected ecosystems are increasingly being encroached upon for agriculture, industrialization and settlement, with some private individuals even acquiring freehold land titles in these fragile areas. At the same time fossil fuel projects, particularly oil and gas developments continue to expand not only in Uganda but also in regions such as Europe and America among others. These oil activities pose significant threats to natural ecosystems such as lakes, rivers, national parks, forests.
The government must prioritize biodiversity conservation over short gains from oil exploitation. Ecosystems are not only vital for environmental sustainability but also support millions of people whose livelihoods depend on sectors such as agricultural, tourism, fisheries, forestry and other sectors. Protecting the earth’s nature is essential for both economic stability and the well-being of all people in the world.
Therefore, as Uganda joins the rest of the world to mark the international Earth Day tomorrow, government must know that protecting our planet is crucial for survival and prosperity of the future generations and this requires a collective effort to preserve our natural resources. We need to make conscious decisions, take action towards sustainable leaving, minimize environmental degradation, prioritize investing in renewable energy solutions and expand access to clean cooking technologies to reduce reliance on biomass that impacts the nature.
The government line bodies, environmental organizations, institutions of learning, activists and advocates need to work with local communities to promote environmental awareness and conservation practices. There is also a need to accelerate the transition to a green economy by creating decent green jobs linked to renewable energy, conservation and circular economy initiatives.
Also as we shift from fossil fuels investments to clean, renewable energy and modern environmental technologies, we need to strengthen environmental education in schools. This will empower citizens to take responsibility for protecting the environment and actively contribute to a just energy transition.
The earth is facing a planetary crisis, marked by climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss challenges that threaten the well-being and survival of millions of people around the world. Therefore, as Uganda joins the rest of the countries in the world to commemorate Earth Day, it is important to move beyond celebrations and reflect on our responsibility as custodians of the planet.
Protecting our earth’s nature is not optional, but essential for survival and sustainable development. By investing in clean energy solutions, conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable practices, we can secure a healthier planet for future generation. The time to act is now and it requires collective efforts from government, communities and individuals alike.
The writer is a Research Associate
Email: atuhaireolivia72.ao@gmail.com
